Home » Posts tagged 'overvoltage protection'
Tag Archives: overvoltage protection
New OVCD model with 15A socket- demo video of how OVCD works
This is new model of OVCD with platic body and 5/15A dual socket
The video shows how the unit works and how it protects against over voltage and under voltage problems.
It is only unit that can withstand 440V in any individual phase for indefinite period of time.
Cost of the unit of 3450/-
For Queries please whatsapp us on 9769996205 or you can write to us
Why should you install a home voltage protector?
Would you live in a house with No MCB ? Would you feel safe to live in that house?
Whenever a building is designed, all safety factors are taken into consideration. From electrical installation point of view , the safety factors to be considered are
- Over current
- Spikes
- Over voltage
All of them have to considered from worst case scenario basis, if not then it can cause fires and loss of property, worse.. loss of life.
Generally short circuit is taken care with help of MCBs/ fuse. While MCB/fuse can handle overload issues , short circuit, which is the worst case scenario is also taken care
Lightning protection
Lightning protection is generally taken care in high rise building , but the measure taken are incomplete and only from structural integrity point of view as lightning strike on a building will result in structural damage. Lightning rod is installed on top of building and connected to an earthing pit so that lightning pulse can be directed to the ground with out causing damage to building
As the lightning strikes the rod and passes to ground the wire carrying the lightning pulse to ground with gets magnetized. If there is any utility wire which is in the magnetic field of wire carrying lightning pulse, the charge can transferred to the utility cable, this is how normally electronic equipment get damaged due to lightning.
Spike protection
Every on off action of any electrical or electronic device will create a spike. This is how spike is generated inside your house. Dont believe us? Do a small experiment.
- Go to your bath room and switch on the light bulb and now switch on the geyser
- you will notice that the light from the bulb flickers or goes dim.
- now switch off the geyser , you will see that light goes bright again.
- Congratulation!!! You have created voltage fluctuation in your house!!!
The geyser is generally 3000-4000 Watts and it causes voltage fluctuation during its on -off operation. Now imagine the same for other equipment in your home. viz. TV, refrigerator, AC.
So the bottomline is that the spikes are always there in your house. Its not a question of if but when it will damage your electronic items.
Do you have any safeguards against spikes in your home? now that you know that spike are also always there, does it not scare you?
Over voltage protection
The MCBs and fuses are current sensing protection. In a Fuse when the current increases, wire melts in fuse to disconnect the circuit. In an MCB there is bimetallic strip inside it bends due to heat causing it MCB to release contact and make it trip.
If the voltage changes from 230V to 280-290 V, it has not effect on the current and as a result the MCB/ fuse do not react. Your equipment can get damaged by high voltage and MCB / fuse will not react
This brings us back to question ” Are you really protected in your home from electrical problems?”
This is the reason why you should install a home voltage protector.
For more details you can get in touch with me on
9769996205 ( whatsapp no.)
email: asm@microsystemservices.com
Why TATA liebert ( Emerson network power) started using OVCD for protecting its UPS
The year was 1997 , when Tata liebert engineers visited us at an exhibition at world trade centre. They were looking for something that could protect their online UPS in harsh Indian conditions. Their attempts to use stabilizer has not resulted good results. The UPS was high frequency technology relatively new at that time and Tata leibert had ushered it to India from Chinese OEM in hopes to revolutionise the UPS industry with sleek models. The UPS was was more efficient in conversion of power as it had no transformer in it. All of this work was done with help of passive components.
However little did they know that they were in for a nasty surprise. the tolerance of these UPS was about 20% where as voltage fluctuations in India is more than 35%. At times trees would fall on overhead wire causing damage. Weak neutral or disconnection of neutral due to irregularities in distribution was very common. All this contributed to defect ratio of more than 26%. which would mean that 1 out of 4 UPS would come back for repair. This is bad statistic for any product. They were on verge of discontinuing the product line as it seriously dented the image of then no.2 company in online UPS.
This model was designed originally for TATA liebert.
After use of OVCD, their defect ratio went down from 26% to 6% which was a huge improvement. hence they decided to make it standard product for each UPS that would be sold in India.
Many of distributors till date don’t know the exact use of OVCD, except for reason that it is supplied along with UPS and that it was mandatory to install it if they hoped for free servicing under warranty.
OVCD is protection device which safegaurds then equipment against damage caused by extreme overvotlage due to abnormal situations such as
1. neutral open condition
2. double phasing
Why should you consider using OVCD before your equipment?
1.No problems due to voltage fluctuation.
2.Zero downtime
3.Your equipment becomes more rugged
4.Less service calls = Increased profitability + Increased credibility.
5.Better perception of quality of your system in the minds of the customers
6.Increases the chances of repeat sales or referral sales.
USP:
Now you can install your equipment in the worst electrical conditions without being bothered about service calls.
We are looking for appointing dealers across India. If you are interested please drop us a email at info@microystemservices.com
For bulk requirement we offer special rates
Are inverter based equipment sturdy enough for Indian conditions?
Our appliances are getting smarter by the day. Its a good thing that many companies are energy conscious and are making their appliance even more energy efficient. In India most of home appliance are now made compulsory to have 5 star energy ratings, especially cooling appliances like ACs , refrigerators.
The TV ads are now flooded with ads talking about inverter based ACs, refrigerators. This is great news for energy conservation. However there is rider to all this. These units are susceptible to damages because of power fluctuations.
A traditional circuit consisted of a step down transformer which converted 230V AC to 24V AC which was then fed to bridge rectifier. The rectifier then converted the AC to DC and then it was distributed to the internal circuits with regulator and other component. Even if the voltage increased dramatically the secondary side would experience a relatively low surge on voltage. Prolonged exposure to voltages might have caused damages to internal circuits. In short these circuits were relatively very sturdy in voltage fluctuations.
However transformer has losses. It dissipates a lot of energy in the form of heat. Even in best cases the efficiency possibly didn’t not go beyond 87%, which was problem. Transfomer is bulky. Higher powered (kVA) machines would require a bigger transformer and as result were heavy too.
What we call inverter technology today , consist of PWM inverters and SMPS based circuits, may be even more advanced. These units have done away with conventional transformer based circuit and in effect increased the efficiency. They are also light weight , very compact and dissipate less energy as heat. They also come in attractive housings
However the flip side is that these circuits are now directly exposed to raw power. This is where the new problems have come up. These circuits are having 20% tolerance to voltage fluctuations. This would mean 180V on lower side and 280V on higher side. Seems ok doesn’t it? Wrong!!!
In developing and underdeveloped countries the power conditions are not so good and voltage frequently goes beyond 350V. This is a curse for these inverter based appliances, which get damaged more frequently than their predecessors.
These circuits are not inherently designed for such conditions and since units are manufactured considering global markets which include EU and US. Many white goods brands have made their foray in a new market only to have marred their reputation by service issues. We have many brands making their disappearing act after blitzkrieg of sales and ads.
One can attribute a serious contribution of such factors on making and breaking of brand in Indian conditions. There is probably two options here, either improve the tolerance of the internal circuits or protect the units externally by use of some protection equipment.
Do let us know what you think.
Author: Amit Manjrekar
(Click the image to learn more about him.)
Lightning and surge protection
Surge Protection – a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years as got wide presence across industries. Costly electronic equipment, which is sensitive to voltage peaks on the supply, is no longer found only in offices and factories, but in our homes as well.
Nowadays, highly- sensitive data processing, telecommunication and computer networks form the back-bone of worldwide communications structures without which, no company can survive. Machines and production lines are monitored and controlled by electronic equipments programmed for specific purpose. Even many creative services are no longer conceivable without the aid of computers.
Common to all of them is their dependence on clean electrical energy, within tight tolerance limits and on a continuous supply of power around the clock.
Internal Lightning Protection according to IEC
Lightning current consists of a First stroke followed by a number of subsequent strokes. According to IEC 61024 and IEC 61312, wave shape of the first stroke is calculated to be 10/350 μSeconds.
Approximately 25 to 30 % of failures in electrical/electronic equipments are because of surges created either by a Lightning or because of switching surges as per the data released by leading insurance companies
Lightning Peak Current and Frequency of strike:
The maximum value of Lightning current can go up to 200 KA as per IEC 61312 which is in the shape of 10/350 μ Seconds.
Lightning Current Distribution:
According to the standards IEC61024 and IEC 61312, during a lightning strike in a building having an external lightning protection, the lightning current reaches the earth termination. A part of Lightning current goes to earth and remaining part gets coupled into the building through conductive media like Steel reinforcement in Concrete, Earth Conductor Metal Parts connected to earth etc.
The 100% of lightning energy breaks down as follows according to IEC61312:
– 50% of the lightning current will flow through the ground
– 50% of the lightning current will flow over the connected metal parts of the building (gets coupled into the building)
To protect electrical & electronic equipments inside the building, this 50 % of Lightning current which is entering into the building has to be diverted to the metal parts which is connected from outside. (Metal Water pipe, Metal Sewage pipe, Power lines, data lines etc)
Class B: (Class 1 according to IEC 61643 as well as Class C according to VDE0675)
is an arrester which is designed to carry a lightning current of 10/350 μ Sec duration. Important parameters to be taken care are Lightning Impulse current carrying capacity and Voltage Protection Level (Let through or limiting or clamp voltage)
Class C: (Class II according to IEC 61643 as well as Class C according to VDE0675)
is an arrester which is designed to carry a Surge current in the shape of 8/20 μ Sec. Important parameters to be taken care are Maximum or Nominal Discharge Current carrying capacity and Voltage Protection Level
Class D: (Class III according to IEC 61643 as well as Class D according to VDE0675)
is an arrester which is designed to carry a Surge current in the shape of 8/20 μ Sec as well as tested with a voltage impulse in the shape of 1.2/50 μ Sec. Important parameters to be taken care is Voltage Protection Level
SPD’s are made with Spark Gaps, Metal Oxide Varistors(MOV) Silicon Avalanche Diodes(SAD), Gas Discharge Tubes(GDT) or a combination of these devices
Spark Gaps and GDT’s:
These are called as ‘voltage switching type’ SPD’s. The operating voltage can be determined by the distance between the electrodes. Spark gaps are arresters in which two or more electrodes in series are opposed to each other. The electrodes consist of incombustible material (e.g. carbon or tungsten-copper). Spark gap based arresters used in power line between Line and Neutral should be capable of interrupting the Short Circuit Current (also called as follow current)
Advantages – It can carry Very Large amount of Surge Current for a long Duration
Disadvantage – Need more time to react (about 100 nano sec), high follow Currents
MOV:
(Metal Oxide Varistors) Varistors are ‘Voltage-dependent resistors’ with a highly non-linear V/I characteristic. Their electrical properties arise from a large number of micro-varistors connected in parallel and in series. The transitions between the micro-varistors can age under the influence of over voltages. Varistors are called as voltage clamping type SPD’s
Advantages – Faster than Spark Gap (approximately 25 nano sec). Limited current carrying Capacity
Disadvantage – Detoriation after every surge. Can create short circuit after a Maximum discharge current flow
Avalanche Diode:
Transzorb diodes (also known as suppressor diodes) are diodes that limit both positive and negative over voltages. Because of their very fast switching performance (in the picosecond’s region) they are well suited for use in precision and data line protection devices. These are also called as voltage clamping type surge arresters
Advantages – Very fast response to surges
Disadvantage – Very low surge current carrying capacity
By using Surge arresters at various zone boundaries, Transient over Voltages created due to a Lightning strike or switching surges can be limited below the Voltage Impulse with standing capacities of the equipments in respective zones.
Write to us for more queries on queries@microsystemservices.
Also see
1. Does an AVR or surge (spike) suppressor really protect from voltage fluctuations???
2. How does Servo Stabilizer work?
3. OVCD
About the Author (Click on the image to visit his LinkedIn profile)
G-N protection
The problem of G-N high voltage
There was a peculiar incidence with a lift during the work of an almost completed multi-storeyed building. The elevator in the building showed signs of malfunctions. There were incidents of elevator buttons not responding properly, stopping on wrong floors. Users were afraid to use the lifts.
The Engineers of the elevator company were baffled by the problem because all systems seemed to be working fine. There was no damaged part, nor the internal logic was wrong. Then they set about looking at grounding system. But even the grounding systems ( Earth pits) were properly done.
They finally found out the issue. There was welding work going on in the building and workers had actually connected the neutral line to Earthing line . Due to this there was lift in ground potential wrt actual ground. This had caused malfunction in the lifts.
Some time there is situations at many sites where two points have different ground potentials. Generally such issues are to be tackled at design stage by means of Earth pits. However some there are sites where such issues crop up even in case of well designed systems. They can also create an electric shock hazard or may be source of noise or interference.
Two ground points at different potential can produce a Ground loop. It there is connection between these two points via any equipment , current will flow and if the current is high then may be hazardous
Ground to neutral protector
G-N protector is device which senses leakage voltage between neutral and ground and gives a signal which can be given to relay or contactor to cut off the supply to the system thereby saving it from possible damages.
Applications
G-N protector can be beneficial various areas.
- Medical equipments
- Control panels
- Industrial equipments like CNC machines.
- Automation equipments like PLC panels
- Elevators and Escalator
Technical specifications of G-N protector
| System Voltage: | 230V AC 50Hz |
| Supply Voltage range: | 180V AC – 250V AC |
| Supply Current: | < 10mA |
| Auxillary Supply: | Not Required |
| Relay Contact: | 5A Potential free. (COM-NO-NC) |
| Relay Mode: | Relay On at Reset or Power On
Relay Off at Ground Lift |
| Reset: | Auto Reset |
| Indications: | Mains On – Green LED
Grounded – Red LED |
| Mounting: | DIN Rail or Chassis Mounting |
| Dimensions: | 45mm X 76mm X 114mm |
| Weight: | 400gms. (approx) |
Write to us for more queries on queries@microsystemservices.
Also see
1. Does an AVR or surge (spike) suppressor really protect from voltage fluctuations???
2. How does Servo Stabilizer work?
3. OVCD
About the Author (Click on the image to visit his LinkedIn profile)
How can OVCD substitute a stabilizer???
In most cases where a comprehensive solution for Power problem is required for any equipment Let us take an example of ATM or any banking requirement.
Generally a combination power protection architecture is a as per below:
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
| Isolation transformer | + | Servo Stabilizer | + | Online UPS system | > | Your Appln |
All of the above equipments are used to solve different aspects of power problem. Let see them one by one.
Isolation transformer:
- An isolation transformer is a 1:1 (under load) power transformer used for safety.
- Without it, exposed live metal in the equipment at a hazardous voltage relative to grounded objects
- Electrical isolation is considered to be particularly important on medical equipment, and special standards apply. Often the system must additionally be designed so that fault conditions do not interrupt power, but generate a warning.
- Isolation transformers are also used for the power supply of devices not at ground potential.
- Designed to block interference caused by ground loops
Servo Stabilizer
- Designed to automatically maintain a constant voltage level.
Online UPS system
- Meant for emergency power backup incase of power failure.
- Provides a stable power Supply.
Seems like a foolproof protection system. However in spite of all this there are issues where equipment get damaged. Servo Stabilizer itself gets damaged. Online UPS gets damaged. There are issues of Down time and service calls for both.
Double function – a waste
An online UPS is double conversion UPS, meaning that it converts AC –DC (Rectifier charger circuit) and DC to AC (inverter Circuit). So the output of Online UPS is stable irrespective of supply side fluctuations.
It has inbuilt AVR(Automatic Voltage Regulator) system which works as a Stabilizer circuit. It too has operating range like servo Stabilizer 150V-270V. Maximum may be 300V. After this the circuits start malfunctioning. UPS will function properly in this range and will not require a stabilizer.
So essentially Servo stabilizer before an Online UPS is big waste as it does not really protect the Online UPS and UPS will in fact does a better job at stabilizing the voltage levels than a servo Stabilizer.
OVCD – Powerful Alternative
How it works:
- OVCD is connected at before the equipment in use. Incoming current will first pass through OVCD then into the equipment. OVCD continuously monitors the line voltage.
- Whenever the voltage is above or below the set voltage limits the OVCD simply cuts the voltage to the equipment thereby saving it from the line disturbance.
- OVCD will withstand the voltage even as high as 440Volts in single phase . Most equipments get burnt or damaged at this voltage but not OVCD.
- It however does not stabilize the voltage as in the case of other devices in the same category like Stabilizer, CVTs.
- When the voltage returns to normal , the OVCD resumes the supply to the equipment automatically with short power-on delay of 3 seconds(configurable). This feature is called the Smart Start. It prevents the initial harmful transient that may damage the Equipment.
How is OVCD better than Stabilizers?
- Superior protection
- Occupies less space
- Lightweight
- Transformer less design
- Portable.
Comparison with Stabilizer
| FEATURES | OVCD | Stabilizer |
| Protection up to 440V | Yes | No |
| Under voltage / Over voltage protection | Yes | optional |
| Protection from spikes | Yes | No |
| Lightweight | Yes | No |
| Waveform distortion | Nil | Nil |
| Response Time | Less than 300ms | 3 secs |
| Maintenance | Not required | Required |
Cost comparison.
OVCD is 40% cost effective than any given stabilizer rating.
No price variations on wide range operations. Settings can be custom made.
Why should you consider using OVCD before your equipment?
- Protection against Extreme over voltage.
- No problems due to voltage fluctuation.
- Zero downtime
- Your equipment becomes more rugged
- Less service calls = Increased profitability + Increased credibility.
- Better perception of quality of your system in the minds of the customers
- Increases the chances of repeat sales or referral sales.
USP:
Now you can install your equipment in the worst electrical conditions without being bothered about service calls.
Our proposed solution
| |
|
|
|
|||
| Isolation transformer | + | OVCD | + | Online UPS system | > | Your Appln |
Why trust us on this solution
- 15 years of experience in this domain.
- Over 3.5 lakh live installations all across the country and counting
- Solution is accepted by many UPS manufacturers like Emerson, Delta, Numeric, Techser, Eaton, GE and many more.
- We have reduced their service issues related to power problems by more than 75%
Write to us for more queries on queries@microsystemservices.
Also see
1. Does an AVR or surge (spike) suppressor really protect from voltage fluctuations???
2. How does Servo Stabilizer work?
3. OVCD
About the Author (Click on the image to visit his LinkedIn profile)
Amit Manjrekar
Owner at Micro System Services
Some Facts about overvoltage
Over voltage problems are the most frequent the most overlooked and neglected. Many times equipment failure, downtime, software and data corruption, are the result of a problematic supply of power. There is also a common problem with describing power problems in a standard way. We have tried to list out some of the common facts about over voltage issues
- Overvoltage, and its destructive effects, are well known but are often not recognized or understood.
- Little is documented in terms of its magnitude and frequency.
- It is difficult to identify, due to its sporadic nature, and often comes and goes undetected.
- Because of all the above, its existence is sometimes denied.
- Equipment failures due to overvoltage are often misperceived as defective equipment.
- Power companies do not deny its existence; but they do not publish or otherwise inform the users that it exists, or warn users of potential periods in which it may occur.
- Power fluctuations are also caused due to in–line equipment. Viz. Motor during its starting period draws heavy current due to which voltage drops causing imbalance and over voltage somewhere else.
- With very few exceptions, electrical power distribution systems are inadequate to provide voltage within acceptable limits to all users at all times.
- Power companies cannot prevent overvoltage because they can only react to its existence, usually in response to customer (user) complaints about failing appliances, etc.
- The time of response can vary widely (anywhere between one minute and weeks) depending on many variables in the distribution system.
- Overvoltage can occur at any time, due to many factors, but is most likely to occur during certain periods such as fast changing high load demands, as seen during severe cold weather periods.
- Power companies are mandated by law to provide service without overvoltage.
- Power companies are not held accountable by any regulation authority for overvoltage.
- Power companies will sometimes reimburse damage costs due to overvoltage if proof is provided by the complainant.
- Overvoltage can only be proved by the use of a voltage recorder.
- Some power companies offer overvoltage insurance to users.
- Over voltage events are misperceived to be equipment failures leading to their replacement with other brands that do not have overvoltage protection and essentially mask the effects of overvoltage which can lead to inevitable catastrophic failures.
Also see:
- OVCD- Over Voltage Cut-off Device
- How does a Servo Controlled Voltage Stabilizer work?
- Product breakdown management
- Protect your Equipment from harmful power fluctuations..
- Give reliability to your UPS systems in high fluctuation areas. OVCD solves your servicing woes!!!
- Protect your electronics
Visit our website: www.microsystemservices.com
Our email us for more info at micross@microsystemservices.com
References:
MSS 