Power Quality Disturbance Definitions, Classifications and

Applicable Standards
All disturbances relate to voltage unless otherwise stated.
Steady State Disturbances
Incident Type Definition Graphic representation Applicable standards
Magnitude (regulation) Long term level of voltage established
through transformer taps and dynamically
controlled by regulators. Measurement of
voltage magnitude over the long term
serves the basis for the capture and
characterization of other power quality
disturbances.
Presently specified in TSC Appendix 2:and
the IESO Market Rules Appendix
4.1:Voltages below 50kV are maintained in
accordance with CAN/CSA C235
Essentially, systems below 50kV, voltage
levels must be regulated to within +/-6% of
nominal voltage.
Unbalance Condition of the 3 phase power system
where the rms magnitude or phase angle
of the line voltages are not equal. This is
usually determined as a percent of the
ratio of negative sequence component to
positive sequence component.
Presently specified in TSC Appendix 2,
Transmission system unbalances are
limited to 2% (CAN/CSA E 1000 2-2-97).
Harmonics Components of electricity with frequencies
which are an integral multiple of the
fundamental frequency (60Hz). This is
usually expressed in Total Harmonic
Distortion or as individual harmonic order
(frequency) components.
Presently specified in TSC Appendix 2as
respecting the limitations in Table 11.1
Voltage Distortion Limits Std. IEEE 519-
1992.
Flicker Periodic fluctuation of voltage that results
in flicker of lighting, particularly
incandescent lighting. This is typically
causes by fluctuating loads such as hoists,
reciprocating pumps, arc furnaces, etc.
Presently specified in TSC Appendix 2 Ref
5.: Magnitude/limit points-on-a-curve.
Event-based (Transient) Disturbances
Incident Type Definition Graphic representation Applicable standards
Dip (Sag) A momentary reduction of voltage
magnitude relative to nominal or pre-event
voltage magnitude. This can occur in any
combination of phases.
Voltage dip is characterized by minimum
voltage magnitude and duration of dip
event.
Currently, there are no applicable
standards referenced in the TSC.
Swell A momentary increase of voltage
magnitude relative to nominal or pre-event
voltage magnitude. This can occur in any
combination of phases.
Voltage swell is characterized by
maximum swell voltage magnitude and
duration of swell event.
Currently, there are no applicable
standards referenced in the TSC.
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Transient A very brief (<0.5 cycle) fluctuation in the
magnitude of voltage. The primary causes
of transients are switching events and
lightning, either direct strike or induced
current. Depending on their severity
(magnitude and/or energy), these events
may cause equipment damage.
TSC Appendix 2, specifies that "All
Equipment shall be able to withstand
capacitor switching surges that transiently
increase voltage to twice normal levels.
Sustained voltage changes shall be limited
to 4% for capacitor switching events and
10% for line switching events."
At present, there is no single universal
method for the measurement and
characterization of voltage transients.
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