UPS Glossary

AC AC Blackout AC Brownout AC Input AC Input Impedance AC Line AC Line Filter Actuator Fuse Abbreviation for alternating current. Total loss of distributed commercial ac feed power. The condition that exists when the AC line voltage drops below some specified value. Electrical power in the form of alternating current (AC) supplied to the UPS and bypass. The impedance of the AC input at the input terminals of the UPS with the UPS disconnected. The set of conductors that route AC voltage from one point to another. A circuit filter placed in the AC line to condition or smooth out variations that are higher in frequency than the line frequency. A fuse incorporating some mechanical means to close a dry (un- powered) contact when the fuse opens, such that an alarm and/or control function may take place. Abbreviation for ampere hour. A space in the magnetic core, void of magnetic material, used to lower the permeability and increase the ampere turns before the core saturates (provides the required reluctance to the flux path). The gap is filled with a non-magnetic material other than air. A method or signal of attracting attention to an abnormal condition in the UPS. A circuit with a primary function of alerting an operator by either a visual and/ or audible signal that an abnormal condition exists. Stop of normal UPS operation via activation of an alarm condition having a control function. Electrically connected to a source of voltage or electrically charged so as to have a voltage different from that of earth; the term may be used in place of "current-carrying" where the intent is clear, to avoid repetition of the longer term. Secondary or backup AC feed to the static switch of the UPS system which is also termed Bypass Source. Often it is unprotected commercial power See Commercial AC Power. A periodic current the average value of which over a period is zero. Unless distinctly specified otherwise, the term refers to a current that reverses at regularly recurring intervals of time and which has alternately positive and negative values. The temperature of the environment immediately surrounding the UPS into which the heat of the UPS is dissipated. For forced air-cooled units, the ambient temperature is measured at the air intake. Also see Operating

AH Air Gap

Alarm Alarm Circuit Alarm Interrupt Alive (Live)

Alternate Source

Alternating Current (AC)

Ambient Temperature

Temperature, Storage Temperature, Temperature and Coefficient. American Wire Gauge (AWG) Ampacity Ampere (A) Ampere-Hour (AH) Ampere Hour Capacity Ampere Turns Amplifier Amplifier, Comparator Amplifier, DC Amplifier, Differential A standard for sizing cross-sectional areas of wire, and for measuring sheetmetal thicknesses. Current carrying capacity of electric conductors or devices expressed in amperes. Electron or current flow representing the flow of one coulomb per second past a given point in a circuit. A measurement of a quantity of electricity computed as the product of current (in amperes) and time (in hours). The number of ampere-hours which a storage battery can deliver under specified conditions such as temperature, rate of discharge and final voltage. The S1 unit of electromagnetic force defined as the field produced by the flow of one ampere in a single turn of wire in a coil. A circuit or element that provides gain. See Comparator. A direct current amplifier that can provide gain for zero-frequency signals. An amplifier which has available both an inverting and a non-inverting input, and whose output signal is proportional to the algebraic difference between the two. An operational amplifier that produces an output signal of nominally equal magnitude and opposite algebraic sign to the input. Such an amplifier can be used with degenerative feedback for stabilization purposes. An amplifier who's output is the same algebraic sign as its input. A DC amplifier whose gain is sufficiently large so that its characteristics and behavior are substantially determined by its input and feedback elements. Operational amplifiers are widely used for signal processing and computational work. The electrode at which an oxidation reaction occurs. During discharge, the negative electrode of the cell is the anode. During charge, the situation reverses and the positive electrode of the cell is the anode. In semiconductor diodes, the terminal that is positive with respect to the other terminal when the diode is biased in the forward direction. The positive terminal, such as the plate in an electron tube. The product of the RMS current times the R/ms voltage. (Electronic see Surge Arrester). Mechanical An arc-extinguishing medium to facilitate current interruption. Infuses, the time measured from when fuse element melt time ends to when current is interrupted and becomes zero. A free-running oscillator circuit using resistors and capacitors for feedback coupling. It has a square wave output whose frequency is determined by circuit constants or by an external synchronizing voltage.

Amplifier, Inverting

Amplifier, Noninverting Amplifier, Operational

Anode

Anode Terminal

Apparent Power Arc Quenching Arcing Time Astable Multivibrator

Asymmetrical Waveform

1) A current or voltage waveform that has unequal excursions above and below the horizontal axis or whose axis of symmetry is offset from the zero axis (DC offset). 2) A current or voltage waveform that's negative going half cycle differs in time from its positive going half cycle. A condition where circuit operating frequency is determined independent of a reference source. Decrease in amplitude or intensity of a signal. Frequencies that can be detected by the human ear produced by the battery charger and/or inverter and measured in decibels (a measure of intensity). The acoustical noise. A transfer from the "alternate source" position of a static switch to the "inverter" position without operator intervention. Electronic circuit which simulates the operation of "Inverter to load" pushbutton. A Transfer from the "Inverter." position of a static switch to the alternate source position without operator intervention. A transformer whose primary and secondary are electrically connected. A transfer is made by the UPS without operator/user involvement and is usually based upon the status or condition of the input/output AC power. An accessory attached to a circuit breaker or magnetic switch having low ampacity contacts that operate coincident with the on-off-trip operation of the main device and to provide secondary circuit functions, as lights, control signals, or interlocking functions. 1) The value of the function or quantity averaged over a full cycle unless otherwise specified. The value of alternating current or voltage of sine wave form that is found by dividing area under one alternation by distance along X axis between 0 and 180'. A power supply used to provide alternate system power in the event the primary power source fails or is unable to continue providing adequate system power. The circuit used to develop and control the timing signals for a transistorized inverter bridge (used in pulse-width modulated inverters). One or more electrically connected cells of a device that transforms chemical energy into electrical energy. 1) The inverter/battery combination providing support to maintain function of selected output devices upon loss of commercial power. 2) Quantitatively, the calculated time duration this support is to be available. A device for changing alternating-current power to direct-current power for the purpose of charging a battery. One battery unit containing one cell or a number of cells. A rigid support of one or more levels (tiers or steps) upon which a bank of stationary batteries are located. Also called a battery stand. The total voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery. In

Asynchronous Attenuation Audible Noise

Auto-retransfer Auto-retransfer Circuit Auto-transfer Auto-Transformer Automatic Transfer Auxiliary Contacts

Average Value

Backup Power Supply

Base Control Circuit Battery Battery Back-up

Battery Charger Battery Jar Battery Rack Battery Voltage

lead-acid batteries the nominal open circuit voltage is stated to be two volts per cell. Bell Alarm Binary An accessory attached to a circuit breaker having form C contacts that toggle only when the circuit breaker is in the tripped position. The numbering system having a radix of two. This system is the foundation for all digital technology since it requires only two conditions for its use: energized vs. de-energized, magnetized vs. de-magnetized, some voltage level vs. no voltage, etc. The two numbers used in this system are one and zero, and the position of each digit represents the power of two to which that digit is taken. Having two poles, polarities or directions. A junction transistor having both majority and minority charge carriers. See AC Blackout. A resistor that allows a small current drain on a power source to discharge filter capacitors or to stabilize an output. A device that prevents the flow of current from the UPS rectifier to the battery, but permits the flow of current from the battery to the UPS inverter. Charge, generally at high-rate, for a limited period to achieve full capacity in all cells of a battery. May be an isolating transformer or an autotransformer that provides a means of raising a supply line voltage, usually by a small amount of 20% or less. That portion of the wiring installation between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the line connection. An overcurrent protection circuit or device that protects the branch circuit. A switch which while transferring between two sources goes through a neutral position where momentarily neither source is connected to the output and an interruption occurs on the output. A transfer between two sources when a momentary break on the output occurs. As pertaining to a switch or static switch, transfer between two sources where the output momentarily loses continuity to either source and an interruption to the output voltage occurs. 1) The voltage level which causes insulation failure. 2) The reverse voltage at which a semiconductor device changes its conductance characteristics. A device designed to open and close a complete circuit by non-automatic means (like a switch), and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overload of current, without injury to itself. A circuit protection device which will automatically open or break continuity Circuit with series-parallel groups of components. A power conversion circuit with the active elements connected in a bridge configuration

Bipolar Bipolar Transistor Blackout Bleeder Resistor Blocking Diode Boost Charge Boost Transformer Branch Circuit Branch Circuit Protection Break-Before-Make Switch

Break-Before-Make Transfer Break Transfer

Breakdown Voltage Breaker

Breaker-Automatic Bridge Circuit Bridge Converter

Bridge Rectifier Brownout

Full-wave rectifier circuit employing two or more rectifiers in a bridge configuration. The condition created during peak usage periods when electric utility companies intentionally reduce their line voltage by approximately 10 to 15 percent to counter excessive demand. For British Thermal Units, this is the unit of quantity of thermal energy in the United States, and is the quantity of heat or thermal energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of pure water one degree F. With respect to power, one watt is equal to 3.412 BTU per hour. A transformer that provides a means of lowering a supply line voltage, usually by a small amount such as 20% or less. The energy storage capacitor at the front end of a regulator. The voltage across a bulk capacitor. The operation of newly fabricated units or systems prior to their ultimate application intended to stabilize their characteristics and identify early failures. See Infant mortality. The common primary conductor of power from a power source to two or more separate circuits. Any switch (mechanical, electromechanical, or static) used to transfer a load from one source of AC supply power to another, often upon loss of power from the initial source. A path where the Commercial AC Power can be routed from the AC input to the AC output of an UPS, bypassing the Battery/inverter sections. See Alternate Source. A transformer that provides alternating current power to the UPS loads when the UPS equipment fails, is temporarily overloaded, or is out of service for maintenance. Inherent property of an electric circuit or device that opposes change in voltage. Property of circuit whereby energy may be stored in an electrostatic field. The capacitance in a circuit resulting from adjacent turns on coils, parallel leads and connections. Coupling resulting from the capacitive effect between circuit elements. Opposition to AC as a result of capacitance. A device that stores a charge. A simple capacitor consists of two conductors separated by a dielectric. A process used in manufacture of aluminum electrolytic capacitors to deposit an oxide layer on the anode by application of a specific voltage over a given period of time at elevated temperature. Filter employing capacitor as its input. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors (chemical condensers) exhibit deterioration

BTU

Buck Transformer Bulk Capacitor Bulk Voltage Burn In

Bus Bus Transfer Switch

Bypass Bypass Source Bypass Transformer

Capacitance

Capacitance, Distributed Capacitive Coupling Capacitive Reactance (XC) Capacitor Capacitor Forming

Capacitor Input Filter Capacitor Shelf Life

and increased leakage current when stored. The stated shelf life differs between manufacturers, but the consensus is about 24 months, extendable to 60 months by periodic "reforming." Reforming is a process where voltage is applied with the capacitor temperature elevated (an oven), and if the capacitor meets certain pass/fail criteria (must have an acceptably low leakage current), it may be returned to storage. Cathode Terminal 1) In semi-conductors, the negative terminal by which current leaves the device. 2) In semiconductor diodes, the terminal that is negative with respect to the other terminal when the diode is biased in the forward direction. 1) The basic electrochemical unit used to generate or store electrical energy. A cell consists of two electrodes of dissimilar material isolated from one another electronically, in a common ironically conductive electrolyte. 2) An electrochemical system which converts chemical energy into electrical energy and also the reverse for rechargeable units. The difference between the e voltage of a cell I as a result of current flow, and its voltage at a reference state which may be an equilibrium or steady state value. Reversal of polarity of a cell due to over discharge. The DC voltage potential between the individual positive and negative terminals of a cell in a battery. Connection made to center of an electronic device. 1) The conversion of electrical energy, provided in the form of a current from an external source, into chemical energy within a cell or battery. 2) The potential energy stored in a capacitive electrical device. 3) The conversion of electrical energy to chemical energy in a cell or battery. A sequence of a charge and subsequent discharge. Bringing all of the cells in a battery to the same state of charge. The current applied to a secondary cell or battery to restore its capacity. This rate is commonly expressed as a multiple of the rated capacity of the cell or battery. For example; the C/1 0 charge rate of a 500-Ah cell or battery is expressed as: c/10 rate = 500 Ah/10 = 50 A Condition of cell in terms of the rated capacity remaining in the cell at a given point in time. The voltage applied to a cell during charge. Constant voltage or constant current device used to charge a cell or battery. An electrical device or circuit that is capable of restoring the charge in a storage battery. Process of supplying electrical energy for storage. The factor by which the charge voltage must be adjusted for a given change in voltage. The voltage potential of the chassis. Intermittent opening and closing of relay contacts resulting from voltage

Cell

Cell Polarization

Cell Reversal Cell Voltage Center Tap Charge

Charge/Discharge Cycle Charge Equalization Charge Rate

Charge, State of Charge Voltage Charger Charger (Battery) Charging Charging Temperature Coefficient Chassis Ground Chatter

fluctuation to its coil. Chip Choke Coil Choke, RF Circuit Input Filter Circular Mil Circulating Current Clamp Circuit Clamp Diode Clock See Integrated Circuit. An inductor. k Choke coil with a high impedance at radio frequencies. A filter employing an inductor W or an inductor/capacitor (L/C) as its input. Cross-sectional area of a conductor one mil. in diameter. See Ground Loop A circuit that biases a voltage waveform to a specified voltage level. A diode in either a clipper or clamp circuit. An oscillator producing timing pulses to synchronize various elements of a system. In switching mode power supplies, a clock is used to produce the power pulses that are modulated to control power transfer. In digital interfaces that communicate on a bus (such as the IEEE-0488) a clock is used to synchronize the date transfer and commands. In a feedback control circuit, the increase in value of an output signal due to the effects on it of various other components or signals in the circuit. See also GAIN. The potential voltage at the terminals of an electrical device when current is flowing. 1) Electronic connection between the cell electrode and the external circuit. 2) ln a transistor, the semiconductor section which collects the majority carriers. See Commercial AC Power Power furnished by an electric power utility company (also referred to as utility power): when available, it is usually the prime power source. Prime power is that source of supply of electrical energy utilized by the user and is available continuously day and night. Besides utilities, another power source is the user's own generator. Normal power source used to power the alternate source and rectifier inputs to the UPS. Also see Alternate Source and Rectifier Input. The component of noise voltage that appears equally and in phase on conductors relative to a common reference. Transfer of unidirectional current between circuit elements. (The transfer of current between various paths of a circuit). A DC amplifier, circuit, having only two logic output states, for comparing the amplitudes of two analog variables, or of such a variable and a constant, such that the logic signal output uniquely determines which input is larger at all times. The addition of circuit elements to assist in stabilization of a control loop. An element in an electrical circuit. Material that permits free motion of large number of electrons.

Closed Loop Gain

Closed-Circuit Voltage (CCV) Collector COM Commercial AC Power (COM)

Commercial AC Power Common-Mode Noise Commutation Comparator

Compensation Component Conductor

Connector Constant Current Charge Constant Current Limiting Circuit Constant Current Power Supply Constant Voltage Charge

A mechanical device used to link conductors. 1) A charge during which the current is maintained at a steady state value. 2) A method of charging a cell by applying a non-varying current to the cell. Current-limiting circuit that holds output current at some maximum value whenever an overload of any magnitude is experienced. A power supply that regulates its output current, within specified limits, against changes in line, load, ambient temperature and time. 1) A charge during which the voltage across the battery terminals is maintained at a steady state. 2) A method of charging a cell by applying a nonvarying voltage to the cell. A power supply that regulates its output voltage within specified limits, against changes in line, load, ambient temperature and time. Maintains an almost constant voltage ratio over the range from zero to rated output. When two mechanical contacts close, they make and break several times before reaching a stable closed condition. Bounce can also be caused by external vibration or shock. Elements used to mechanically make or break a circuit. The availability of load power within the limits specified for the load. A requirement of service that demands operation at a substantially constant load continuously for an indefinitely long time with no off or rest periods. See also Intermittent Duty The means of regulating the operation of a piece of equipment. The circuit that carries the electric signals directing the performance of a control device, but that does not carry the power that the device controls. A feedback circuit used to control an output signal. See also Loop The power supply developing the correct voltage at the appropriate current to power the control logic circuits for a system. A power supply cooled exclusively from the natural motion of a gas or a liquid over the surfaces of heat dissipating elements. A device that changes the value of a signal or quantity. DC-DC: A device that delivers DC power when energized from a DC source. FLY-BACK: A type of switching power supply circuit. See also Flyback Converter -Forward: A type of switching supply circuit. See also Forward Converter The process of removing heat dissipated by a power supply during transformation and regulation. Magnetic material serving as a path for magnetic flux. The tendency of molecules in an iron core to orient in one direction due to the application of direct current. A digital circuit which counts and stores numbers of events.

Constant Voltage Power Supply Constant Voltage Transformer Contact Chatter (or Contact Bounce, Switch Bounce) Contacts Continuity of Load Power Continuous Duty

Control Control Circuit Control Loop Control Power Supply Convection-Cooled Power Supply Converter

Cooling Core Core Saturation Counter/Counting circuit

Coupling Crest Factor Crowbar

The characteristic of isolated circuit elements to interact with one another. For a periodic waveform such as a sine wave, it is the ratio of its crest (the peak, maximum) value to its RMS (root-mean-square) value. An overvoltage protection circuit which rapidly places a low resistance shunt across the power supply output terminals if a predetermined voltage is exceeded. Canadian Standards Association, or a product testing and approval agency in Canada. The rate of transfer of electrical energy measured amperes. (One "international" ampere will deposit silver from a silver nitrate solution at the rate of 0.00111800 grams per second An "international" ampere, in turn, is defined as 0.99985 OUT "absolute" amperes, one coulomb Current Foldback Limiting and Current Limiting per second.) The point on the plot of current vs. voltage of a supply at which the current starts to foldback. A control function that prevents current from exceeding its prescribed limits. An electronic overload protection circuit that limits the maximum output current to a preset value. Limiting the output current from a circuit invokes a limit on the input current to the circuit as well. A resistor placed in series with the load to develop a voltage proportional to load current. 1) Instrument Transformer: Intended to have its primary winding connected in series with the conductor carrying the current to be measured or controlled. 2) Metering: Designed for use in the measurement or control of current. Its primary winding may be single turn or bus bar, and is connected in series with the load. 3) Power and Distribution Transformer: Intended to have its primary winding connected in series with the conductor carrying the current to be measured or controlled. (In window type current transformers, the primary winding is provided by the line conductor and is not an integral part of the transformer.) 1) The cell or battery voltage at which the discharge is terminated. The cutoff voltage is specified by the cell manufacturer and is generally a function of discharge rate. 2) Voltage at the end of discharge. Cell voltage below which the UPS will not operate or below which operation is not recommended. Abbreviation for Constant Voltage Transformer. See Ferroresonant. Those capacitors in the secondary tank circuit of the CVT, for the purpose of producing ferroresonance. 1) In alternating current, one cycle is one 3600 transition of the waveform. 2) One complete battery charge and discharge. A dimensionless unit for representing the ratio between two values of power. The direct-current power interconnection between rectifier or rectifier/charger and inverter sections.

CSA Current (1)

Current Limit Knee Current Limit (Control) Current Limiting Circuit

Current Sensing Resistor Current Transformer

Cutoff Voltage

CVT CVT Capacitor Cycle DB (db) DC Link

DC Offset Voltage Debug Deenergize Deep Discharge

The measure of the voltage by which a waveforms negative and positive excursions are offset from the zero axis. The process of detecting and correcting errors. Remove power. 1) Withdrawal of at least 80% of the rated capacity of a cell or battery. 2) Discharge of a battery to below the specified voltage cutoff before the battery is replaced or recharged. Electromechanical relay that is normally deenergized and when voltage is applied to its coil, delays by some fixed or adjustable time interval before operating. 1) Electromechanical relay that is normally energized and when voltage is supplied to a timing input drops out after some fixed or adjustable time interval. 2) A relay that energizes the moment voltage is applied then drops out (deenergizes) after some time delay. 1) The ratio of the quantity of electricity (usually in ampere-hours) removed from a secondary cell or battery on discharge to its rated capacity. 2) The percent of rated capacity to which a cell or battery is discharged. 3) Capacity discharged from a battery in relation to the rated capacity. May be expressed as a percentage. 4) The percent of rated capacity removed from a cell during a discharge. The difference between the actual value of a quantity and the ideal or desired values. An insulating material between conductors that is resistant to electric current flow. Tests which consist of the application of a voltage higher than the rated voltage for a specified time to verify the dielectric withstand strength of insulation materials and spacing. The specified voltage or potential gradient below which a dielectric material will continue to resist electrical current flow. The voltage difference between two sources. When referring to a static switch operation it is the voltage between one of the phases of the alternate source and the corresponding phase of the inverter. During synchronization the difference voltage between each of the phases of the alternate source and the corresponding inverter source should be at a minimum or null value. An amplifier whose output signal is proportional to the algebraic difference between two input signals. The component of noise, excluding common-mode noise, that is measured between two lines with respect to a common reference point. The value is the difference of the noise components on the two lines. The difference in voltages at two points as measured with respect to a common reference. A two-element device containing a cathode and an anode that permits flow in one direction and blocks flow from the other.

Delay on Operate

Delay on Release

Depth of Discharge

Deviation Dielectric Dielectric Tests

Dielectric Withstand Strength Difference Voltage

Differential Amplifier Differential Mode Noise

Differential Voltage Diode

Direct Current (DC) Discharge

Flow of electrons in one direction. In text, "DC". 1) The conversion of the chemical energy of a cell or battery into electrical energy and withdrawal of the electrical energy into a load. 2) Withdrawal of electrical energy from a cell or battery, usually to operate connected equipment. 3) Characteristic of a capacitive device to release stored energy. 4) The conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy in a cell or battery. 1) The rate, usually expressed in amperes, at which electrical current is taken from the cell or battery. 2) The current at which a cell or battery is discharged. 3) The value of the current in amperes at which a battery is discharged expressed as a fraction or multiple of the rated capacity in ampere-hours of the cell, e.g., C/5 or 5C. 4) See C/X Rate. (C=rated capacity; X=hours of discharge). The displacement component of power factor; the ratio of the real power of the fundamental wave to the apparent power of the fundamental wave. A change in output over a period of time independent of input, environment or load. The time interval between the first and last instants at which the instantaneous amplitude reaches a stated fraction of the peak pulse amplitude. The ratio of time on to time off in a recurring event. A load that rapidly changes from one level to another. To be properly specified, both the total change and the rate of change must be stated. An electrical connection to the earth frequently using a grid or rod(s). See also Ground The value of a waveform that has the equivalent heating effect of a direct current. For sine waves, the value is.707 x Peak Value; for non-sinusoidal waveforms, the Effective Value = RMS (Root Mean Square) Value. 1) The ratio of output power to input power expressed in percentage. 2) The ratio of the output of a secondary cell or battery on discharge to the input required to restore it to the initial state of charge. (See also Ampere-Hour Efficiency, Voltage Efficiency and Watt Hour Efficiency.) Property of fundamental particles of matter that have a force field associated with them to gain or lose electrons. An magnetically transferred device such as a relay, contactor, transfer switch, etc. The conducting medium within an electrochemical cell that provides the ion transport mechanism between positive and negative electrodes. A device that contains two electrodes separated by an electrolyte. A device consisting of a ferromagnetic core and a coil that produces appreciable magnetic effects only when an electric current exists in the coil. Any electronic disturbance that interrupts, obstructs, or otherwise impairs the performance of electronic equipment. Force that causes free electrons to move in a conductor. Unit of measurement

Discharge Rate

Displacement Factor Drift Duration Duty Cycle Dynamic Load Earth Effective Value

Efficiency

Electricity Electro-Mechanical Switch Electrolyte Electrolytic Capacitor Electromagnet Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Electromotive Force (EMF)

is the volt. Electron Electron Volt Electronic Power Converter Negatively charged particle. A measure of energy. The energy acquired by an electron passing through a potential of one volt. An electronic device for changing power in one of the following ways: AC/DC power converters, DC/AC power converters, AC/AC power converters, or DC/DC power converters. An electronic device which can be controlled to interconnect power circuits. A conductive screen that shunts induced electrical energy to ground. A circuit required by the National Electric Code for certain applications that provides for a remote-controllable disconnecting means to remove power to all equipment in a room. A circuit composed of reactive and resistive components for the attenuation of radio frequency components being emitted from a power supply. See also EMI 1) The prescribed voltage at which the discharge (or charge, if end-of-charge voltage) of a cell or battery may be considered complete (also cutoff voltage). 2) The battery or cell voltage at the end of a discharge. The battery is so dimensioned that the end voltage is never less than the lowest voltage at which a system can operate. Output capability; ampere-hour capacity times average closed-circuit discharge voltage, expressed as watt-hours. The process of restoring all cells in a battery to an equal state of charge. An extended charge to a predetermined measured value that is given to a storage battery to insure the complete restoration of the active materials in all the plates of all the cells. An extended charge to ensure complete charging of the entire cell in a battery. An electrical circuit that models the fundamental properties of a device or circuit. An electrical circuit that models the fundamental properties of a load. The output voltage of an error amplifier produced by the difference between the reference and the input signal times the gain of the amplifier. The output voltage of the error amplifier in a control loop. The termination of the ability to perform a required function. The way in which a device has ceased to meet specified minimum requirements. A method of forced-air cooling used to maintain design temperatures. Unit of measurement of capacitance. A capacitor has a capacitance of one farad when a charge of one coulomb raises its potential one volt. C=Q/E Partial or total failure of the insulation system.

Electronic Power Switch Electrostatic Shield Emergency Power Off (EPO)

EMI Filter End Voltage

Energy Equalization Equalizing Charge (Storage Battery) Equalizing Charge Equivalent Circuit Equivalent Load Error Signal Error Voltage Failure Failure Mode Fan Cooled Farad Fault

Fault Current Availability FE Change Circuit Feedback Ferroresonance

The current flow that can occur as a result of a zero impedance fault. FE is for Float/Equalize. The process of returning part of the output signal of a system to its input. 1) The steady-state mode of operation that exists when an alternating voltage of sufficient magnitude is applied to a circuit consisting of capacitance and ferromagnetic inductance causing changes in the ferromagnetic inductance which are repeated each half cycle. 2) The property of a transformer design in which the transformer contains two separate magnetic paths with limited coupling between them. The output contains a resonating tank circuit and draws power from the primary to replace power delivered to the load. 1) The effect obtained by the limiting action of the saturation characteristic of the magnetic material in a ferroresonant circuit, which regulates the output voltage over a specified range of input voltages and a specified frequency of excitation. 2) A regulated power supply that uses a resonant circuit, with a capacitor in one of the secondaries that resonates with the inductance of the transformer. Ferroresonant power supplies are designed to operate at a given input frequency. Transistor in which the resistance of the current path from source to drain is modulated by applying a transverse electric field between two electrodes. One or more discrete components positioned in a circuit to attenuate signal energy in a specified band of frequencies. The voltage which a battery reaches at the end of a charging operation.In the case of constant voltage charging, this voltage is determined by the setting of the charging equipment. The low end voltage to which the batteries are permitted to discharge. A special design of a wet cell vent which provides protection against internal explosion when the cell or battery is exposed to a naked flame or external spark. A device or circuit which can maintain either of two stable conditions and with one or more inputs which can cause it to switch over from one of those conditions to the other. 1) A method of maintaining a cell or battery in a charged condition by continuous, long-term, constant-voltage charging, at a level sufficient to balance self-discharge. 2) Method of recharging in which a secondary cell is continuously connected to a constant-voltage supply that maintains the cell in fully charged condition. 3) To maintain the capacity of a cell by applying a constant voltage. A UPS system where the batteries are floated at a regulated DC voltage by a battery charger having sufficient capacity to power the fully loaded UPS and recharge discharged batteries. The voltage required for retaining a charged battery in a fully charged condition. This is also known as float charging. A cell design which incorporates an excess amount of electrolyte. Total number of lines of magnetic force.

Ferroresonant Power Supply

Field Effect Transistor (FET) Filter Final Charging Voltage

Final Discharge Voltage Flame Arresting Vent

Flip Flop

Float Charge

Float System

Float Voltage Flooded Cell Flux (Greek letter PHI)

Flux Density (B) Foldback Current Limiting

Number of lines of flux per cross-sectional area of a magnetic circuit in Gauss. A power supply output protection circuit whereby the output current decreases with increasing overload, reaching a minimum at short circuit. This minimizes internal power dissipation under overload conditions. Holdback current limiting is normally used with linear regulators. Contacts from an electromechanical relay or switching device which from a Common connection can select either a Normally Open or Normally Closed connection. A two or three phase AC source with four output leads. Refer to Four Wire Input. The operating frequency of an oscillator circuit which is not being influenced by error correcting signal or whose frequency is determined only by circuit constants. Number of cycles per second measured in hertz (Hz). Rating of a device indicating its ability to operate over a specified range of frequencies, e.g., gain-frequency characteristics of an amplifier. The cyclic or random dynamic variation or both, of instantaneous frequency about a mean frequency during steady state electrical system operation. A deviation from a standard frequency often expressed in percent. A power switching circuit in which four power switching devices are connected in a bridge configuration to drive a transformer primary. A rectifier circuit that employs four diodes per phase. Rectifier circuit that produces a DC output for each half cycle of applied alternating current. A system element that performs a task required for the successful operation of the system. Safety protective device that permanently opens an electric circuit when overloaded. See also Overcurrent Device, Overcurrent Protective Device. The time current characteristic curve that indicates the functions over time of the fuse. In thyristors, the fuse time-current characteristic curve is selected to protect the semiconductor from damage. In distribution systems, the fuse or circuit breakers are each selected so that interruption of any branch does not interrupt the source. A non-magnetic segment in the magnetic path in a transformer or choke. The evolution of gas from one or more of the electrodes in a cell. Gassing commonly results from local action (self-discharge) or from the electrolysis of water in the electrolyte during charging. 1) A device or element that has the ability to block or pass a signal. 2) A device having one output channel and two or more input channels that performs a logic function. 3) A control electrode in a semiconductor device such as a triac,

Form "C" Contacts

Four Wire Output Free-running Frequency

Frequency Frequency Response Frequency Modulation Frequency Tolerance Full-Bridge Converter Full-Bridge Rectifier Full-Wave Rectifier Functional Unit Fuse Fuse Clearing Curve Fuse Coordination

Gap Gassing

Gate

or FET. Glitch Ground 1) An undesired transient voltage spike occurring on a signal. 2) A minor technical problem arising in electrical equipment. A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of earth. A bus to which individual grounds in a system are attached and that in turn is grounded at one or more points. Also see Single Point Common Ground and Isolated Ground. Interconnected bare conductors arranged in a pattern over a specified area, laid out on or below the earth's surface. A condition that causes undesirable voltage levels when two or more circuits share a common electrical return or ground lines. Also see Neutral Electrical Return. A metallic rod, commonly copper clad, driven into the earth to serve as a ground terminal. Connected to or in contact with earth or connected to some extended conductive body which serves instead of the earth. A permanent and continuous conductive path to earth with sufficient ampacity to carry any fault current liable to be imposed on it, and of a sufficiently low impedance to limit the voltage rise above ground. A circuit element, such as a diode, that rectifies only one-half the input AC wave to produce a pulsating DC output. Magnetic fields have an effect on semiconductors in that a magnetic field at a right angle to current with deflect charge carriers toward one surface of the crystal, thereby producing a positive potential on that surface for a p-type semiconductor or a negative potential for an n-type material. A transient condition that momentarily confuses a control loop. Highest specified input operating voltage. A slightly higher DC voltage supplied to batteries after a discharge to reduce the recharge time interval. Note that this term differs from the term "Equalize" in that a high rate charge may be permitted by the battery manufacturer for a battery type that may not be "equalized" (Sealed maintenance-free types). A value indicating the minimum load operating current of an electromechanical device, usually stated in milliamperes. The time under worst case conditions during which a power supply's output voltage remains within specified limits following the loss or removal of input power. Often called ride-through. Audible noise from a magnetic device due to magnetostrictive activity of the core at twice line frequency. The amount of moisture in the air, measured in percent relative humidity. For UPS 40 to 95% non-condensing relative humidity is the acceptable range,

Ground Bus

Ground Grid Ground Loop

Ground Rod Grounded Grounding

Half-Wave Rectifier Hall Effect

Hiccup High Line High Rate of Charge

Holding Current Holdup Time

Hum Humidity

unless otherwise specified. Hysteresis 1) The property of a magnetic substance that causes magnetization to lag behind the force that produces it. 2) A variable input voltage threshold determined by the logic state of the output of the circuit. A closed curve that 'Shows, for each value of magnetizing force, two values of the magnetic flux density in a cyclically magnetized material: one when the magnetizing force is increasing, the other when it is decreasing. See Integrated Circuit. The opposition to the flow of an alternating current. Impedance consists of resistance R, inductive reactance XL, and capacitive reactance XC. When comparing two AC sources, the transitions of each phase of one source are in step with the transitions of the corresponding phases of a second source. See Actuator Fuse The inherent reactive property, measured in henrys, of an electric circuit or circuit element that opposes a change in current flow. Hence, inductance causes current changes to lag behind voltage changes. See also Henry Circuit in which an EMF is produced by a changing current. Electrical devices that create a magnetic field when energized, such as motors, solenoids, coils, valves, and transformers. An inductive load can exhibit an inrush or lock-rotor current, when energized, many times its normal running or steady state current. When deenergized the magnetic field collapses generating a high voltage transient which can cause arcing across contacts as well as damage to circuits if not suppressed. Opposition to a changing current as a result of inductance. XL=27cFL A coil or component with the properties of inductance. That early period of equipment life during which the failure rate of some items is decreasing rapidly. This is also called the early failure period or break-in period. The impedance of the input terminals of a circuit or device, with the input disconnected. Refers to the use of an isolation transformer at the input to the rectifier and/or battery charger section of the UPS. This serves to attenuate noise at the inverter, isolates from surges, and prevents the batteries from being referenced to Ground. See Inrush Current The range of input voltage values for which a power supply or DC-AC Inverter operates within specified limits. 1) A current higher than its steady state value drawn by a device when energized or activated, 2) the peak instantaneous input current drawn by a power supply at turn on, or 3) the maximum current from turn on to a specified

Hysteresis Loop

I IC Impedance (Z) In Phase

Indicating Fuse Inductance (L)

Inductive Circuit Inductive Load

Inductive Reactance (XL) Inductor Infant Mortality

Input Impedance Input Isolation

Input Surge Input Voltage Range Inrush Current

limit of duration. 4) Comments: Lamps, electric motors, solenoids, contactors, valves, and capacitors have inrush currents that exceed normal operating current. Instantaneous Value Insulation Resistance The measured value of a signal at a given moment in time. The value of resistance offered by an insulating material to an impressed voltage. The device used to measure insulation resistance is the Megger, which typically applies 50OVDC to the insulation. A combination of active and passive circuit elements contained on a single semiconductor substrate. The impedance exhibited by a circuit element or component. 1) The resistance exhibited by a circuit element or component. 2) Opposition to direct current flow within a cell, with the cell as source, causing a drop in closed-circuit voltage proportional to the current drain from the cell. Either momentary or long-term ceasing of current flow through an electronic circuit. 1) A machine, device, or system that changes direct-current power to alternating-current power. 2) A circuit, circuit element or device that inverts the input signal. A battery charger employing an input isolation transformer as well as maintaining a regulated DC output. The electrical separation between two circuits, or circuit elements. A transformer with a one-to-one turns ratio. See Also Step-Down Transformer, Step-Up Transformer, Transformer Symbol for Kilovolt Amperes, or thousands of volt amperes.

Integrated Circuit 00 Internal Impedance Internal Resistance

Interruption Inverter

Isolated Regulated Charger Isolation Isolation Transformer KVA KW KWHr Lagging Angle Latch

Symbol for kilowatt-hour. Angle current lags voltage in inductive circuit. 1) A logic circuit that, once set, maintains the output at some fixed state until reset. 2) In relay logic, a momentary initiation will hold the device energized through a holding contact. A latch initiated by an alarm condition, requiring a reset command before returning to normal operation. A relay that mechanically latches until mechanically or electrically reset. Secondary cell which uses lead peroxide and sponge lead for plates, and sulfuric acid and water for electrolyte. Angle current leads voltage in capacitive circuit. A semiconductor device that radiates in the visible spectrum when energized by an electric current. Color is determined by the electroluminescent characteristics of the materials used in fabricating the devices, and by the addition of various dopants. For example, copper-doped zinc sulfide emits light

Latching Alarm Latching Relay Lead Acid Cell Leading Angle Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

in the 620 nanometer (green) range, the area of peak sensitivity of the human eye. Line Conditioner Line Frequency Regulation Line Regulation Line Regulator Line Transient Linear A circuit or device designed to improve the quality of an AC line. The percentage change in output for a specified change in the line frequency at specified load values, with all other factors constant. The percentage change in output due to the input voltage varying over its specified limits, at specified load values, with all other factors constant. Power conversion equipment that regulates and/or changes the voltage of incoming power. A disturbance outside the specified operating range of an input or supply voltage. 1) In a straight line 2) A mathematical relationship in which quantities vary in direct proportion to one another, the result of which, when plotted, forms a straight line. A load whose current waveform is sinusoidal when supplied a sinusoidal voltage. 1) A device or devices which receive power from the AC output of the UPS. 2) Capacitance, resistance, inductance or any combination thereof, which, when connected across a circuit determines current flow and power used. The inverter and discharged batteries are seen as DC loads to the battery charger. 1) STATIC The change in output voltage as the load is changed from specified minimum to maximum and maximum to minimum, with all other factors held constant. 2) DYNAMIC The change in output voltage expressed as a percent for a given step change in load current. Initial and final current values and the rates of change must be specified. The rate of change shall be expressed as current/unit of time, e.g., 20 amperes A/u second. The dynamic regulation is expressed as a +/ The simultaneous supplying of power to a load from two or more sources. The time required for the transfer of the load from one power source to another. Common return or reference point for logic signals. May or may not be referenced to ground. 1) A referenced or isolated logic signal that turns a power supply output off or on. 2) A circuit which either locks out or activates another circuit. An instruction that executes an operation to perform a specified function. An electric system having a maximum root-mean-square alternating-current voltage of 1 OOOV or less. Lowest specified input operating voltage. The pre-adjusted voltage point where the inverter will shut itself off during battery discharge to prevent damage to the UPS and to the batteries. This voltage point is equivalent to the end volts per cell as specified by the battery

Linear AC Load Load (AC)

Load (DQ Load Regulation

Load Sharing Load Transfer Time Logic Ground Logic Inhibit/Enable Logic Signal Low-Voltage System Low Line Low Voltage Cutoff

manufacturer. Magnetic Shunt The section of the core of the ferroresonant transformer that provides the major path for flux generated by the primary winding current that does not link the secondary winding. In addition, the shunts provide a major path for the flux resulting from the output and resonating winding currents that do not link the primary winding. A switch which either partially or totally isolates the UPS system from the AC power source (Alternate source), but at the same time may or may not maintain continuous alternate source feed to the load, depending on design. 1) A secondary battery which does not require periodic "topping up"' to maintain electrolyte volume. 2) A battery, which during its specified working life needs no maintenance other than charging, provided normal operating conditions are experiences. 3) A term used for a type of cell which may be operated without adding water to the electrolyte during its recommended life. A switch, which while transferring between two sources, momentarily shorts the two so that the continuity between the output and one of the two sources is never interrupted. A transfer between two sources; no interruption or loss of continuity to the load occurs. See Maintenance Bypass Switch. 1) A transfer made by the operator/user, generally by the movement of a switch from one position to another. 2) A transfer from the "inverter" position to the alternate source position or vice-versa, which is initiated by operator. Interconnection of two or more regulated supplies in which one (the master) controls the other (the slave). 1) The highest allowable output rating specified for any oral I outputs of a power supply under specified conditions including duty cycle, period and amplitude. 2) The highest specified output power rating of a supply specified under worst case conditions. The arithmetic average of operating times between failures. An established method of calculating MTBF is described in Mil Handbook 217. The arithmetic average of time required to complete a repair activity. A prefix for millions, such as megohms. A prefix for one millionth, such as microfarads or microseconds. A prefix for one thousandth, such as millisecond or millihenrys. A machine made up of a gasoline, diesel, or other type of motor mechanically coupled to and driving a generator. Abbreviation for MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURE Abbreviation for MEAN TIME TO REPAIR A meter capable k of measuring current, voltage and resistance. A power supply with two or more outputs.

Maintenance Bypass Switch

Maintenance Free Battery

Make-Before-Break Switch

Make-Before-Break Transfer Manual Bypass Switch Manual Transfer

Master/Slave Operation Maximum Load

Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) Mega Micro Milli Motor Generator MTBF MTTR Multimeter Multiple Output Power Supply

Multivibrator NC NO Negative Electrode Negative Rail Negative Temperature Coefficient Neutral No Load Voltage Noise

A circuit capable of assuming either one of two stable states at a given time. Normally closed. (See Normally Closed) Normally open. (See Normally Open) The electrode acting as an anode when a cell or battery is discharging. The more negative of the two conductors at the output of a power supply. A decreasing function with increasing temperature. The function may be resistance, capacitance, voltage, etc. The AC return sometimes connected to ground, but which should not be used for ground because it is a current-carrying path. Terminal voltage of battery or supply when no current is flowing in external circuit. Also see Open Circuit Voltage. The a periodic random component on the power source output which is unrelated to source and switching frequency. Unless specified otherwise, noise is expressed in peak-to-peak units over a specified bandwidth. The value used to designate or identify a component, device, equipment, or parameter. The stated or objective value of a given voltage, which may not be the actual value measured. 1) A load whose crest factor is greater than 1.414. 2) A load with such characteristics that with an applied sinusoidal voltage the load current is not sinusoidal. The electric contact of a device that is mechanically shorted to the device Common (C) connection when the device is in the deenergized mode of operation. The electric contact of a device that is mechanically separated from the device Common (C) connection when the device is in the deenergized mode of operation. When the voltage between two in-phase or synchronized sources is minimum. These sources normally are of approximately equal amplitude so that to minimize their difference is to adjust their phase shift to a negligible point. 1) A power supply in which the AC line voltage is rectified and filtered without using a line frequency isolation transformer. 2) A power supply switched into service upon line loss to provide power to the load without significant interruption. Distinguished from UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY. Unit of measure of resistance. The fundamental mathematical relationship between current (1), voltage (E) and resistance (R) discovered by George Simon Ohm. The passage of one Ampere through one Ohm produces one Volt. I=E/R E=IR R=E/I (Reference the figures following) A power supply that continuously provides output power to the load without any interruption. See also Uninterruptible Power Supply.

Nominal Value Nominal Voltage Nonlinear load

Normally closed (NQ)

Normally Open (NO)

Null Voltage

Off Line Power Supply

Ohm (Symbol: Omega) Ohm's Law

On-Line Power Supply

Op-Amp Open Loop Open-Circuit Voltage (OCV)

Abbreviation for operational amplifier. A signal path without feedback. 1) The difference in potential between the terminals of a cell or voltage when the circuit is open (no-load condition). 2) The no load voltage of a cell or battery measured with a high resistance voltmeter. 3) The cell voltage in its stabilized idle state. The voltage across the terminals of a cell or battery when no external current is flowing. 4) See No Load Voltage The range of ambient, baseplate or case temperatures through which a power supply is specified to operate safely and to perform within specified limits. See also Ambient Temperature, Storage Temperature. A high gain amplifier designed to be used with external circuit elements to provide a specific operation or function. When comparing two AC sources, the transitions of each phase of one source is out of step with the transition of the corresponding phases of the second source. The energy or information delivered from or through a circuit or device. The inductor in the LC filter of the output. The RMS current (unless otherwise specified for a particular load) from the output terminals. A protective feature that keeps the output current of a power supply within predetermined limits during overload to prevent damage to the supply and the load. One or more discrete components used to attenuate output ripple and noise. The capacitor(s) across the output terminals of a power supply. The impedance presented by the UPS output terminals to the load. The low pass filter in the secondary of a switching power supply that smoothes the rectified output to its average value. Also called an averaging filter. The power delivered by a UPS to the load. The specified range over which the value of a stabilized output quantity (voltage, current, or frequency) can be adjusted. See Periodic And Random Deviation The root-mean-square (RMS) voltage (unless otherwise specified for a particular load) between the output terminals. See Output Current Limiting. When the full current or power rating of a power supply is exceeded. A feature that senses and responds to current or power overload conditions. See also Output Current Limiting A transient change in output voltage in excess of specified output regulation limits, which can occur when a power supply is turned on or off, or when there is a step change in line or load.

Operating Temperature

Operational Amplifier (OpAmp) Out-of-Phase

Output Output Choke Output Current Output Current Limiting

Output Filter Output Filter Capacitor Output Impedance Output LC Filter Output Power Output Range Output Ripple and Noise Output Voltage Overcurrent Protection Overload Overload Protection Overshoot

Overvoltage

The potential difference between the equilibrium of an electrode and that of the electrode under an imposed polarization current. 2) A voltage that exceeds specified limits. A feature that senses and responds to a high voltage condition. See also Overvoltage, Crowbar 1) Term used to describe the interconnection of power sources in which like terminals are connected such that the combined currents are delivered to a single load. The connection of components or circuits in a shunt configuration. The connection of two or more power sources of the same output voltage to obtain a higher output current. Special design considerations may be required for parallel operation of power sources. Maximum value of a waveform reached during a particular cycle or operating time. Maximum value of voltage applied in a reverse direction. The maximum rated voltage that can be applied in the reverse direction across a semiconductor. The maximum current value delivered to a load under specified pulsed conditions. The measured value of a waveform from peak in a positive direction to peak in a negative direction. The sum of all ripple and noise components measured over a specified band width and stated, unless otherwise specified, in peak-to-peak values. 1) The periodic variation of output voltage amplitude at frequencies other than the fundamental output frequency. 2) The cyclic or random dynamic variation or both of instantaneous voltage about a mean voltage during steady state operation. 1) The angle (usually expressed in electrical degrees) between reference points on one or more AC wave forms. 2) The angle that a voltage waveform leads or lags the current waveform. A circuit that produces a signal with a variable frequency. The lead-lag relationship of the three phases in a 30 source. Example: A leads B leads C is Clockwise rotation and A lags B lags C is Counterclockwise rotation. The difference between corresponding points on input and output signal waveforms (not affected by magnitude) expressed as degrees lead or lag. Used in reference to three phase UPS specifications where percentage limits are placed on the phase voltage unbalance under conditions of phase current unbalance. Load current unbalance is computed as the worst case difference current for any two of the three outputs divided by the average output current and times 100. Output voltage unbalance is given by dividing the difference of the output line voltage and the average line voltage by the average line voltage times 100. A filter consisting of two line-to-line capacitors and a series inductance in a "'pi"

Overvoltage Protection (OVP) Parallel

Parallel Operation

Peak Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) Peak Inverse Voltage Rating Peak Output Current Peak-To-Peak Periodic and Random Deviation (PARD) Periodic Output Voltage Modulation

Phase Angle (Greek Letter THETA) Phase Locked Loop (PLL) Phase Rotation

Phase Shift Phase Unbalance

PI Filter

configuration used to attenuate noise and ripple. Pilot Cell A representative cell of a battery utilized to assess the average state of the battery or a somewhat undersized cell that is used as an indicator of the depth of discharge. Positive terminal of a circuit, circuit element or power source. Property of device or circuit to have poles such as north and south or positive and negative. The most positive of the two output conductors of a power supply. Abbreviation for potentiometer. 1) The time rate of transferring or transforming energy. 2) Measured in watts, P = IE, 12 RorE2/R. One watt equals one joule/second and one joule equals one watt-second; joule's Law mathematically describes the heating effect of the flow of current as a result of losses, commonly, 12R losses". 3) Ina resistive circuit, power is the product of the in-phase components voltage and current (volt-amperes). See also Apparent Power, True Power The ratio of true to apparent power expressed as a decimal, frequently specified as lead or lag of the current relative to voltage. 2) The ratio of total watts to the total root-mean-square (RMS) volt-amperes. [Theta] is the symbol used to represent the phase angle between the voltage and the current. 1) Technique of forcing current draw to approach being in-phase with the voltage in an AC circuit. 2) Addition of capacitors to an inductive circuit to offset reactance. Specialized field effect transistor designed for high current of high power applications. Power available at the output terminals of a power source based on the manufacturers' specifications. Any device that furnishes electrical power, including a generator, cell, battery, power pack, power supply, solar cell, etc. A device for the conversion of available power of one set of characteristics to another set of characteristics to meet specified requirements. Typical applications of power supplies include to convert raw input power to a controlled or stabilized voltage and/or current for the operation of electronic equipment. A feature for use primarily by IBM System 38 computers whereby a signal is sent to the computer to warn of a utility power outage, giving the computer an opportunity to finish jobs in process before an organized shut-down, with an IBM user programmable delay based upon battery back-up time. A driven coil in a transformer. The power normally continuously available which is usually supplied by electrical utility company but sometimes by the user's own generation. DC voltage containing an AC voltage ripple component. A load current waveform having sudden changes of brief duration imposed

Plus (+) Polarity Positive Rail Pot Power (P)

Power Factor

Power Factor Correction

Power FET Power Rating Power Source Power Supply

Power Warning Feature (PWF)

Primary Winding Prime Power Pulsating Direct Current Pulsating Load

upon it (where the average current is not zero). Pulse A step rise, a level, and a step fall of voltage or current. Characteristics of a pulse are: rise time, duration and fall time.

Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) A method of regulating the output voltage of a switching power supply by varying the duration, but not the frequency or amplitude, of a train of pulses that drives a power switch. Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) An integrated 0 =L 25% discrete circuit used in switching-type power OFF DUTY CYCLE supplies, to control the conduction time of pulses produced by the clock. Variously, the abbreviation for pulse An electronic circuit which has linearly increasing or decreasing output voltage during periodically repeating time intervals. 1) The number of ampere-hours a cell or battery can deliver under specific conditions (rate of discharge, end voltage, temperature); usually the manufacturer's rating. 2) The average capacity delivered by a cell or battery on a specified load and temperature to a voltage cutoff point, as designated by the manufacturer; usually an accelerated test approximating the cell or batteries capacity in typical use. The maximum continuous load current a power supply is designed to provide under specified operating conditions. The whole of the electrical and mechanical quantities assigned to the machine, apparatus, etc. by the designer to, define its working in specified conditions indicated in the rating nameplate. Opposition to alternating current as result of inductance or capacitance. A component that exhibits the property of either capacitance or inductance. The time interval between a change in a parameter and when the stabilized value of the parameter returns to and stays within the steady state tolerance. The process of changing an alternating current to a unidirectional current. See Full-Wave Rectifier, Half-Wave Rectifier 1) A device or assembly of devices that converts AC power into DC power to supply the input power to an inverter but not a battery. 2) A component that passes current only in one direction, e.g., a diode. A UPS employing both an unregulated rectifier to supply DC power to the inverter, but also a trickle-charge battery charger of insufficient size to power the inverter but solely keeping the batteries fully charged. The existence of more than one means for performing a given function. Defined point in a circuit or system from which potential measurements shall be made. The defined or specified voltage to which other voltages are compared. In a device whose information storage may deteriorate, the process of restoring or refreshing to the non-deteriorated condition. Regenerative feedback is a sample of the output being returned to the input.

PWM Ramp Generator Rated Capacity

Rated Output Current Rating

Reactance M Reactive Recovery Time Rectification Rectifier

Rectifier Type UPS System

Redundancy Reference Ground Reference Voltage Regenerative

Regulated Power Supply Regulated Rectifier

A device that maintains within specified limits a constant output voltage or current for specified changes in line, load, temperature or time. A rectifier employing phase controlling or other type of voltage regulating circuitry to supply DC output voltage regulation to a much tighter percentage than the tolerance of the AC input voltage. A transformer capable of controlling its output voltage within specified limits by compensating for variations in input voltage and load. The process of holding constant selected parameters, the extent of which is expressed as a percent. A magnetic component or Solidstate device that opens or closes an isolated switch(es) when a voltage Is applied to the control terminals. A technique for regulating the output voltage of a power supply at the load by connecting the regulator error-sensing leads directly to the load. Remote sensing compensates for specified maximum voltage drops in the load leads. Care should be exercised to avoid opening load handling leads to avoid damaging the power supply. Polarity must be observed when connecting sense leads to avoid damaging the system. A signal used to return a circuit to a desired state. Property of a material that opposes the flow of current. 1) The state in which the natural response frequency of a circuit coincides with the frequency of an applied signal, or vice versa, yielding intensified response. 2) The state in which the natural vibration frequency of a body coincides with an applied vibration force, or vice versa, yielding reinforced vibration of the body. A circuit in which inductive and capacitive elements are in resonance at an operating frequency. The natural frequency at which a circuit oscillates or a device vibrates. In an LC circuit, inductive and capacitive reactances are equal at the resonant frequency. The time required for the output of a power supply or circuit to reach a specified tolerance after a step change or disturbance. The time required by the energy storage means of the UPS to be charged to provide a second rated stored energy time after providing rated stored energy time. The name for the common terminal of the output of a power supply; it carries the return current for the outputs. A connection that is opposite to that which is specified or intended. Abbreviation for Radio Frequency Interference. The time interval that load will be powered by an output after the input has ceased, i.e. the time the ferroresonant or output transformer will carry load once the inverter bridge has stopped operating (largely dependent on the size of the output filter arrangement.

Regulating Transformer Regulation Relay Remote Sensing

Reset Signal Resistance ( ) Resonance

Resonant Circuit Resonant Frequency

Response Time Restored Energy Time

Return Reverse Polarity RFI Ride-Through

Ringing Peak

In a forced-com mutated inverter circuit, the SCR's are forced to resume a blocking state by the discharge of a commutating capacitor causing the collapse of a large magnetic field which developed in the commutating choke. The capacitor is recharged to an extent by the decaying field, and again discharges into the choke, causing a ringing to occur. The first peak of this ringing is significant because it is the highest voltage peak, and may not exceed the rating of the bridge semiconductors. The periodic AC component at the power source output harmonically related to source or switching frequencies. Unless specified otherwise, it is expressed in peak-to-peak units over a specified band width. See Periodic And Random Deviation (PARD) The periodic AC component of the DC output of a power supply. The time required for a pulse to rise from 10 percent to 90 percent of its maximum amplitude. Abbreviation for root mean square value. In text, use lower case: rms. For a sine wave, .707 x E PEAK' A conductive path from a chassis, panel or case to earth to help prevent injury or damage to personnel and equipment. Momentary decrease in line voltage usually caused by in-rush loads. A magnetic component with a square loop hysteresis curve. The saturable reactor when driven in and out of saturation functions as a magnetic amplifier or switch. A condition in a magnetic material in which an increase in flus density (B) will no longer produce an appreciable increase in field intensity (H). Transformer connection whereas 30 voltages are developed by using only two transformers. Abbreviation for SILICON CONTROLLED RECTIFIER A cell which is sealed under normal conditions, but allows the escape of gas if the internal pressure exceeds a critical value. A cell or battery designed to be recharged. See also, Secondary Output, Secondary Winding A coil that receives energy from the primary winding by mutual induction and delivers energy to the load is the secondary winding. Any equipment alarm function employing a control function such as partial shut-down or transfer, in order to prevent damage to its circuit. The process that forces the order of turn on and turn off of individual outputs of a multiple output power supply. 1) The interconnection of two or more power sources such that alternate polarity terminals are connected so their voltages sum at a load. 2) The connection of circuit components end to end to form a single current path.

Ripple

Ripple and Noise Ripple Voltage Rise Time RMS Root Mean Square Value (RMS) Safety Ground Sag Reactor

Saturation (Magnetic) Scott 'IT" SCR Sealed Cell Secondary Secondary Winding Self Protective Action Sequencing Series

Series-Parallel Service Life

A circuit having a combination of series and parallel components. The period of useful life of a primary cell or battery before a predetermined end-point voltage is reached. 2) Period of useful life of a power supply before a predetermined end of life point is reached. Service life may be significantly increased by the replacement of select components. The duration of storage under specified conditions at the end of which a component or device retains the ability to give a specified performance. A direct connection that provides a virtually zero resistance path for current. 1) The initial value of the current obtained from a power source in a circuit of negligible resistance. 2) The current which flows from the UPS into zero impedance load. A protective feature that limits the output current of a power supply to prevent damage. 1) A parallel conducting path in a circuit. 2) A low value precision resistor used to monitor current. See Magnetic Shunt. An accessory device attached to a circuit breaker to enable control circuitry to remotely trip the breaker. The Standard International system of units. The common return or reference point for analog or digital signals. A unit-directional, four-layer (PNPN) junction device in which conduction is initiated by the application of a gate current. Conduction will continue until the current is reduced to some minimum value. A wave form of a single frequency alternating current whose displacement is the sine of an angle proportional to time or distance. Also see Sinosoidal. A two or three wire AC source which has 1800 vector displacement between its output leads. The one point in a system that connects multiple grounds and returns. Also known as star ground or holy point ground. The waveform derived by rotating a vector counterclockwise at a linear rate (frequency) and plotting the sine function of its angular displacement. A power supply which uses the reference in another power supply, the master, as its reference. The change in frequency of a periodic waveform from one period to the immediately subsequent period divided by the average of the two periods. An RC network used to reduce the rate of rise of voltage in switching applications. A circuit that uses a RC network and a diode in unipolar switching applications. Controlled (ramped) turn on to reduce inrush currents. A completely electronic switching device with no moving parts or contacts. A switch that uses no moving parts. Also see Static Switch.

Shelf Life Short-Circuit Short-Circuit Current (SCQ)

Short-Circuit Protection Shunt Shunt Trip SI Signal Ground Silicon-Controlled Rectifier

Sine Wave Single Phase Single Point Ground Sinusoidal Slave Slew Rate Snubber Snubber Network Soft Starts Solidstate Relay Solidstate Switch

Source Specific Gravity Spike Square Wave

Origin of the input power, e.g., generator, utility lines, mains, batteries, etc. The specific gravity of a solution is the ratio of the weight of the solution to the weight of an equal volume of water at a specified temperature. A short duration, high frequency overvoltage transition. 1) In digital circuits, a waveform characterized by only two voltage levels, very fast transitions from one level to the other, and equal periods of time at each level. 2) The inverter bridge waveform in ferroresonant inverters. 3) By waveform analysis, the sum of a fundamental frequency sine wave with all of its odd harmonics. The power intended to replace prime power in case of prime power failure. See Alternate Source. The time delay between either applying power or a remote "on" and the time at which the outputs are in regulation. The order of events that occur in a power supply during start up. A unit that employs static switching devices, such as controlled rectifiers, transistors, or magnetic amplifiers. A Solidstate switch used in Standby Power Supply (SPS) and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems for transferring the load between the primary AC power and secondary AC power. A load that remains constant over a given time period. A secondary battery designed for use in a fixed location. Logic signals that indicate normal or abnormal conditions of operation, including AC low, AC ok, over temperature, under temperature, DC low, DC ok, overvoltage, overcurrent. The condition in which some value, such as amplitude periodicity or rate of change, exhibits negligible change over an arbitrary long interval of time. A transformer with a turns ratio more than one. The output voltage is less than the input voltage. See also, Isolation Transformer, Step-Up Transformer, Transformer A transformer with a turns ratio less than one. The output voltage is greater than the input voltage. Se also, ISOLATION TRANSFORMER, STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER, TRANSFORMER An abrupt and sustained change in one of the influence or control quantities of a power supply. The instantaneous addition or removal of electrical loads to a power source. A galvanic battery which once discharged may be recharged by passing a direct current through the cell in the opposite direction to the discharge current, designed for use in a fixed location. A range of ambient temperature through which an inoperative power supply can remain in storage without degrading its subsequent operation. See Ambient Temperature, Operating Temperature.

Standby Power Start-up Delay Start-up Sequence Static Converter Static (Transfer) Switch

Static Load Stationary Battery Status Signals

Steadystate Step-Down Transformer

Step-Up Transformer

Step Change Step Load Change Storage Battery

Storage Temperature

Stored Energy Time

The minimum time that the UPS will provide continuity of load power (under specified service conditions starting with a fully charged energy storage means) in the absence of AC input power. A sudden, strong overvoltage transition. A protective device for limiting surge voltages on equipment by discharging or bypassing surge current; it prevents continued flow of follow current to ground, and is capable of repeating these functions as specified. A current or voltage waveform having the same magnitude above & below the zero, axis. Abbreviation for synchronize. See Nuli Voltage. The act of being synchronized. 1) The transitions of the Commercial AC Power waveform (sine wave) are in step with the transitions of the AC Power waveform from the Battery/inverter of the UPS. 2) The state where AC systems operate at the same frequency and where the phase-angle displacements between voltages are constant. When two sources are operating with their voltage transitions in step. A voltage source developed from the inverter bridge square wave.It is used to power the osciIlator and static switch control boards at al I times except during the starting of the inverter. A line voltage regulating equipment employing a multiple winding transformer where voltage regulation is achieved by controls selecting the appropriate transformer taps. Also see Regulating Transformer. The average percent change in output voltage per degree Centigrade change in ambient temperature over a specified temperature range. See also Ambient Temperature. The hardware used to make the electrical input, output, and feed through connections. 1) A condition whereby a cell or battery on charge or discharge will destroy itself through internal heat generation caused by high overcharge or over discharge current or another abusive condition. 2) The critical condition arising during constant potential charging, in which charging current and electrolyte temperature produce a commutative self-reinforcing effect to further increase current and electrolyte temperature. 3) A condition in which a cell or battery on constant-potential charge can destroy itself through internal heat generation. 4) A condition in a power source or component where an increase in temperature increases current flow causing a further increase in temperature, the spiraling effect of which leads to failure. A three or four wire AC source which usually has 1200 vectoral displacement between three of its leads and if there is a fourth wire, 180' displacement between each of the three leads to this common fourth lead. A single, two or three phase AC source with three output leads. Three electromotive forces (voltages) that differ in phase by 1/3 of a cycle, that

Surge Surge Arrester

Symmetrical Sync Sync Null Synchronization Synchronous (Synchronized)

Synchronous Takeover voltage

Tap-Changer

Temperature Coefficient

Termination Thermal Runaway

Three Phase

Three Wire Output Three-Phase

is 1200. Voltage levels are usually the same. Thyristor Time Constant (RC) A Solidstate device that has bistable electrical characteristics. Three common thyristor devices are diacs, silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR's) and triacs. Time period required for the voltage of a capacitor in an RC circuit to increase to 63.2 percent of maximum value or decrease to 36.7 percent of maximum value. The total permissible variation of a quantity from a designated value. The ratio of the root-mean-square (RMS) value of all the harmonics to the rootmean-square (RMS) value of the fundamental usually expressed in percent. The range of combined regulation tolerances such as the effects of input voltage variation, output load variation, temperature variation, drift and other specified variables. It is expressed as a plus/minus percent from nominal. Also called accuracy limits. To switch the output between two or more sources of prime power. In the UPS, the sources are Commercial AC Power and the Battery (AC output power from the Battery via the Inverter). A switch used to transfer a load from one power source to another. Device which transfers energy from one circuit to another by electromagnetic induction. See Isolation Transformer, Step-Down Transformer, Step-Up Transformer An excursion in a given parameter, typically associated with input voltage or output loading. That part of the variation which ultimately disappears in a quantity during transition from one steady-state operating condition to another. The result of a step change in an influence quantity on the steady state values of a circuit. The time required for the output voltage of a power supply to settle within specified output accuracy limits following a transient. Response of a circuit to a sudden change in an input or output quantity. The interval between the time a transient is introduced and the time it returns and remains within a specified amplitude range. Transient voltage is generated when loads energize and deenergize, particularly inductive loads. UPS systems serve to isolate critical loads from the negative results of such transients, such as the peak voltage, the rate of rise of the transient, DV/DT, and the duration of the transient. A bi-directional silicon-controlled switch. 1) A charge at low rate, balancing losses through local action and/or periodic discharge, to maintain a cell or battery in a fully charged condition. 2) A method of recharging in which a secondary cell is either continuously or intermittently connected to a constant-current supply that maintains the cell in a fully or near fully charged condition. 3) The method of long time keeping a charged battery in fully charged state by applying a low constant charge current. 4) A method of maintaining the capacity of the cell by applying a small, constant current to the cell.

Tolerance Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Total Regulation Bank

Transfer

Transfer Switch Transformer

Transient

Transient Effect Transient Recovery Time Transient Response Transient Response Time Transient Voltage

Triac Trickle Charge

Trip Curve

Similar to time-current characteristic curve for fuses except that circuit breakers will often indicate more than one specific region of operation due to the additional features of magnetic trip and thermal trip. Actual power generated or consumed in a circuit. A meter that measures the RMS voltage rather than average or some other value. Circuit containing capacitance, inductance and (optionally) resistance, connected in series or parallel, which when energized at a specific frequency known as its resonant frequency, an interchange of energy occurs between the coil and the capacitor. The length of time that an SCR must be reverse biased to guarantee its turn off. Ratio of the number of turns on the primary winding of a transformer to the number of turns on the secondary winding. A two wire or three wire AC source which exists between two of the leads; vectoral displacement other than 180*. A single or two phase AC source which uses two output leads. A circuit that inhibits the power supply when output voltage falls below a specified minimum, and that sometimes has an audible/visual alarm. A system that converts unregulated input power to voltage and frequency controlled filtered AC power that continues without interruption even with the deterioration of the input AC power. It is commonly referred to as UPS. See also Off Line Power Supply, On Line Power Supply. A device that receives an unregulated AC voltage and rectifies but does not regulate it. A switch (electronic or mechanical, depending on required continuity of power) used to connect, interrupt, isolate, or transfer power flow within a UPS. The commercially available AC feed power from the utility company. The change in the value of a quantity from its mean or typical value. Vital instrumentation and control power systems identified in ANSIAEEE Std. 3081980 or other loads as specified that are important to plant operation or personnel safety, or both. Unit of measurement of electromotive force or potential difference. Symbol E, in electricity; symbol V in semiconductor circuits. Measurement unit of apparent power. A derivative electrical quantity, E, measured in the unit Volts and defined in terms of the independently obtained Ampere, 1, and the unit of resistance, Ohm (R) by Ohms Law E = IR. Tapped or series resistance or impedance across a source voltage to produce multiple voltage. Difference in potential between two points in a passive component or circuit.

True Power True RMS Meter Tuned Circuit

Turn-off Time Turns Ratio Two Phase Two Wire Output Undervoltage Protection Uninterruptible Power Supply System (UPS)

Unregulated Rectifier UPS Switch Utility Power Variation Vital Loads

Volt Volt-Ampere Voltage

Voltage Divider Voltage Drop

Voltage Imbalance Factor Voltage Limit Voltage Monitor Voltage Regulation

The ratio of the amplitudes of the negative-sequence component to the positive-sequence component of the line-to-line output voltage. Maximum or minimum value in a voltage range. A circuit or device that determines whether or not an output voltage is within some specified limits. 1) The process of holding voltage constant between selected parameters, the extent of which is expressed as a percent. 2) The relative percent change of voltage during (cell/ .battery) discharge. See also Regulation A device that controls output voltage within a specific range when the input voltage and connected load are within specified ranges. A power source that tends to deliver constant voltage. A controlled power increase by the UPS from the AC input into the UPS. The time required after a power supply is initially turned on before it operates according to specified performance limits. Process of approaching thermal equilibrium after turn on. The change in output voltage current or frequency of a power source from turn on until it reaches thermal equilibrium at specified operating conditions. Any form of disturbance that exhibits a periodic (repeating) pattern. A representation or expression used to describe the shape of a wave disturbance as observed on a display instrument. Unit of measurement of power equal to 1 joule/sec. (W=EI) Unit of energy measurement, equal to one watt per hour (3600 joules). A conductor wrapped onto a magnetic core or core for, e.g., a transformer primary or secondary. A set of conditions where the combined influences on a system or device are most detrimental. In a three-phase alternating-current system, a wye connection is a method of interconnection the windings of a transformer to a common point. The configuration gets its name from the fact that, in a schematic diagram, it appears like a capital letter Y. The time average of bulk air temperature taken over a period of one year. A diode that makes use of the breakdown properties of a PN junction. If a reverse voltage across the diode is progressively increased, a point will be reached when the current will greatly increase beyond its normal cut-off value to maintain a relatively constant voltage. Either voltage point is called the Zener voltage. The breakdown maybe either the lower voltage Zener effect or the higher voltage avalanche effect. The reverse voltage at which breakdown occurs in a zener diode. Transfer -A transfer between two sources whereas no loss of continuity or

Voltage Regulator Voltage Source Walk-in Warm-up Time Warm-up Warm-up Drift Wave Waveform Waft Watt-Hour Winding Worst Case Condition Wye Connection

Yearly Average Temperature L Zener Diode

Zener Voltage Zero Break

interruption occurs to the output. Zig-Zag Transformer Configuration The connection in star of polyphase windings, each branch of which is made up of windings that generate phase-displaced voltage.