If you require further assistance please
contact us

Q&A

Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

List of available Q & A FAQs

1.01 INTRODUCTION - What is a powerPerfector? What are its main functions?

1.02 INTRODUCTION - Why optimise voltage?

1.03 INTRODUCTION - Why don’t electricity suppliers just reduce voltage?

1.04 INTRODUCTION - Does the powerPerfector require any maintenance?

1.05 INTRODUCTION - Where is the powerPerfector installed?

1.06 INTRODUCTION - Is the powerPerfector suitable for single-phase supply sites?

2.01 HISTORY - Where was powerPerfector developed? How old is the technology?

2.02 HISTORY - How many powerPerfectors have been installed?

2.03 HISTORY - What is the guarantee period for a powerPerfector?

2.04 HISTORY - Have any units been uninstalled or failed?

2.05 HISTORY - How many claims have been made against the powerPerfector as a result of operational problems?

2.06 HISTORY - Which customers have already installed a powerPerfector?

3.01 pP vs CONVENTIONAL - Why don’t I just tap down my transformer to achieve a voltage reduction?

3.02 pP vs CONVENTIONAL - What are the differences between the powerPerfector and a conventional variac/autotransformer?

4.01 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - For what types of electrical equipment will the powerPerfector provide savings? Is it particularly effective for certain types of equipment?

4.02 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - What size of building is the powerPerfector suitable for?

4.03 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - How is the powerPerfector sized in relation to the existing power demand in the building and would future expansion be accounted for?

4.04 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - Is the powerPerfector a system made up of several components?

4.05 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - How long does the voltage logging take? Is there a charge?

4.06 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - Some of our larger private networks already have a significant voltage drop at their extremities and so I would not want to reduce the supply voltage to these sites.

4.07 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - We would find it easier to install several smaller units downstream of the incomer, rather than one big one at the transformer/sub-station. Does this have any implications for the cost-effectiveness or practicalities of the installation?

4.08 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - Has the installation of a powerPerfector ever raised any objections from the electricity network operators?

4.09 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - Do the harmonics of my site need to be analysed before I install a powerPerfector?

4.10 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - What is the effect of over-voltage on AC motors?

4.11 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - What is the effect of the powerPerfector on an AC motor?

4.12 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - For savings energy on motors, how does the powerPerfector compare to a Variable Speed Drive (VSD)?

4.13 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - What is the effect of the powerPerfector on motors with inverter drives or variable speed drives?

4.14 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - What is the effect of the powerPerfector on systems that are protected by a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)?

4.15 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - With regards to lighting, what is a ballast?

4.16 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - How does the powerPerfector affect different types of lighting?

4.17 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - - Does the powerPerfector cause lights to dim?

4.18 SITE SUITABILITY & EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY - Is there any conflict with backup generators?

5.01 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - What are the environmental benefits of the powerPerfector?

5.02 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - What are the energy savings from a powerPerfector?

5.03 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - If my transformer has already been tapped down as far as practicable; will the powerPerfector give me any further savings?

5.04 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - What is return on investment (ROI)?

5.05 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - What is the average return on investment from a powerPerfector?

5.06 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - What effect will rising energy prices have on the ROI?

5.07 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - Do you follow up the installation to ensure the savings are being made?

5.08 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - Are there any loans available within the public sector which can contribute towards the cost of a powerPerfector?

5.09 SAVINGS AND RETURNS - Are there any loans available within the private sector which can contribute towards the cost of a powerPerfector?

6.01 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - How can I determine my annual kWh consumption and maximum demand?

6.02 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - Why doesn’t my site have half-hourly metering? Can you size a unit without this data?

6.03 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - What happens if I have more than one incoming power supply?

6.04 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - What is the optimisation range of the powerPerfector?

6.05 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - Why do you need the cost of my electricity supply?

6.06 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - What is the Climate Change Levy?

6.07 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - Do you need to know my available supply capacity?

6.08 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTIONS AND METERING - Do you take account for power factor in the consumption savings?

7.01 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Can powerPerfector arrange installation through their nominated installers? Are they registered with the NICEIC?

7.02 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Is it necessary to arrange a shutdown in order to install the powerPerfector?

7.03 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - How long will it take to install the powerPerfector?

7.04 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Does structural analysis of buildings need to be undertaken?

7.05 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Are any warning signs required to be fitted to electrical switchgear following installation of the powerPerfector?

7.06 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Is it necessary to incorporate a bypass into the installation?

7.07 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - What protection is provided by the powerPerfector enclosure?

7.08 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Where does the powerPerfector get connected into my electrical system?

7.09 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Will there need to be any change made to the air circuit breaker (ACB) after the installation?

7.10 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - How much space does a unit take up?

7.11 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - How long will it take to deliver and install the unit once we have made a payment?

7.12 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - What happens if the unit fails?

7.13 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - If the equipment was installed and subsequent failures were to occur due to the lower voltage level would powerPerfector accept liability and pay for losses and expenses?

7.14 INSTALLATION AND UNIT RELIABILITY - Are there any 'hidden' maintenance requirements or operating cost implications associated with the powerPerfector?

8.01 ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE TO STANDARDS - After installation of a powerPerfector unit, will the overall electrical installation comply with BS 7671:2001 (including amendments)?

8.02 ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE TO STANDARDS - Can powerPerfector arrange installation through their nominated installers? Are they registered with the NICEIC?

8.03 ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE TO STANDARDS - Have any official independent studies and reports been carried out on the equipment?

8.04 ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE TO STANDARDS - What approval listings does the powerPerfector have?

9.01 TECHNICAL - What are three phase voltages?

9.02 TECHNICAL - What are harmonics?

9.03 TECHNICAL - What can cause harmonics in a power supply?

9.04 TECHNICAL - What problems are associated with harmonics?

9.05 TECHNICAL - What effect does the powerPerfector have on harmonics and my power supply?

9.06 TECHNICAL - What additional impedance would the powerPerfector add to the existing supply?

9.07 TECHNICAL - What is Reactive Power and why should I be concerned about it?

9.08 TECHNICAL - What is Power Factor Correction?

9.09 TECHNICAL - What is Phase Voltage Imbalance and why should I be concerned about it?

9.10 TECHNICAL - How does the powerPerfector improve phase voltage balancing? What is the relevance of the unreferenced star point?

9.11 TECHNICAL - Is the powerPerfector device a dry transformer?

9.12 TECHNICAL - Does the output voltage fluctuate proportionally to the input voltage?

9.13 TECHNICAL - I didn’t hear anything about surges and transients ten years ago. Why are they causing problems now?

9.14 TECHNICAL - We get very little lightning in my area. Do we still need transient suppression equipment?

9.15 TECHNICAL - Is it possible for transients to affect my equipment unnoticed?