In this edition, we tackle a major problem faced by users of POS computer systems - bad power . We look at the problem, it's causes and how to nip it in the bud. POS operators can reduce down time and save money when they ensure problems they experience are not attributable to bad power.
By Chris Odediran and Dan Scaricaciottoli, with reports from Smartpower and Powervar
One of the greatest threats to the smooth running operation of your POS system is bad electrical power. Power problems can present a serious dilemma, since they are not easily discernable. It usually takes time to identify these power defects when they occur, because most operators are generally oblivious. Bad power is often caused by bad wiring, surges and spikes, substandard equipment, the addition of new equipment or other extraneous factors. POS Systems are generally more susceptible than most other pc networks, or computers used in other industries, because they run continuously. Any instability or fluctuation in the quality of the power provided is greatly magnified.
Whatever may be the cause, the time has come for POS systems owners to eliminate system down time and save money by making sure problems they experience are not attributable to bad power.
Your computer can be damaged by power disturbances in three different ways, called the"3 Ds." They stand for Destruction, Degradation and Disruption.
- Destruction is the most visible of failure modes because it is usually accompanied by burned or charred components and immediate and catastrophic system failure.
- Lower magnitude power disturbances do not cause outright failure. Instead they degrade system components 0 weakening them a little at a time much like rust attacks metal. Usually the damage is not visible until the component fails and then it's too late.
- The lowest magnitude of power disturbances are those that disrupt the computer's ability to make proper logic decisions. These disturbances are associated with normal mode noise and common-mode voltage. These disruptive disturbances are responsible for most of the unexplainable failures that happen from time to time.
Most POS owners are becoming aware of the dangers posed by inferior power installations, and as a result there is an upsurge in the use of power conditioning units. These units filter "dirty" line power into "clean" computer grade power, thus enabling the POS devices to avoid damage caused by voltage or line noise . The fact that new innovations have now brought the price of full-featured power conditioning units down to that of simple surge protectors and UPS's means that dealers, integrators and system owners can cost-effectively reduce unnecessary service calls while increasing profitability.
Most POS technicians can usually spot damage caused by a large power spike, such as a lightening strike. However, the low frequency power surges are more difficult to pinpoint, and often prove almost as devastating. When a low-voltage surge happens, it takes professional equipment to troubleshoot and diagnose these problems quickly. Since most POS providers do not provide electrical services, these problems cause a long and often frustrating troubleshooting procedure.
"Through my years in the POS industry we have constantly battled environmental electrical problems, and erratic unexplainable lock-ups are at the top of the list," observes Stuart Smith, a hardware manager in Missouri , who specializes in system solutions for the hospitality and retail industries.
Oftentimes, line-voltage problems are caused by poor wiring in old buildings. Yet, even new buildings can suffer from the immediate effects of power surges and sags from line-voltage variations within the building, such as when an HVAC system cycles on and off or an refrigeration unit starts and stops. Even attempts to ensure a dedicated circuit cannot always guarantee computer grade power to POS devices.
Nothing else can be on the POS circuit. If equipment such as juke box or neon sign is placed on the same circuit, support issues usually emerge.
Whatever the source, these problems are not generally covered by any maintenance agreement, and contribute to damage that adds up to much more than billable service calls. The overall effect of additional trips, parking, more time spent on the phone, and repairs will most certainly increase your maintenance cost for the following contract.
Here are some dangers that bad power can pose, according to a leading power management provider.
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Common-mode voltage problems Probably the most serious problem facing POS users today, common-mode voltage problems can cause unexplained data losses, glitches, system failures and "no trouble found" service calls. The only way to immunize against common-mode voltage is to install a power conditioner or UPS that has an isolation transformer output. |
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Electrical Noise This problem is spread by electrical neighbors such as electronic lighting ballasts, appliances, printers, photocopiers and even other computers. Over time, and in connection with low-voltage spikes, noise can wear away electrical components and cause them to fail for no apparent reason. |
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Voltage spikes and impulses Like electrical noise, this problem is also spread by equipment inside your facility. When walk- i n refrigerators , blenders or air conditioners stop and start, they can cause sudden large increases in voltage inside the electrical system. Other causes include electric utility switching and lightning strikes (which can cause transients so intense they literally "blow up" sensitive electronics). |
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Voltage regulation In the past, unregulated voltages wreaked havoc with linear power supplies, making it hard for computer-based equipment to function. Failures were common. But thanks to the switch-mode supplies used in today's computers, systems have developed their own immunity to voltage regulation problems. (This immunity is a by-product of the same technology that makes switch mode supplies smaller and more economical). |
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Blackouts Although they're the most visible—and memorable—of power problems , blackouts account for comparatively few power disturbances each year. An uninterruptible power supply (or UPS) will keep your system up and running during a blackout, but it won't immunize against the other power problems. |
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Backdoor disturbances This disturbance infects your system via a pathway you'd least expect: the backdoor. Even though it's not an AC power connection, damaging electrical disturbances can enter electronic systems through modem and phone lines, network connections, and I/O cables. |
How do you protect your computers from power problems?
To start with, if you are just beginning , be sure to get a professional electrician to do the electrical work. If you are already in business, whenever you are installing anything that needs electric power, get professional help. Don't just put a gaming machine or juke box in the same outlet with your POS terminal. Most problems start with the installation and upgrades of new equipment . You should also make sure that you have some form of power protection device, especially on your most critical computer equipment.
Your first line of protection is a surge diverter. Surge diverters take high voltage transients and divert them safely away from your electronic system. Secondly, a low impedance isolation transformer can secure your investment. Transformers eliminate common-mode voltage and ensure that the logic ground (or decision making reference) for the computer is not disturbed. Thirdly, noise filters are important to protect the system from high frequency normal mode noise. These three elements are the foundation for all effective power protection solutions. Battery systems can be added to this foundation, but a UPS without all three of these important elements cannot be a comprehensive power quality device.
In the past, standard surge protectors and power filters have been used to protect against catastrophic high-voltage spikes. However, they are not intelligent enough to handle the relatively small spike and over-voltages that momentarily disrupt POS devices. Some other solutions are prohibitively expensive for use on every POS device.
The new preference for POS protection
In response to the shortcomings of previous attempts to cost-effectively combat dirty power, 
recent technological advancements in the field of power conditioning
have now yielded devices that provide computer grade power a clean, filtered power supply to the POS device at the same price as limited-function surge protectors and expensive traditional filters. These devices are known as transformer based filtering or TBF devices, also called Smart Cords on POS devices. CCProductions offers high grade Smart Cords at competitive prices, which our technicians have installed with amazing results at hundreds of sites. We sell third generation Smart TBF™ equipped with patented " SMART GROUND " technology protection for network systems and ground loop current.
These TBF units stop massive spikes up to 6,000 volts from passing through, but they also guard against the more common small spikes and surges. The circuitry constantly monitors the line power. If it goes too high (>160VAC) for more than five cycles (80 milliseconds), which is powerful enough blow out the power supply and motherboard, for example then it cuts the power off to the protected device.
Our company also provides complete power protection with the Smartpower UPS. The advanced digital Uninterruptible Power Supply range in size from 200VA to 15KVA and when combined with TBF™ protection provide On-Line Power conditioning protection for the price of Off-Line UPS. Smart Power Systems UPS provide 100% protection against high and low voltage spikes, surges brown-outs and black-outs. These units represent the ultimate in power protection for computers, peripherals, multimedia, internet, POS and telecommunications users at exceptional value.
To get more information about power requirements for POS computers:
Call 1-800-507-5554, Option 1, or Fill A Form
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