A power quality survey is the first step in the process of finding a solution to the problem. What is a power quality survey? What is the purpose of the survey? Who performs the survey? Does the utility, end user, or a consultant perform the survey? How do you conduct a power quality survey? How do you choose the right measurement tool for the survey? How do you analyze the results of the survey and determine the most cost-effective solution to the power quality problem? This chapter will answer these and similar questions.

When end users experience power quality problems, they need answers to several questions. Whom do they call when they have a power quality problem? Do they call their local utility, an electrical contractor, or an engineering consulting firm? Or do they try to solve the power quality problem themselves? It depends on the type of problem and type of end user. Problems caused by events external to the end user need to involve the utility. End users with small staffs probably lack the expertise to solve power quality problems and need the help of their local utility. It also depends on the status of the restructured electrical utility industry. In a restructured utility industry, the local utilities may not have responsibility for the quality of power. They may care only about the reliability of their distribution system. End users may have to seek help from an energy service company or an engineering consulting company specializing in power...