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How To Make Electricity Savings With Voltage Optimisation

Electricity has been an integral part of most of our lives for well over a hundred years. It heats our houses, gives us light, cooks our food and runs our computers. In short, we use quite a lot of it. But we might be using more of it than we actually need to – and I don’t just mean leaving lights on when we leave the room. The voltage that is delivered to our plug sockets by the National Grid is well above what most everyday devices actually need to operate. Particularly in larger commercial venues, voltage regulation – ensuring you only receive the amount of power you actually need - can dramatically reduce energy bills.

Voltage optimisation allows you to make electricity savings by ensuring your theme park, prison or hospital only receives the amount of energy from the National Grid that it actually needs. In the UK, electricity can be delivered at as high a voltage as 253V, though on average it is supplied at 242V. This is well above the optimum voltage to maximise equipment efficiency; about 220-216V – though one can still get all electrical equipment to operate adequately at 207V.

But don’t worry, your computer isn’t about to blow up or your fridge melt. Even if oversupplied, your electrical and electronic equipment will continue to operate, but it will produce more heat and vibrate a lot more. While this means so much of your money is being frittered away throwing out heat and vibrations, it also means your equipment will wear out a lot faster. Voltage optimisation allows you to make not only electricity savings, but also savings on equipment maintenance and replacement.

So how does it work? Voltage optimisation brings the incoming National Grid energy into line with the voltage your computers, electrical heating, lighting, et al actually need to operate efficiently and effectively. In large commercial premises such as hotels, sports complexes and warehouse stores, the savings can be enough to shave 15-20% off your energy bill.

In practical terms this means the installation of voltage optimisation equipment on your premises. The units are made to measure, so should exactly fit the requirements of each customer. There is no need for too much major work as the voltage optimisers can be easily integrated into existing electricity systems and supplies. Meters and digital displays fitted to the units allow quick and simple monitoring, whether you want to check it every hour or just take a glance every now and then to ensure everything is running as it should.

Safety is a priority whenever one is dealing with electricity. Older voltage optimisation units would automatically disconnect the power supply in the event of a fault developing. While this was undoubtedly very safe, it was also very impractical. The latest voltage optimisers get around this dead man’s switch approach while maintaining the same high safety levels. Now, in the unlikely event that a problem should develop with the unit or its supply, the optimiser automatically bypasses the supply and reconnects your system directly to the National Grid, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of electricity.

While the expense of installation might be impractical on a domestic level, for large commercial premises the savings are such that the typical unit pays back its investment in 2-3 years. For lower maintenance and repair costs, cheaper energy bills and a safer working environment, consider powering down (just a bit).