voltage variations
Poor power quality can not only be costly, it can also be detrimental to your client's business. And as their electrician, the after effects of power disturbances may cause you unnecessary headaches. Interruptions and fluctuations in power can cause damage to electrical equipment, and in some serious but uncommon cases, can cause a fire. That's why it is so important that your clients are aware of their obligations to protect their assets from damage in the event of variations in electricity voltage.
The quality and frequency of power and the continuity of supply can be affected by a number of factors, which are often outside the control of the electricity distributor. While the distributor applies extensive measures to minimise any interruptions to supply, some external factors can not be completely prevented. The Electricity Distribution Code, published by the Essential Services Commission, states that a distributor is not obliged to compensate for damages resulting from voltage variations, particularly if a business customer has not taken reasonable precautions to protect their assets. It is therefore imperative that your clients are aware of their obligations to protect their equipment, and minimise the risk of loss or damage to their business.
It is important to advise your clients to take steps in assessing the type, frequency, magnitude and source of power disturbances, and the risk this may pose to their assets. According to the nature of the power disturbance, various protective devices can be installed to mitigate risk to sensitive equipment.
Some examples of protective devices include:
- Line filters
- Isolation transformers
- Voltage regulators
- Power conditioners
- Un-interruptible power supply (UPS)
- Back up power supply
If power quality and continuity is essential to your customer's business, these solutions come at a relatively low cost compared with the thousands of dollars in lost production, equipment repairs or replacement that could potentially result from power disturbances.
United Energy can refer your customers to an independent consultant, who can offer power quality diagnostic services and recommend the best solutions to suit their needs for a competitive fee. For more information on how United Energy can help, please contact the United Energy service desk on 1300 131 689 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.