Sound Advice by Brent Handy Contributing Writer August 31, 2008
We have entered the "storm season" here in the
bible-belt. With storms come the most unpredictable,
and second most deadly force, lightning. Lightning is
not the only concern. Equipment in your facility can
malfunction and cause similar damage. Your audio,
video, computer, phone, security and other electronic
systems can easily be destroyed by lighting, a strong
surge, or static electricity. Electronics with
"chips" are especially vulnerable, because of their
micro geometry's inherent inability to absorb
transient energy.
Surges (transients) are abnormally high, quick pulses
that substantially exceed the normal operating voltage
of a circuit. Surges are generally random. They can
last anywhere from a billionth of a second to a few
thousandths of a second.
A direct lightning strike to a structure has no
defense!
Near misses that hit power service poles, where the
equipment itself does not receive the direct discharge
have a defense. The surge/spike will enter the
equipment through the building wiring. The Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) compiled
research on lighting induced surges outside and inside
buildings. The results of this research is documented
in C62.41-1991. Research shows that because of
arc-over at the service entrance and within the
building wiring, the maximum voltage that reaches a
110V outlet is 6000V. The maximum current is 3000A. If
a typical 20,000 amp lightning strike occurs up to 1/2
mile away from your facility, the electric and
magnetic fields surrounding that strike would induce
hundreds of volts into your AC wiring.
Any equipment with an inductor (motor, transformer,
coil) like a refrigerator or air conditioner, create a
back-feeding EMF when the inductor is switched off.
The EMF voltage can be several times that of the
original voltage prior to being switched off. These
are short transients. The transients can cause
similar damage to lightning. Sometimes the damage is
degrading circuits over time, only to rear its ugly
head in the worst possible moment. I have
experienced this personally.
Experiencing Worship, The Study
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
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The Paul Langford Project
This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.