


Voltage Optimisation
What is it?
In the UK the nominal supply voltage is 230V but in reality fluctuates
between 207V - 253V. Many of the electrical appliances that we regularly use
are designed to run at their optimum efficiency at the lower end of this
voltage scale. At higher voltages they still work but with expensive energy
losses. Voltage optimisation reduces and stabilises the incoming voltage at
220V. Thus minimising energy consumption, saving you money and potentially
prolonging the life of your electrical equipment.
How is it installed?
We currently fit the Vphase voltage optimisation unit in domestic properties. The
unit is installed alongside your current fuse board by a qualified electrician.
It is then fed from the existing fuse board, regulates the voltage and then
feeds back to the designated circuits where energy savings can be made. It
requires no on-going maintenance. Your current fuse board must contain MCB's
(Miniature Circuit Breakers) and have a spare 'way' for the voltage optimiser.
If the fuse board is of the older rewirable fuse type then this must first be
replaced - at additional cost - to comply with current wiring regulations.
Average energy savings
Appliances with motors and pumps:
'A' rated freezer = 17% energy saving
'A' rated refrigerator = 16% energy saving
3 speed central heating pump = 15% to 18% energy saving
Lighting:
CFL lighting = 11% energy saving
Incandescent bulb = 15% energy saving
Low voltage halogen spot lights = 15% energy saving
Consumer electronics:
Results for consumer electronics vary widely, examples are given below:
DAB radio = 5% energy saving
DECT cordless phone base station = 30% energy saving
ADSL modem and wireless router = 5% energy saving
Personal Computer = 4% energy saving
Hi-Fi = 13% energy saving
Electric heating:
Closed loop (thermostatically controlled) heating will make no energy
savings through the application of voltage optimisation. Reducing the voltage
applied to an ohmic heating element will reduce the heat output from that
element and the power drawn by that element however the element will remain on
longer to achieve the same heating effect (and therefore consume the same
amount of energy).
Whole house saving:
There are many variables to determine the overall energy savings, however
savings of between £50 and £135 a year off electricity bills have been
demonstrated. If this were achieved in every house within the UK this would be
the equivalent CO2 reduction of taking 2.3 million cars off the road every
year.
Cost of installation
The cost to install the voltage optimiser is £390 inc. VAT. This assumes a
compatible existing fuse board. Any replacement of an old fuse board to
accomodate the optimiser would cost an additional £300 - £500 inc. VAT.
Please call Tony on
07944 162 958 or email us at info@plugs.me.uk