When conducting a building power quality analysis, what system should always be included?

Including the building grounding and bonding system in a power quality analysis is essential because it plays a critical role in ensuring safety and reliability in electrical systems. The grounding system provides a path for fault currents, which helps prevent shocks and equipment damage, while the bonding system connects conductive parts to maintain electrical continuity and prevent voltage differences that could lead to electrical fires or failures.

In a power quality analysis, understanding the integrity of the grounding and bonding system allows for identification of potential ground faults or imbalances in the electrical system, which can significantly impact performance and safety. Poor grounding can lead to issues such as equipment malfunction or unexpected tripping of circuit breakers, thus it must be assessed to ensure the overall effectiveness of the electrical infrastructure.

While other systems like HVAC, fire safety systems, and electrical panel inventory are important for operational efficiency and safety, they do not directly influence the power quality in the same way that the grounding and bonding system does. Thus, its inclusion is vital for a comprehensive assessment of the building's electrical health.