National Association of Broadcasters Engineering Handbook, 10th Edition

CHAPTER 9.4 Standby Power Systems

GEOFFREY A. KRENKEL, P.E.

John-Winston Engineers & Consultants, Inc. Loch Arbour, New Jersey*

INTRODUCTION

When utility company power problems are discussed, most people immediately think of blackouts. The lights go out, and everything stops. With the facility down and in the dark, there is nothing to do but sit and wait until the utility company finds the problem and corrects it. This process generally takes only a few minutes. There are times, however, when it can take hours. In some remote locations, it can even take days.

Because there is no way of predicting where or when a power outage will occur, therefore, an alternative power source should be available at all times. Today’s broadcast facility engineers ...