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Which UPS is Best for Home? Your Guide to Choosing a UPS

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UPS systems come in different designs and use different methods to support varying backup loads. Find out which one is best for your home here.

Choosing the Right UPS for Your Home.

The reality we face is a world where load shedding happens almost daily. An uninterruptible power supply is one of the best investments you can make in a world where many of us work and function online. Keep everything running during a power failure. Make a cup of tea and carry on working with the right UPS for your home.

You can protect sensitive electronics with uninterrupted power supply. Make sure your LCD screen and Wi-Fi router stays on when you experience power cuts. Avoid dangerous surges by maintaining a constant power supply even when power failures occur in your area. Automatic voltage regulation can increase the lifespan of your expensive electronics.

There are 3 Different Types of Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems

  1. Offline UPS systems.
  2. Line-interactive UPS systems.
  3. Online double-conversion UPS.

Voltage? Price? Size? You Get What You Pay for When Buying a UPS.

Many surge protection systems sold in South Africa are imported from China. Large international manufacturers use the same Chinese manufacturer with a couple of tweaks to make make it their own. The three key UPS systems use different technologies for the best backup power solutions.

1. Offline UPS Devices

Offline UPS systems have a battery charger large enough to charge the UPS battery. This UPS system runs off battery power, which is key to power the whole system. The inverter is unable to run at its rated VA capacity for long periods.

It is designed to the limits of the inverter’s components. Offline UPS Systems usually start overheating after about 20 minutes. Your offline UPS system is the one most households buy.

When investing in a UPS system, it is advisable to do your homework first. This will avoid disappointment. PHD Powerhouse offers a range of UPS systems to fit a variety of requirements.

Your offline UPS system is always switched off, except when it is charging the battery. The inverter will connect in a couple of seconds and feed the connected load with its inverter. This takes place until the battery runs flat.

Most IT loads are not affected by the switch-on time of the inverter. An offline UPS is inexpensive and an easy solution for backup loads. It cannot, however, handle heavy loads such as kettles and geysers.

2. Line Interactive UPS Protection

Line-interactive UPSs have a battery charger that only charges the UPS backup battery. The inverter is always on. This does not supply the load.

Your line interactive UPS system follows the mains AC supply. If the mains AC supply goes down, your Line Interactive UPS System takes over. The inverter is on the switch-on to inverter time. The switch on time is shorter and more user-friendly for sensitive loads.

Your line-interactive UPS system is usually fitted with an AVR (automatic voltage regulator). This device will help regulate the mains supply feeding the load under normal power supply conditions. It is therefore more stable.

3. Online Double-Conversion Uninterrupted Power Supply

An online double-conversion UPS system is your top-of-range UPS backup system. Enjoy ultimate power stability for critical loads that are connected to your UPS device. Your online double-conversion UPS system will work for long periods with superior battery life.

This is the best solution when you next experience a power outage. You need not worry that your sensitive equipment will get damaged with superior battery backup. If this UPS system is in your price range, you should consider investing in one. This will work for longer periods.

Why you Should Invest in a UPS. Your Number One Partner to Help in the Dark!

Experiencing power cuts? Now you can keep working, make that special cup of tea, and carry on like nothing is happening. It’s all possible with the right UPS device.

We have our footprint in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. South Africans from all walks of life are making use of superior products from PHD Powerhouse. And you can too!

Find out more today about PHD’s excellent range of UPS systems. Never get left in the dark again with our power.

Sources: standbysystems;

protect electronics during outages

How to Protect Your Electronics During Outages

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Are you worried about how load-shedding and power surges can damage your electronics? Here’s how you can protect them.

You can easily protect your sensitive electronic equipment from being damaged. Surges are guilty of zapping your electrical appliances and sensitive electronics. You can now avoid damaging your electronics by applying a couple of smart steps. We tell you how simple the process is.

You Can Put Your Mind At Rest With These Suggestions

  • You would probably find that there is an invisible enemy harming your devices without even realising it.
  • The culprit could be anything from lightning strikes, power dips, and spikes to brownouts or blackouts.
  • Electrical surges can damage your electronics too. These will  overload and short out the circuitry. This could then damage all your sensitive electronic equipment.
  • An invisible culprit may harm your devices, or they can degrade them. This could take place over a long period.
  • It is time to learn more about saving your money and protect your property.

Learn more about surges. Save money and protect your property.

Do You Want to Protect Your Devices Any Way Possible?

  • You need to install a surge protection device, which is a good idea. These are also referred to as SPDs.
  • It is so easy for you to take action. You can protect your devices by limiting transient voltages.
  • Your device is protected by installing SPDs. This takes place through the diversion and limitation of surging currents.
  • An SPD can also repeat these functions as specified.
  • We often refer to SPDs as Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors or Secondary Surge Arrestors.

Have you ever wondered what it looks like? Will it really help me?

  • You soon will learn that your SPD looks similar to a regular plug strip.
  • You need to know that your plug strip does not automatically offer protection from surges, so be alert to this challenge.
  • Unless it specifically says so, don’t assume your plug strip offers surge protection.
  • You can also install specific electrical outlets. These should offer your electronic adequate surge protection.
  • Surge protection outlets are useful in locations where there isn’t room for a plug-in surge protector. This could, for example, be a countertop in a kitchen.

Contact Us Today to Protect Your Electrical Devices! You can get a free quote on a range of devices – just send us a message. Or you could call us in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban. PHD Powerhouse is offering clients reliable power solutions in a world where power supply is challenging!

 

load shedding survival kit

Your Ultimate Load Shedding Survival Kit

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Do you wish you had a survival kit when the lights go out? Here’s our ultimate guide.

The lights have gone out – again – and you are wondering how you could make this better? Are you sick and tired of searching for the candles and dying for a cup of tea, but everything works off electricity? It is time to get smart, think outside the box, and compile a clever DIY load shedding survival kit.

Want More Light? Let Your Toolkit Do the Trick.

Don’t get left in the dark when load shedding catches you by surprise!

You need not be left in the dark when load shedding catches you by surprise and leaves you in the dark. Instead, you can put a handy DIY load shedding survival kit together to make it a pleasant experience.

Want to Make Your Very Own? Here’s How:

1. First Aid Kit.

You will need a first aid kit for emergencies. If you or one of your family members or staff has an accident, you will be pleased with this addition.

2. Matches or Lighter.

You have all the candles you need – but do you have matches or a lighter?

3. LED Torch.

First things first, though. You should have an LED torch for the first light source. Battery-powered LED lights and torches will give you enough emergency light. Your family members should each have their own emergency light and torch. Torches and LED lights are far safer than candles.

4. Charge Your LED.

You need to charge your LED lights and torches between bouts of blackouts. And you need spare batteries for battery-powered lights and torches.

5. Candle Stash.

Candles are a pleasant change from harsh lights when taking a leisurely bath or while eating dinner.

6. Primus Stove & Gas Lamp.

Investing in a small gas lamp or primus stove is great for providing warm water for coffee and warm light for conversation.

7. Invest in Power Banks or An Alternative Supply of Power.

Often, you could keep working on your laptop and keep charging your phone without too much expense. Solar power systems and generators are not the only options. Affordable power alternatives like a UPS can make a big difference and won’t cost too much.

Remember to Address These Challenges

  1. You might need to locate your emergency kit in the dark. You will need to keep it within your grasp. Once you’ve checked your load shedding schedule, ensure all your family members know where to find it.
  2. Keep your laptop and phone charged. Should your battery run flat, many LED lights have USB ports. These are significant investments.
  3. Be sure to keep some cash handy and your car’s petrol tank filled. Load shedding could also adversely affect petrol stations and ATMs during power outages.
  4. Keeping your phone charged all the time is important. This is important for emergencies and not only for when the lights go out. Make sure you’ve topped up your airtime.
  5. Don’t let load shedding get you down. Take advantage of spending quality time with your loved ones.

Act Now and Get a Quote Today!

Contact us today for a quote! Keep your electronic devices and lights on with a range of products we offer. Phone PHD Powerhouse in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban for the best advice. Or send us a message and we’ll get back to you regarding our reliable power solutions.

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How to Stop Losing Money Because of Load Shedding

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Rolling blackouts are here to stay. This is not doing small businesses in South Africa any favours. These power cuts can cost us. A diesel generator might seem like a good solution, but a generator can be noisy, and it may not address all the issues we face with sudden power cuts, such as power surges. 

We Are Experiencing a Power Crisis. What Can Be Done? 

Load shedding is not doing our economy any favours. Least of all small to medium businesses. The economy in South Africa is growing, and with it, the electricity demand is increasing. Many small business owners are losing customers and revenue every time the power goes off. 

Some small business owners claim they are losing as much as 20% in revenue. We need to think out of the box and ask ourselves how we can fix the challenges we face with a power utility that has become unreliable. 

Switching Over to Solar Can Save Your Revenue 

Power disruptions are debilitating. We face power surges, blackouts, and brownouts regularly. But there are certain steps to take to avoid further city power challenges. Solar can be a feasible solution that addresses all the challenges arising from constant load shedding. 

5 Reasons Why Switching to Solar Is a Good Move 

It is time to switch to solar. This could benefit your small to medium business on many levels. Here are 5 benefits to consider: 

  • Solar power is environmentally friendly. Coal-fired electricity uses non-renewable resources, whereas solar uses renewable resources to produce energy and power your electricity needs. 
  • If more small businesses and companies are using solar solutions, the national load would be far less. 
  • Using solar power for your company is more reliable than the state-owned electricity utility. 
  • Solar systems are more attainable to business owners than they are to the domestic market. You can get a tax reduction for installing solar in your business. 
  • You can save money by using solar instead of government utilities because there are no increases in electricity bills. 

It’s Time to Switch to Solar for Your Business 

Power outages in South Africa are a reality. Load shedding isn’t going anywhere. Don’t risk losing revenue because of our unreliable power utility. 

Installing solar power to run your business is a step in the right direction. The impact of load will no longer be an ongoing challenge. Microbusinesses rely on every Rand spent. 

Widespread load shedding needs to be addressed. Why rely on state-owned electricity power, if you can make a difference? We should all be resourceful by tackling this challenge head-on. 

 

UPS system

This Guide to the Workings of UPS is All You Need to Know

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How Does an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Work?

We often refer to UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) as battery backup systems. These provide backup power when we experience a range of power conditions from our regular power source. If you experience surges, power outages, load shedding, or other anomalies, you may need a UPS to protect your electronic devices.

They are a great standby when voltage levels drop, and we experience power anomalies that could damage sensitive electronics. UPS systems allow the safe shutdown of your PC and other equipment to avoid damage. When there is a power failure, you may also get a limited time-period to work or complete tasks before shutting down your computers.

The design and the size of your UPS system all depend on how long users need a power supply. Each size has a different runtime. Assess your power requirements before choosing the size you need.

How Much Uninterruptible Power Supply Will I Need?

Different UPS configurations provide varying levels of power protection from power surges, outages, and other anomalies. Here are a few of the most common options, their efficiency, and their ideal usage.

Topology of a Standby UPS System

1. Standby UPS is the most basic of UPS systems.

2. The system resorts to battery backup power when we experience common power problems. Common problems include dips and spikes, blackouts, and brownouts.

3. When the power utility dips or spikes, the uninterruptible power supply switches your power to the battery. This then inverts the power to AC power which runs any equipment connected.

Topology of a Line UPS System

1. A UPS Line system incorporates technology that corrects minor power fluctuations. These include under-voltage and over-voltage case scenarios.

2. The Line UPS System corrects these without switching to battery power.

Your Line UPS System has an autotransformer that regulates the voltage.

4. We usually use Line UPS Systems for electrical equipment such as gaming systems, home theatre systems, and other electronic equipment needing protection.

5. Your Line-Interactive UPS system provides stable power when we have power spikes or dips. This system does not offer maximum protection.

Topology of a Double-Conversion UPS System

1. You will enjoy consistent, clean, and almost perfect uninterrupted power using a double-conversion UPS system.

2. You will get real power 100% of the time with this technology which operates on isolated DC power.

3. Your connected load and all critical loads are protected with a double-conversion UPS system.

4. Protected electrical apparatus loads include IT (Information Technology) equipment, data center installations, high-end servers, large telecom installations, and storage applications.

5. Expect nothing short of maximum reliability with these high-power rectifiers. Load levels caused by power blackouts, dips, and overvoltage surges are protected.

Why UPS Systems Play a Necessary Role

Basic features and input power factors play a role in UPS systems. There is a wide range of UPS options that will offer maximum reliability and a supply of electricity when the power goes out. This is also the case for when the utility power returns.

Ensure your supply of electricity is uninterrupted until normal operations return. You can achieve this with these power inverters. Looking for a UPS? We have an extensive range of products and options to suite every budget and need.

 

load shedding tips and tricks

How to Prevent Damage to Your Electronics during Load Shedding

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Load shedding has become part of our lives. You need to do everything possible to prevent damaging your electronic devices. The best protection against damage due to power surges is prevention. Ensure you unplug all sensitive equipment and remove all your appliances from plugs and electrical outlets when you know load shedding is about to start or if there are lightning storms brewing.

We show you how to protect your electronic equipment by investing in simple devices that will do the job efficiently. Installing protective devices is a smart move. These include surge protectors and a UPS power supply with a surge protector.

Load shedding is part of our lives. How to protect my devices when the lights go out:

We have learned to live with load shedding; or have we? Your devices need protection from the instability of the power grid. Load shedding can and will reduce the longevity of your electrics. Load shedding will damage sensitive electrical appliances and devices either short or long-term.

Disconnect everything before load shedding begins or while it is happening. This will avoid potential problems from arising when the power goes off switches back on. There are many ways to protect electronics. Disconnecting is perhaps the best and cheapest preventative measure. The most damage happens when the power comes back on. This is when the power surges throughout your grid supply and electrical equipment.

How can I benefit from investing in regulators, UPS systems, and inverters?

Your best protection against damage is investing in inexpensive power strips. Simply plug and play. Power strips have built-in protection against surges. You can buy these surge protection devices at a nominal cost from most electrical outlets and hardware shops.

You can also get a surge protector installed on your main electrical board (or your electrical distribution board). An electrician should install it for your protection. Surge protectors for your plug adaptors are easy to find and easier to install. You don’t need an electrician to install these. Simply plug and play.

Now might be the right time to shop around for new insurance.

Does your insurance cover electronic damage because of power cuts, power surges, lightning strikes, and other damage? If not, it might be time to source more comprehensive cover. Examine the fine print on your policy to make sure it covers power outages and resulting damage to equipment before you sign.

We are making a difference in protecting your electrical equipment.

Don’t leave protecting your electronics to chance. Our wide range of devices at PHD Powerhouse will ensure we keep your electrical devices out of harm’s way.

Call us today without delay to protect your expensive equipment against all power eventualities.

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Ways to Keep the Lights on During Load Shedding in South Africa

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How can we stay connected in a disconnected world? Use these smart tips.

We are working from home, studying from home, and shopping online. When the lights go down during load shedding, our lives grind to a halt. It is time to do something when we experience a loss of power. Failure to do so could cause a disruption in your daily operations. Eskom has warned us that cuts will be something we are going to deal with as South Africa’s power grid remains under pressure.

Reliability is the key to staying connected in South Africa. What level of efficiency are we seeking when load shedding takes place? Staying connected nowadays is a challenge. We show you how to stay connected, even if Eskom imposes debilitating cuts. All industries will benefit from these tips, regardless of size. We can manage power failures and keep our power on despite load shedding.

A UPS System Can Keep You and Your Small Enterprise Connected

You can keep everything on by protecting your devices. Invest in a program that backs up your data and make sure it saves your work in the cloud to protect your files. This level of efficiency will take your business to the next level and ensure you never lose an important document ever again.

Invest in UPS equipment to prevent damage to your electronic devices. Your UPS battery back-up system is a brilliant way to keep your networking functioning during outages. Install UPS systems for each person to keep functioning. You can also connect certain electrical devices to one UPS system, and the rest to another.

Use one for each of your computers, television sets, and other devices. These usually consume an exorbitant amount of power. Use a smaller UPS system for the balance of your equipment.

Many companies and households have generators to keep operating during an outage. These are run off batteries or fuel, depending on the size and make. Others use solar panels to supplement their power during rotational power cuts like the load shedding we’re experiencing.

Consider Safety First in Your Small Business When the Power Goes Out

You and your team members need to know what to do when load shedding hits. You need to keep the loss of revenue to a minimum. There should be a plan of action in place for emergencies.

Do something smart and keep your lights on. Do more by keeping your internet connection functioning. PHD Powerhouse offers UPS systems that will ensure your network keeps functioning during load shedding.

UPS devices have come a long way. We have created them to maximise your internet connectivity when you experience outages in South Africa. Our backup power and range of batteries will keep you connected. This source of backup power will have enough runtime to ensure you keep functioning.

We’re Here to Help Keep You Connected

PHD Powerhouse offers you a wide range of UPS systems (Uninterruptible Power Supply), and batteries to assist. Keep everything running by applying smart methods. The right size of batteries and devices will keep you up and running for a couple of hours until the power returns.

These power packs will prepare you. We offer a wide range of batteries and UPS sizes. Generators also have their place to keep the lights on. It will all depend on the number of electrical devices you are planning to connect to the UPS system.

Use power banks (portable chargers) to keep you connected. This will ensure it does not affect you during Eskom power outages. Be sure to check your schedule. This will give you the advantage. Blackouts are not pleasant. The more ready you are, the better. Electricity plays an integral part in our lives.

 

Load shedding, it seems, is here to stay. The question is which system works best for you. Learn more about what we offer by calling us. Let us take a load off your shoulders with device options to suite your needs.

 

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How to Fight Load Shedding in 2021

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As load shedding becomes an everyday occurrence, you can apply many smart hacks. This will keep you happy and functioning. Eskom has upped its game and load shedding seems to be here to stay. At least for the immediate future. 

We cannot do anything about load shedding, but we can make it a more comfortable experience when it happens. Power outages are influencing the way we are working online. Load shedding plays havoc on our devices. 

Five Smart Things to Do When the Lights Go Out 

1. Go Solar. 

Installing a solar geyser is the most cost-effective thing you will ever do. It will save you an untold amount of money. Investing in solar lights makes sense, especially on the perimeter of your property.  

2. LED is the Smart Way to Light Up. 

LED lights are easy to buy at your local hardware store. They will give you enough light when you are plunged into darkness during load shedding. Keep them charged to ensure they offer you enough lighting. Many come with USB ports that will solve your recharging issues.  

3. Think Out of the Box. 

Charging all your electronic devices, phones, PCs, and laptops will give you opportunities to keep busy during load shedding. You can listen to music, watch movies, and keep connected when the lights go out. It is important to load an App so that they always keep you in the loop when to expect load shedding. Forewarned is forearmed.  

4. Protect Your Electronics. 

Unplugging your cable is the cheapest way to protect your electronic equipment. Unplug these from the walls as a socket plugged in is still live. This applies to power surges, which is one of the biggest causes of damaging equipment.  

5. Make Load Shedding Easier.  

It is easy and effective to get a multi-plug with a built-in fuse. It is a simple concept. When surges occur, it will activate the fuses inside the plug. This is a circuit-breakers and cuts the connection to the mains. This will save any appliances or equipment connected to the plug.  

6. The PHD Powerhouse Difference  

Making a difference to the way you protect your electrical equipment and keep the lights on is what we do best. From solar to surge protection devices, UPS, and more. We are making a difference in the way you live and the way we operate online. Get a quote today and make a difference to your life by keeping the lights on and glowing in an otherwise dark world. 

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Everything You Need to Know About Protecting Your Electronics

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Load shedding is here to stay. Your electrical appliances have probably experienced surges. Load shedding has had a negative effect on many electrical appliances. This has caused untold damage.  

5 Ways to Protect Expensive Electronics 

  1. Always unplug all your equipment. By unplugging your equipment, you will remove the power source. We experience damage to our appliances through power surges. The best protection is through prevention.  
  2. Invest in Surge Protectors. Protection devices are a lifesaver for sensitive equipment. A smart idea is investing in a surge protector plug with adaptors. You can use surge protection for your devices and also for your mains board. Surge protectors protect your equipment from excessive energy. It will redirect surges to the earth wire in your surge protector.  
  3. Get a UPS. Investing in a UPS is worth your while. Many of us are working from home and rely on the internet to work and study. During load shedding, we lose time, and time is money. UPS devices are vital for electronics. These include your modem, PC, phones, and router. Your UPS is a brilliant solution for isolating and filtering power surges. Protect your devices in any way you can from surges and outages.  
  4. Check your insurance policy. Are you protected from damage if your electric equipment gets damaged? Now is the time to read the fine print on your insurance policy schedule. This way you will find out exactly what they do and what they do not protect when damaged.  
  5. Use surge protection strips. Surge protecting strips are a great way to protect your electronics. This is a fast, simple solution to protect your appliances. Simply plug and play. The fuses in a power strip come with a built-in surge protector. The fuse fails when the power spikes. Thus, cutting off power to your appliances. This is a great way to protect your devices and equipment.  

PHD Powerhouse Sheds Light on Ways to Protect Your Electronics  

Load shedding is a reality, and it is here to stay. PHD Powerhouse is shedding light on ways to protect all your electronic equipment and devices. By installing simple devices at a nominal cost, you can save the day. At PHD Powerhouse, we are shedding the light on simple ways to make a big difference. We can guide you in ways to ensure your equipment won’t get damaged. 

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Why Protecting Your Devices Will Save You Money

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You need to get smart by applying inexpensive safety measures. This will protect all your electrical devices. The instability in the power supply can wreak havoc on sensitive electrical equipment and could cause extensive damage. Your insurance service provider might not cover this expense. Check the fine print so that you know what they will cover. 

Surge protectors and UPS devices are more popular than ever before. You need to protect your devices during power outages. When our devices turn off during power outages, we need to shut them down in the correct way.  

Many smart devices have microprocessors. Once the utility restores power, smart devices could become damaged. The result could be catastrophic for your devices. Internal hardware failure could occur.  

No Questions Asked – Surge Protectors are a Life Saver  

You might find that a surge protector will do the job well if you have a smart refrigerator or television set. You could save yourself thousands of Rands by investing in a surge protection device that costs a nominal amount.  

We need to replace surge protectors from time to time. It is not smart to invest in a second-hand power surge. We measure our surge protectors in joules. The more kilojoules, the more effective the surge protectors are.  

You can buy a surge protector online or from any electronics or computer outlet store. Surge protectors check the electrical flow that reaches appliances. These surge protectors are practical. They will protect a single or many electrical devices.  

The surge protector is a must for protection against lightning. They are also useful for protection against the instability of the power supply. Surge protectors will divert power flow away from electrical equipment.  

Why in the World Would You Not Use a UPS Device  

Your UPS device is a lifesaver when the lights go out. UPS devices are battery back-up systems that power your devices from a few minutes to a few hours. These devices will ensure you can log off your computers and save any work you are busy with. Powering devices off in a safe manner is of paramount importance to avoid damaging your equipment.  

The PHD Powerhouse Difference  

We are making a difference at PHD Powerhouse. Now, more than ever before, keeping the lights on is important. You need to protect your devices to avoid any nasty surprises. Power off in the correct manner when you experience an erratic power supply.