Concepts of System Balance

A conceptual framework is proposed for characterizing those electrical interactions between the power system and telephone system which contribute to low-frequency interference. This framework describes the interference source, the susceptibility of telephone plant, and their interactions, utilizing generally applicable concepts of system balance. In particular, the concept of an overall Interference Quality Factor (IQF) has been introduced in terms of a Power System Balance Factor, a Telephone System Balance Factor, and an Effective Coupling Factor. Hence, a rigorous numerical comparison of various interference environments may be possible, allowing for problem areas in the overall power-telephone system to be identified, and costeffective mitigative engineering considerations to be implemented in the system design.