How to Solve Power Problems Affecting SCADA and PLC Reliability

Reliable power is required for continuous, reliable operation of System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment, including the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), sensors and associated software.  SCADA systems are very sensitive to power problems disturbances such as high voltage transients, surges, spikes, sags and common mode noise.  The problems often result in SCADA and PLC failures and interruptions.  Furthermore, these systems are incorporated into applications like oil/gas (e.g., pipelines), wastewater treatment and ITS/transportation that are often in locations subject to hot and/or cold temperatures as well as environmental conditions like humidity, dust and rain.

It is a fact that an industrial online Uninterruptible Power Supply is the most reliable solution to solve the widest range of power problems and ensure continuous, reliable power to the SCADA systems outside of a temperature-controlled office environment.  By topology design, an industrial online UPS is the only solution that can regenerate new clean AC power.  The industrial online UPS is specifically designed with rugged components to withstand temperature ranges of at least -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F).  Finally there are options, such as enclosures and conformal coating of boards for outdoor applications.  In contrast, a typical UPS is UL rated for 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) and therefore can only be safely used in a temperature-controlled environment.  It is not capable of solving the scope of power problems affecting industrial SCADA/PLC systems.

To learn more about this topic, you can read the following:

How Power Problems affect PLC Reliability

How to Protect Pipeline SCADA Systems with Industrial UPS

UPS Systems Keep Water Facilities Operating Reliably

Industrial & Outdoor UPS

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