The hidden costs of over-voltage

Everyone in the Energy industry is aware that Voltage Optimisation has been used (at times inappropriately) to reduce energy consumption in buildings but what is lesser known is the unquantifiable costs caused by over voltage.

Any voltage in excess of 230v can have a long term effect on the on-going maintenance of that piece of equipment.

Extracts from the 16th Edition of the Electricians Guide – The Institute of Electrical Engineers IEE:

“A filament lamp rated at 230v used at 240v will achieve only 55% of its rated life (it will fail after about 550 hrs instead of the average 1000 hrs)”

“Rechargeable batteries rated at 230v will overheat and suffer drastic life reductions when fed with 240v”

However merely dropping the voltage is not the solution and certainly does not provide a risk free option. Voltage needs to be controlled using “intelligent” devices so that over-voltage can be controlled but site continuity can always be maintained. Only solid state devices can provide risk and maintenance free solutions that are equipped for the future of smart grids.

Here are some examples of how we have helped our clients overcome this problem. Case studies available on request.

“At one point we were changing 150 light’s a week. Now we are changing only 10.” “The man-hours we have saved in terms of reduced maintenance have been excellent.”

College/Academy, Mansfield. Previously suffering from regular incoming voltages of 255v. Now stabilised at 220v.

“We have spent between £80-100,000 on replacement UPS systems for one of our critical sites.”

Global Bank, Previously suffering from regular incoming voltages of 250v. Now stabilised at 220v.

“High voltage has cost us nearly £250,000 in lost time and damaged equipment.”

International Architects. Previously suffering voltages over 250v.

Now stabilised at 220v.

iVolt and its parent company Sollatek has been at the forefront of voltage regulation/stabilisation design for over 33 years.

Tel:	+44 (0) 1753 214 500
Email:	sales@ivoltsystems.co.uk

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