How to Wire a Power Conditioner

A power conditioner will protect your appliance and equipment against fluctuations in voltage. Power conditioners can be simple or complex depending on the situation. They are used to maintain a steady electrical voltage through power lines. While most household equipment can sustain a lot of voltage fluctuation, computers cannot. Severe fluctuations of electrical voltage through a power line can cause a computer hard drive and monitor to fail completely. It is in the best interest of computer owners to have a power conditioner connected to their electronic equipment to prevent the need for the replacement of these items and the costs involved in doing so.

Step 1 – Connecting the Power Conditioner to a Power Supply

Connect your power conditioner to an electrical outlet in an area where your electronics are located. Plug your computer and electronics into the power conditioner outlets. Only some of the power conditioner outlets are designed to provide backup power. Be sure your computer is plugged into a backup power protection outlet. Turn your power conditioner on.

Step 2 – Reading the Power Conditioner Signals

A green light indicates that the conditioner is on and has a normal voltage level. A yellow light indicates that the voltage is too low or too high. A red light means that the voltage is dangerously too low or too high. A red line fault light is a signal that there is a fault in the wiring. The problem should be located and repaired by a reputable electrician. The problem can be caused by a loose wall outlet. 

Step 3 – Overpowering the Power Conditioner

Do not attach a power strip to a power conditioner in order to plug more appliances or equipment into the same outlet. A line that has too many electrically powered items plugged into it will not be able to provide enough power to all of the equipment. 

Step 4 – Problem Power Quality

Power fluctuations are categorized into three types: spikes, sags and surges. A spike lasts for about 2 seconds. In that two seconds, several hundred volts can travel through the line. A spike can cause serious damage or destroy equipment. A sag happens when there is a low voltage level for at least twenty 5 seconds. A surge happens when there is higher than normal voltage level for at least 25 seconds.

Step 5 - Power Fluctuation Causes

Strikes of lightning hitting cables and wires can cause spikes. These spikes can blow the electrical system of home appliances and pieces of equipment. When a home appliance or a piece of equipment is turned on or cycles on, the electrical power is diverted for a short period of time. This can lead to a sag. When a home appliance or a piece of equipment is turned off or cycles off, there is an excess of electrical power for a short period of time. This can lead to a surge.