Late Season Lightning Paralyzes Hospital Operations - Highlights Importance of Power Quality

A November thunderstorm that swept through Southern Ontario earlier this month was a serious wake-up call for healthcare facilities.

A single lightning strike to a 235 kV line and the subsequent voltage sag demonstrated how a mere 60 milliseconds can have drastic repercussions for critical healthcare operations that aren’t properly insulated from poor power quality zipping through our hydro networks.

In this brief moment, clearly visible at a micro-level in the accompanying data graph, chillers failed, and operating rooms requiring constant atmospheric control were shut down.  The facility dedicated to saving lives revealed its vulnerability to power quality issues. This wasn’t an isolated dip in power—it was a 25% load loss, a clear signal that the storm season is unpredictable and extending, and with it, the risks to our healthcare systems.

The scene would have been relatively chaotic with lights dimming, the buzz of alarms, and the frantic search for a solution to get vital systems re-started.

This is where the importance of power quality studies comes into sharp focus. Such assessments are vital in understanding the facility's vulnerabilities and the protective measures required. Power quality equipment is not optional; it is a necessity to shield against such voltage fluctuations that can spell disaster within seconds.

For a hospital, every moment counts. The protection of power quality isn't merely a technical safeguard; it's a commitment to patient safety and continuous care. As we conduct monitoring and continue to learn from these events, the message to healthcare facilities is unequivocal: investing in power quality equipment is investing in the unwavering reliability of healthcare services.

It's time to ensure that when lightning does strike—twice or more—our hospitals remain steadfast, unshaken, and fully operational.