Over the course of three weeks this summer, my phone rang with similar stories—different clients, but the same frustrating problem: AV equipment failing in ways that didn't make sense.
A church called about their sound system acting up. Then, a corporate client with conference room issues. Another church with projection problems. By the fifth call, I knew something bigger was happening.
These weren't your typical equipment failures. Everything appeared to be working, but individual components kept dying. The patterns didn't match what I'd seen after ten years in this business.
The Clue That Connected Everything
The breakthrough came during a call with one of our church clients. They were describing their AV issues when they mentioned something else: "Oh, and our HVAC system keeps throwing error messages about not getting enough power."
That's when it clicked.
If the HVAC wasn't getting sufficient power, what about their AV equipment? I started asking different questions. When did the problems start? How hot had it been? What else in the building seemed off?
The pieces fell into place. This wasn't about individual equipment failures. This was about power.
What's Really Happening
Here's the thing most people don't realize: your AV equipment can appear to work perfectly while it's slowly being damaged.
When equipment doesn't receive the necessary voltage, it doesn't simply shut off. Instead, it tries harder. It draws more current to compensate for the lower voltage. Internal components work overtime. And eventually, something gives.
Understanding what makes an AV system work properly is the first step in protecting your investment. Most church and corporate AV setups include multiple components that all need stable power to function reliably.
Take a typical professional mixer, for example. Most are designed to operate within a specific voltage range, usually with some tolerance above and below the rated voltage. But what happens when equipment consistently operates below those specifications? It continues to run, but the internal stress is enormous.
Summer heat increases electrical demand everywhere. Air conditioning systems work harder. The power grid gets stressed. And buildings that were getting adequate power in spring suddenly aren't.
The cost isn't just an inconvenience. It's premature equipment replacement, emergency service calls, and that sinking feeling when your Sunday morning service or important presentation gets derailed by equipment that "was working fine yesterday."
How to Protect Your Investment
Most people think about power protection in terms of surge protectors. Lightning strikes, power spikes – the dramatic stuff. But undervoltage is the silent killer.
Basic surge protectors won't help here. You need equipment that can actually stabilize your power supply.
This is where UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems become essential. But not all UPS systems are created equal. Line interactive systems monitor your power and kick in when the voltage falls out of specification. Active systems keep your equipment powered by a clean battery at all times.
We work with several manufacturers that make solutions specifically for this problem: Wattbox, APC, Furman, and Tripp Lite all make power conditioning equipment designed for commercial AV applications. For comprehensive power protection standards, the AVIXA organization provides industry guidelines that help ensure reliable AV system performance.
The key is matching the right solution to your specific needs and budget. A small conference room setup needs different protection than a large worship space or auditorium.
Don't Wait for the Warning Signs
Here's what I’m telling everyone: by the time you notice problems, damage is already happening.
Your mixer might sound fine today while operating at an insufficient voltage. Your projector might display perfectly while its internal components slowly degrade. Your amplifiers might be powering your speakers normally, but they are working twice as hard as they should.
The equipment that failed for our five clients this summer had been struggling for weeks, maybe months. Nobody knew because everything seemed normal.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you're reading this and thinking about your own AV setup, here's my advice: don't wait.
Have someone check your power quality. Look for voltage readings that stay consistently below specifications, especially during peak demand times. Pay attention to any HVAC error messages or other electrical issues in your building – they're often connected.
If you're experiencing any unusual AV behavior – equipment that seems less reliable, sound quality that varies, or components that run warmer than usual – these could be early warning signs.
The good news? This is completely preventable. The right power protection equipment costs a fraction of what you'll spend replacing failed components. And once it's installed properly, you can stop worrying about this invisible threat to your AV investment.
Protecting What Matters
At RYGID AV, we've seen what happens when power problems go unaddressed. We've also seen how the proper protection keeps systems running reliably for years.
Whether you need help with conference room AV upgrades or worship space improvements, power protection should be a key consideration in every conversation. If you're concerned about your AV equipment, let's inspect it. We can assess your current power quality, evaluate your protection needs, and recommend solutions tailored to your specific situation and budget.
Because the next time your phone rings with an equipment emergency, I'd rather it not be yours.
Ready to protect your AV investment? Contact RYGID AV for a consultation to evaluate your power quality and protection needs. We'll help you choose the right solution before problems start.
RYGID AV | 122 Backstretch Ln., Mooresville, NC 28117
(980) 263-9194 | info@rygidav.com
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Where to Contact + Connect with RYGID AV
Mooresville, NC 28117