PF = W / VA

The power factor is the ratio of real power (W) to the apparent power (VA) in the circuit. The higher the number, the more efficient the circuit. In most practical applications the power factor figure is between 0.50 and 0.90.

Real power is the capacity of the circuit to perform work (watts). Apparent power is simply the product of the voltage and current (volt amps) of the circuit. Due to energy stored in the load or due to a non-linear load, the apparent power (volt amps) will be greater than the real power (watts).

Why is this important? A load with a low power factor needs more current to do the same amount of work than a load with a high power factor. This will lead to higher operating  costs and may require higher capital costs for equipment with higher current ratings.

When researching UPS battery backup for a specific application, look at the specifications of the models being considered. Compare units based on the cost of work capacity per dollar (watts / $).

"Run time” refers to the amount of time a UPS will provide power once the main utility power is interrupted. Standard battery run time for a common UPS is around 5 to 10 minutes under full load and about twice that under half load. (Run times are often quoted as minutes under full and half load.)

The battery run time during a power outage is a function of the current load placed on the battery and the size of the battery. The demand for current by the equipment being powered is expressed in "amps”. The amount of "juice” stored in a battery is expressed in terms of "amp-hours”. (One amp-hour is a current flow of one amp for one hour.) If you want to know how long a given set of equipment will operate off a UPS battery, add up the current in amps that the equipment will pull and divide the amp hours of the UPS by that number. (e.g. A ½ amp load on a 2 amp-hour battery will run for 4 hours.)

So, it makes sense that the smaller the load relative to the size of the battery the longer the run time. Over-sizing a UPS relative to the load is one way to get extended run time. Some UPS models allow special external battery packs to be connected to the UPS to extend run times. Check with your supplier or the product specifications.

A battery will not provide full voltage through its entire rated amp-hour life. Some reduction in voltage will occur at the end of the functional operation of the battery, just as a flashlight becomes dim but still works. Some UPSs will provide automatic shutdown or alarm when this voltage decline is imminent. So, if you have a specific required battery run time in case of a power outage, it’s best to have a bit of amp-hour head room on top of what you calculate.

"Middle market” and top of the line UPSs have replaceable batteries. Since even continually charged batteries have a limited service life of three to five years, being able to replace them is a nice feature. UPS batteries pose no danger with normal operation. But, they should be disposed of properly.

Recent advances in battery technology provide choices in battery designs for various applications and price points.  Lead acid  batteries are heavy and are the most common type used. A 600 watt UPS weighs around 30 pounds. A 2200 watt unit weighs around 80 pounds.  

Simple and sophisticated UPSs alike have warning indicators for loss of main utility power and for low battery power. A warning will also indicate when the battery is reaching the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. In some UPS models the battery status can be remotely monitored over RS232 or Ethernet communication links.

From Alkaline to Zinc, there are many types of batteries. Some have practical application. Some are only experimental. All are used as a means to store electricity.

Since the beginning of the Space Program and, now, with development of electric cars and solar power, battery technology has evolved in general and in certain specialized applications.

SEALED LEAD ACID

Most UPSs in support of computers and other digital processing equipment rely on lead acid batteries. Those use the same technology as the battery in a gasoline powered car. Invented in 1859, the lead acid battery is reliable and inexpensive. Unfortunately, it is heavy and large for the amount of power it  can produce compared to several other battery types. Some lead acid batteries require maintenance to keep liquid electrolyte levels up. Batteries in UPSs do not require maintenance.

LITHIUM IRON

Recent rapid growth in the use of lithium iron batteries began in 1991 when Sony commercialized that technology.  By many comparisons to advancing technology, this is a well developed and mature battery design. Lithium iron is a low maintenance, high energy density type of battery technology. Most of today's mobile phones run on a single LiFe cell.

The most economical lithium iron battery in terms of cost-to-energy ratio is the cylindrical 18650 (used in the Juice Goose SL-350 UPS). The name derives from its dimension,18mm x 65mm (0.7" x 2.5"). Picture a larger AA battery. This is a very adaptable and reliable battery design. It's a truly amazing fact that the Tesla "battery" is made from strings and bricks and layers of over 6,800 of these individual 18650 cells. 

Like all battery technologies lithium iron batteries call for proper application and management. They require a protection circuit to limit the peak voltage during charge and to control voltage and current on discharge. In addition, the cell temperature should be managed to avoid extremes. Storage and/or use in a temperature controlled environment will increase the life of the battery.  But, LiFe battery technology certainly provides a small, economical and powerful alternative to lead acid and other existing options.

AC power surges and interference can enter electronic systems through two different pathways or "modes”. Power conditioning devices are designed to be comprehensive solutions to such problems while single purpose surge protectors such as series mode devices are designed to be functional for a limited set of AC power problems.

Normal Mode power disturbances enter the computer using the path provided by the line (hot) and neutral conductors. Normal mode disturbances are most often associated with lightning, utility grid switching, facility load cycling, and similar events. Large normal mode events are relatively rare but can cause power supply or other hardware failures.

Common Mode power disturbances occur between ground and either line or neutral. Such events occur frequently. They may not be as dramatic or destructive as normal mode surges. But, their affect on electronic equipment operation can be significant.

Juice Goose RX Series power conditioning products protect against major voltage spikes and surges as well as more frequent and less visible ground line (common mode) disturbances. Ground line protection is important because very low levels of common mode interference can disrupt the operation of a digital processor based electronic equipment such as communication equipment, digital signal processors (DSPs) and computers. Unreliable operation, lockups, and "soft” failures occur far more frequently because of ground line interference than hardware damage from normal mode surges.

Power problems affect your system in three different ways:

Destruction:

A large power disturbance literally "blows up” or destroys a trace on a circuit board or a semiconductor device (e.g. transistor or integrated circuit). Destructive disturbances can enter an electronic system via either normal or common mode, but are most often associated with normal mode pathways. Destructive power disturbances are the easiest to identify since they leave visible evidence of their occurrence – smoke, soot, and charred components. Establishing cause and effect is easy with destructive events.

Degradation:

Lower amplitude power disturbances enter an electronic system and affect a semiconductor at a microscopic level. Solid state junctions are designed to operate at small voltages. Degrading power disturbances often exceed the voltage tolerances of the material. Erosion of the semiconductor material occurs (much like rust damages metal) leaving less of the semiconductor material to handle the current needs of the circuit. Higher operating temperatures are the result. Damage from degrading events tends to be cumulative. Eventually so much damage occurs that the semiconductor junction experiences "thermal runaway” and fails. Establishing cause and effect may be difficult or impossible since there are no visible failure indications.

Disruption:

Binary logic of digital processors operates on strings of 1s and 0s based on very rapid fluctuations of low voltage. Very small common mode power disturbances can mimic actual logic signals causing the computer system to make incorrect decisions. Disruption also occurs when neutral to ground voltages become excessive.

The semiconductor industry published recognized guidelines on the maximum levels of normal mode and common mode (ground) power disturbances that should be present in the semiconductor environment. Their guidelines clearly state that power disturbances up to those described in ANSI-IEEE C62.41 (maximum 6000 volt) must be reduced to less than 10.0 (ten) volts for normal mode surges and 0.50 (one-half) volt for common mode surges.

The only way to limit power disturbances on normal and common mode to the levels recommended by the semiconductor industry is through the use of a specialized power conditioner. Ordinary surge protection devices, even so-called "series mode" devices, do not have that capability.

A healthy lifestyle and proactive approach to healthcare can have a dramatic, positive affect on the chance of avoiding or surviving cancer.

Juice Goose is joining with others in the audio video industry in a TEAM initiative to provide information regarding the many ways individuals can work on a daily basis to help themselves fight cancer. All organizations in the audio video industry are invited to join the TEAM by volunteering to enlighten and encourage those around them to make responsible and positive healthcare choices, including having regular medical examinations and recommended cancer screenings, particularly for those over 50 years of age.

The chances of getting cancer can be reduced by making smart choices about what we eat and what we do in our spare time. Many types of cancer can be cured or successfully treated with early detection from regular medical checkups and screenings:

• Breast
• Colon & Rectal
• Lung
• Prostate
• Skin
• Thyroid

Helpful information and support resources are available. Join the team. Help spread the word.

ACS - Stay Healthy                                                                                                                                                                  

Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center

Screening Guidelines for Men

Screening Guidelines for Women

Product Warranty and Service

Product quality is very important to Juice Goose. We've felt that way since 1983.

While we continue working toward a zero defect ideal, we recognize that, given enough time and product volume, some failures or issues are bound to occur. So, Juice Goose provides for the comfort and support of our customers with a generous warranty period and an unflinching dedication to customer service.

Juice Goose manufactures most of the products it sells. However, we also act as a sales agent or distributor for products manufactured by other companies. As a result, product warranties vary between product series. Although Juice Goose will always support our customers and stand behind the products we sell, some wrranty policies and terms for such products are not within our control. See the links, below, for the actual warranty policy of individual manufacturers for details as well as the helpful Policy Summary. 

If you experience a problem with any product sold by Juice Goose, please call us and ask for technical assistance. If the unit needs to be serviced, whether or not under our warranty policy, we will issue an "RA" tracking number to be sure we provide the quickest and most reliable service possible.

Phone: 713-772-1404
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DOWNLOAD WARRANTY DOCUMENTS
Warranty Policy Summary

Warranty Claim Procedures

Juice Goose Statement of Limited Warranty

KIN1000 Warranty Policy

SCV and SRA Warranty Policy

SL350 Warranty Policy

Refurbished Product Warranty Policy

AC Receptacles (15 amp versus 20 amp) = In order to prevent a mismatch between power loads and electric power sources, various styles of AC receptacles are designated for specific applications. There are many receptacle configurations, each designed for a specific voltage, current load or single or three phase application. Those configurations most commonly encountered in residential and light commercial installations are the NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 5-20. 

The NEMA 5-15 is rated for a maximum current load of 15 amps, and is the type of wall outlet commonly found in a home. It has two parallel blades, one for hot and one for neutral. The NEMA 5-20 is rated at 20 amps and has one blade at a right angle to the other. "Hybrid” receptacles are rated at 20 amps, but have a "T” shaped slot to allow use with either a 15 amp or 20 amp plug. These hybrid receptacles are often also called NEMA 5-20. 

Alternating Current (AC) = The flow of electricity changes direction on a systematic basis. For US power utilities this direction change occurs 60 times per second (60 Hz).

Amp Hour = A current of one ampere continuing for one hour. This is the standard measure of the amount of available current in a battery. (For example: A seven amp-hour battery can maintain a seven ampere current for one hour, or a one ampere current for seven hours.) 

Amperage ("Amp”) (A) = The rate of electric current flow through a conductor. This term is often encountered relative to the maximum current rating of a conductor, receptacle or other component (e.g. 15 amp circuit). In this case a  better term than "amperage” might be "ampacity”.

Battery Back Up = See UPS

Direct Current (DC) = The flow of electricity is in a single direction. Batteries produce direct current.

Frequency (Hz) = The rate at which alternating current changes direction. The US standard is 60 times per second (i.e 60 Hz).

Isolated Ground (IG) = On a standard AC receptacle, the hole for the third pin safety ground is physically tied to the metal bracket that can secure the receptacle to a metal housing inside a wall or other mounting location. When that metal housing is connected to ground so is the third pin on the receptacle. On an isolated ground receptacle there is no such connection between the third pin and the mounting bracket. Both isolated and non-isolated receptacles have a ground screw that can be used to attach a grounded conductor. However, only the non-isolated device also makes a grounding connection by way of its mounting bracket. All orange receptacles have isolated grounds. Isolated ground receptacles come in other colors. But, all such devices are marked with an orange triangle.

Line Filtration = Standard US utility power is produced with voltage and current alternating at a frequency of 60 times per second (60 Hz). However, other power impulses can ride on the power line at much higher frequencies. There are many potential sources of these impulses including electric motors (e.g. pumps and fans), neon lights, light dimmers, switching power supplies and actual radio broadcasts. This noise can travel between line and neutral (normal mode) or line and ground (common mode). This electronic "noise” may be converted to actual audible or visible noise in a sound or video component. There are a variety of inductor and capacitor circuit designs that clean up this high frequency noise and leave mostly the 60 Hz. When considering such a filter device check that the model addresses both normal mode and common mode noise. The manufacturer should produce performance statistics for both. 

Power Conditioning = Often the term "power conditioner” is interpreted with its broadest meaning, referring to anything that produces a systematic, intentional, predictable change in the condition of AC current the utility company provides. Consider this broad meaning in a fashion similar to "air conditioner” which cools the air, but also circulates  fresh air and filters it. Within that broad definition of power conditioning there are several sub categories of devices which address one or more specific feature of utility power. These include line filtration, surge or spike protection and voltage regulation.

Power Factor = The ratio of real electric power to apparent power in an alternating current (AC) circuit. Apparent power equals volts x amps. Reactive loads with low power factors (such as motors) require more "juice” to do a comparable amount of work than do resistive or higher power factor loads (such as light bulbs). In a purely resistive load application, current and voltage change direction (see Alternating Current) at the same time. The more reactive a load is the more the timing of those  direction changes differs. The greater the difference in that timing the lower the power factor and the less work is done per unit of electrical input.

Resistance (R) = A force that opposes the flow of current in a wire or other electrical conductor. Resistance is increased with an increase in the distance current travels and is reduced with an increase in the size of the conductor. Therefore, the longer the wire the larger the wire diameter should be to maintain lower resistance. The main consequences of excess resistance are a drop in voltage and generation of heat in the conductor.

Surge and Spike Protection = These terms refer to very short duration, high energy events where voltage can rise to many times the specified 120 VAC level and then normalize. (Generally speaking, a surge is a longer term event than a spike.) The most expected source of voltage spikes is lightning. Other sources of surges and spikes include industrial machinery turning on an off and power line balancing by the utility. There are many opinions about the best way to provide protection against damaging voltage surges and spikes and several commonly accepted practices. The better technologies tend to be more expensive, yet affordable options are available. Be sure any device you are considering using provides both normal mode and common mode protection.

UPS =   It is a widely held misconception that any UPS is the best form of power conditioner available. That is simply not true. The main function of a UPS is to provide a brief period of power continuation during a utility power failure. It is intended (or recommended) that during this period any open digital files be saved and processors be shut down in an orderly fashion. Standard battery run times are around 5 to 10 minutes under these circumstances. Some UPS models can be connected to external battery packs for extended run time. There are three main varieties of UPS.

A "stand-by” UPS operates equipment off utility wall power until voltage drops, as in the case of a blackout. The UPS then switches the power source to the battery. The level of power conditioning provided with these UPSs varies from model to model. Generally, this type of product is designed and produced to be economical. So, the level of power protection can be questioned in many of these inexpensive units.

"Line interactive” UPS models pass utility power through a voltage regulating transformer to correct high or low voltage within a certain range. Most such models also provide conditioning and protection against voltage spikes. The level of that protection will vary from model to model.

UPSs earned their great reputation for power conditioning due to the performance of the true "on-line” variety. This type of UPS uses utility power only to charge the UPS battery. Battery power, which is DC (direct current), is then converted back to AC to power the connected equipment. This "double conversion” process completely isolates powered equipment from incoming utility current eliminating any interference, voltage spike hazards or voltage level problems.

Volt Amp (VA) = The size of electrical capacity or electrical load expressed as the product of circuit voltage and its ampacity. (Volts x amps = volt amps) This is also equal to the apparent power of AC current.

Voltage (V) = The measure of potential energy of an electric field which causes an electric current in a  conductor. Voltage is the "force” that causes current to flow. Standard US electrical utility power is 120 volts (alternating current), single phase, for most residential and commercial use.

Voltage Regulation = US electric utility power is standardized at 120 volts (sometimes referred to as VAC), 60 hertz (Hz) (i.e 60 cycles per second). Electricity suppliers aim to keep most customers supplied between 114 and 126 V most of the time. However variations in the peak or average voltage do occur. When the RMS voltage exceeds the nominal correct voltage by a certain margin, the event may be called a "swell". A "dip", "sag" (short duration) and "brown out” (long duration) are low voltage events that are observable. Low voltage events are more common than high ones. A voltage regulator can accept this voltage variance within a limited range and produce correct voltage output. Line interactive and on line UPSs provide voltage regulation.

Watt (W) = A measure of work performed. Wattage equals volts x amps x power factor. Because power factors are less than 1, the wattage specifications for AC current are usually less than the volt amp (VA) rating.

Download a PDF of this article:

Power Up Terms

Juice Goose Juice Goose (R) is an innovative, customer driven company that manufactures and distributes electric power distribution, conditioning and control equipment.

Founded in 1983: Juice Goose was the first company to provide voltage regulation products specifically for the audio industry. Since then the company has developed and maintained a reputation as an important, reliable supplier of electric power management products for the commercial audio video market in the United States. 

Juice Goose is dedicated to providing top quality products and unflinching customer service. Accessible technical support and available product inventory are the keys to Juice Goose performance. In addition to active, direct customer contacts we service our markets though a network of professional, independent sales representatives which supports our efforts in all major US geographic territories.

The reliability, performance and innovation of Juice Goose as a young company attracted a long list of noteworthy clients. We are proud of the many well known performers who have been supported by Juice Goose. A unofficial list includes:

Early 1990s: Juice Goose developed a presence in the commercial audio market with the introduction of a new line of power sequencing and control products. We made these products easy to install, convenient to use and reliable. Turning on equipment in another location became as easy as pushing a button. Sequencing the turn on and turn off became automatic.

Mid 1990s: Juice Goose entered the telecommunications market with a line of DC power distribution products. Telecommunications customers were added including OEMs, contract equipment installers, distributors, independent telephone operators, fiber optic long distance carriers and government agencies, in the US, South America, the Philippines and India.

2000s: With the increased presence of electronic technology in sports and entertainment venues, sound amplification has become a bigger part of the entertainment experience. Juice Goose PD Series power distribution became an established choice for contractors in major theme parks and iconic sports facilities around the country, including:

During the two decades Juice Goose added UPS battery support products to its commercial AV market offerings. These include a broad selection of line interactive and true on-line models, rack or tower mounted in sizes from 350 VA to 3,000 VA. 

RX Series surge protection was introduced in this decade. The performance of that tecnology has been tested and proven to limit ground line surges to only 500 millivolts. The company has also continued introduction of innovative web based power control products that can be accessed via several data communications platforms. 

More new Juice Goose products are on the way. And, as always, we will back them with a disciplined manufacturing process and unflinching customer support.

Juice Goose Statement of Corporate Values

We believe our first responsibility is to our customers. In order to be able to conform to our other standards of performance we must be economically viable. So, in order to be competitive in meeting customers' needs everything we do must be of high quality. We must constantly strive to reduce our costs in order to maintain reasonable prices. Customers' orders must be serviced promptly and accurately. Our suppliers and distributors must support us in this effort. 

We are responsible to our employees.Everyone must be considered as an individual. We must respect their dignity and recognize their merit.They must have a sense of security in their jobs. Compensation must be fair and adequate, and working conditions clean, orderly and safe. We must be mindful of ways to help our employees fulfill their family responsibilities. Employees must feel free to make suggestions and complaints. There must be equal opportunity for employment, development and advancement for those qualified.

We must provide competent management, and their actions must be just and ethical. 

We are responsible to the communities in which we live and work and to the world community as well. We must be good citizens, support good works and charities and bear our fair share of taxes. We must encourage civic improvements and better health and education. We must maintain in good order the property we are privileged to use, protecting the environment and natural resources.

Our final responsibility is to our stockholders. Business must make a sound profit. We must experiment with new ideas. Research must be carried on, innovative programs developed and mistakes paid for. New equipment must be purchased, new facilities provided and new products launched. Reserves must be created to provide for adverse times. When we operate according to these principles, the stockholders should realize a fair return.

This statement was adapted from the Johnson & Johnson corporate Credo.

In 1983 JUICE GOOSE was the first company to provide AC power conditioning for the professional audio industry. Today the company maintains a reputation as an innovative producer of electric power management products for several commercial markets in the United States and overseas.

About Us

AC power distribution, conditioning and control.