Transient Voltage Studies
FAQ
What are transient voltage studies?
Transient voltage studies are engineering analyses that identify, measure, and assess the impact of sudden, short-duration voltage spikes and disturbances in your electrical system. Transient events — caused by lightning strikes, utility switching, load switching, fault clearing, and capacitor bank operations — can produce voltage levels many times higher than normal system voltage, lasting only microseconds to milliseconds. Despite their brevity, these events can cause significant damage to sensitive equipment, insulation degradation, and operational disruptions.
Why are transient voltage studies important?
Modern electrical systems increasingly rely on sensitive electronic equipment — variable frequency drives, PLCs, computers, and precision instrumentation — that is highly susceptible to transient voltage events. Without a transient voltage study, facilities cannot know the magnitude or frequency of transient events occurring in their system, or whether their existing surge protection is adequate. A transient voltage study provides the data needed to implement targeted protection measures and prevent costly equipment damage and downtime.
What causes transient voltage events in electrical systems?
Transient voltage events can be caused by a wide range of internal and external sources including lightning strikes on or near the facility, utility switching operations, capacitor bank switching, motor starting and stopping, fault clearing by protective devices, and the operation of large inductive loads. Each source produces transients with different characteristics, and a thorough transient voltage study identifies and characterizes all significant sources affecting your system.
What does Bopat Electric's transient voltage study include?
Bopat Electric’s transient voltage study service includes field measurement and monitoring of your electrical system to capture transient events over a representative period, analysis of the recorded data to characterize transient sources and severity, assessment of your existing surge protection measures, and a detailed engineering report with findings and recommendations. Where transient levels exceed acceptable thresholds, Bopat Electric provides targeted recommendations for surge protection upgrades.
What surge protection solutions does Bopat Electric recommend following a transient voltage study?
Based on the findings of the transient voltage study, Bopat Electric’s engineers recommend appropriate surge protection measures tailored to your system and equipment. Solutions may include the installation of surge protective devices (SPDs) at the service entrance, distribution panels, and individual equipment, as well as transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS), isolation transformers, and power conditioning equipment. Bopat Electric can also manage the supply and installation of recommended protection measures.
What types of facilities benefit most from transient voltage studies?
Transient voltage studies are particularly valuable for facilities with a high concentration of sensitive electronic equipment, facilities located in areas with frequent lightning activity, industrial facilities with large motor or capacitor bank loads, and any facility that has experienced unexplained equipment failures or shortened equipment service life. Bopat Electric can assess whether a transient voltage study is appropriate for your facility based on your equipment profile and history of power quality issues.
Where does Bopat Electric provide transient voltage study services?
Bopat Electric provides transient voltage study services throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC, and through the BCES Global network of subsidiary companies, across the rest of North America.
How do I arrange a transient voltage study with Bopat Electric?
Contact Bopat Electric at our Columbia office at 410-995-1715 or our Frederick office at 301-694-3726, or reach us through the request form at bopatelectric.com. Our engineering team will assess your facility’s power quality concerns and provide a scoped proposal for a transient voltage study and any recommended protection measures.