How to Avoid Over Voltage and Prolong Equipment Lifetime

Breakdown or electoral faults with large equipment can disrupt business operations, causing safety hazards and may have costly implications.

Installing high-efficiency electrical transformers for heavy load equipment on continuous duty is one reliable method of reducing energy consumption and achieving greater economical results, whilst helping preserve the integrity of your equipment. This could significantly improve the life expectancy of electronic equipment.

But how?

Let’s start with voltage…

As a result of European Harmonisation in 1995, the declared electricity supply in the UK is now 230V with a tolerance of +10% to -10%.

Most electrical equipment manufactured for the UK is rated at 220V but may operate satisfactorily at voltages down to 200V. As the average voltage supplied from the national grid in mainland UK is 242V, without voltage optimisation technology to step down the voltage, over – voltage can occur.

This is when voltage, higher than the equipment is designed to operate on, is supplied. Sub-sequentially energy consumption goes up with no improvement in performance or economical benefit.  In fact over voltage be a large contributing factor to the reduction in equipment lifetime.

According to the 17th edition of the Electricians Guide BS7671, “A 230V rated lamp used at 240 has will achieve only 55% of its rated life”. By efficiently bringing supply voltages to the lower end of the statutory voltage range, you could yield average energy savings of around 13%. This is also a great step towards prolonging the life of the connected equipment.

Voltage optimisation technology

Where there is a national problem of over voltage, Voltage Optimization / Voltage Power Optimisation is a particularly effective means of saving energy and money in the UK, for both industrial users and domestic energy consumers.

Once again according to the Electricians Guide BS7671,  “A 230V linear appliance used on a 240V supply will take 4.3% more current and will consume almost 9% more energy.”

In industries using high energy loads for arduous equipment, three phase transformers are commonly used for 3 phase power supply systems, to step up or step down voltage. These energy saving devices ensure equipment is supplied with the lower end of the statutory voltage range to enable optimal performance with maximum energy efficiency.

Where 3 phase transformer are primarily used to step up or down voltage, Transformers voltage stabilizers are an effective solution to voltage fluctuation problems, as they are designed to accept a wide range of input voltage but maintain a specified output voltage to within +/- 1.0%. – Voltage stabilisers can also be designed for three phase and single phase supply.

As a specialist UK Transformer Manufacturer and supplier of Mains Transformers and AC/DC Power Adaptors, we supply literally hundreds of thousands of wound components. Providing a high degree of technical support, including specialist power supply sub-assembly services, we can design and manufacture virtually any size Summer of single or 3 phase transformer or recommend the right voltage optimisation device for your requirement.

For advice on improving your energy efficiency, why not give our experts a call today on 01494 524 396 or click here to enquire online.