A power conditioner (also known as a line conditioner or power line conditioner) is a device intended to improve the “quality” of the power (see power quality) that is delivered to electrical load equipment. While there is no official definition of a power conditioner, the most common usage of the term refers to a device that acts in one or more ways to deliver a voltage of the proper level and characteristics to enable load equipment to function properly. In some usages, “power conditioner” refers to a voltage regulator with at least one other function to improve power quality (e.g. noise suppression, transient impulse protection, etc.).

The terms “power conditioning” and “power conditioner” are misnomers, however they have been accepted in common usage to convey an image to those not intimately familiar with electrical theory. It is voltage rather than electric power that is being acted upon, and “conditioning” is actually the control and adjustment of the voltage.

Power conditioners can vary greatly in terms of specific functionality and size with both parameters generally determined by the application. Some power conditioners provide only minimal voltage regulation while others provide protection from half a dozen or more power quality problems. Units can come in sizes small enough to mount on a printed circuit board to units big enough to protect the largest factories.

Small power conditioners are rated in volt-amps (VA) while larger units are rated in kilo-volt-amps (kVA). While no single power conditioner can correct all power quality problems, many can correct a variety of power quality problems.

It is not unusual to find that audio power conditioners may only include an electronic filter and a surge protector with no voltage regulating capability.

See also

References

Dugan, Roger C.; Mark McGranaghan, Surya Santoso, H. Wayne Beaty (2003). Electrical Power Systems Quality. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.. ISBN 0-07-138622-X. 

Meier, Alexandra von (2006). Electric Power Systems: A Conceptual Introduction. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. ISBN 978-0-471-17859. 

http://electronic-components.globalspec.com/LearnMore/Electrical_Electronic_Components/Power_Supplies_Conditioners/Power_Conditioners

http://www.nemasurge.com/glossary.html#linecond

http://www.alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/p012454.hcsp

http://www.blackhillspower.com/glossary.htm

http://www.conedsolutions.com/Business/Educational+Content/Glossary.htm

http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/glossary/

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