Whole House Power Stabilizer

[jbrain]

I have my own transformer and suspect that I have much fluctuations in my power supply.

Does a whole house power stabilzer

a. exists

b. Cost an arm and a leg or not.

I'm not looking for a UPS, only something that stabilizes my power supply.

[electau]

As you have at transformer that supplies your electrical installation you should check the following first.

Size of transformer in kVA

.

Distance from transformer to the main switch board.

Size in sqmm of the consumers mains. ( copper or aluminium)

Your maximum demand in amps.

Are you on a long spur HV (high voltage) line ? Voltage may be low at certain times of the day due to demand on the feeder by other transformers on the system.

It is important to make sure that the problem is not within your installation before considering a voltage regulating device.

Voltage should be in practice be between 210V and 230V.

Edited October 5, 2012 by electau

[Crossy]

Everything Electau said ^^^

and to answer the OP

1. Yes
   
2. Yes
   

If you only 'suspect' you have fluctuations, the first thing to do is verify same. Regular voltage measurements with a multimeter may reveal a major problem, but a proper mains analyser is the only true indication. Good luck finding one (and someone who can drive it).

What are the symptoms you are seeing to arouse your suspicion?

[electau]

Voltage regulation on a HV distribution system is generally accomplished by using automatic on load tap changing tranformers which automatically adjust the system voltage. These are generally located many kilometers apart on a HV distribution network.

The transformer supplying the LV distibution (220/380) to consumers has a set of tappings on the HV winding . -5%, -2.5%, 0%, +2.5% and + 5%. These settings can only be manually changed when the transformer is off load.

An individual automatic voltage regulator or power conditioner as they are generally known may be installed in an individual electrical installation in some cases but these are designed to operate between 190VAC and 260VAC, they also have a rating in kVA or kW. maintaining continuous output voltage to within prescribed limits. They are not to be confused with UPS systems although UPS systems have voltage regulating capabilities. Some will operate down to 40% below or above nominal voltage, 230VAC for example LV surges caused by system switching or switching of heavy inductive loads, eg welders,large motors etc.

Yes, they are expensive.

First you have to ascertain where your problem with low voltage originates.

　

[jbrain]

To answer the question to above posters.

My transformer is 30 Kva 2 phase and connected to HV line.Distance to the mainboard is an estimated 35 meters with 2 x 16 mm copper NYY cable.I have a 100 Amp meter installed.

I don't think I get low voltages, but more that I get peaks.I have surge protectors installed on the mainboard.

Reason I believe I get fluctuations, is that I had a alarm system control unit going defective, and the manufacturer said this would have been happened only because of power peaks.

I have an aircon unit in my office, which while switched off makes plopping noices in the control unit inside the indoor unit.These symptoms especially show up during morning and night times and when it's raining.Company has changed the controlling unit twice already but the symptoms stay.Will get a complete new aircon in the coming weeks, but I'm afraid it will not change something.

Electau, what you mean with problems with my installation.What do I have to look for?

[electau]

Based on a max demand of 63 amps ( not the max continuous rating of the meter) you voltage drop is well within the parameters, you will have about 3% drop with 16sqmm copper cable.

Higher than normal voltage may have caused the alarm unit to fail but they would generally have to be over 10% of the nominal supply voltage 220VAC for an extended period.

You should check the supply voltage to the alarm system. Very difficult to prove if this was the cause of the fault.

You could consider a small UPS for your alarm system to stabilise the voltage.

The airconditioner problem. You should check to make sure that the line conductor is switched and not the neutral, if the neutral is switched there is power to the control unit, and if moisture is present in the control this may be the cause of the popping sound.

This may solve your problem.

You should check your supply voltage, 1 when you have normal load running and 2 on no load. measurements should be made with a multimeter at the main switch board. You may have to do this at different times and record the values.

,

Edited October 6, 2012 by electau