A reliable power supply is critical for the proper functioning of electrical appliances. Unfortunately, electrical supply issues such as low voltage, high voltage, power surges, and power outages are too common in many regions. These fluctuations in voltage can severely damage your appliances, leading to costly repairs or replacements, explains Nick Allen, general manager at Sollatek.
High- and low-voltage damage
In some areas, homes and businesses experience sustained periods of high voltage, while in others, the voltage may be consistently low. Although these conditions are opposites, both pose significant threats to your appliances.
High voltage occurs when the power supplied is above the normal level (typically 220-240 V for many regions), causing overheating and stressing the components of devices like refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioners. Prolonged exposure to high voltage can burn out wiring, damage circuits, and even lead to fires in extreme cases.
On the other hand, low voltage, while less immediately dangerous, is equally harmful over time. When the voltage drops below the normal threshold, appliances that need a certain amount of power to run efficiently will overcompensate, drawing more current to meet their operational requirements. This additional strain can cause motors to burn out, degrade components faster, and eventually lead to malfunction or permanent damage.
The broader range of power problems
While many are familiar with power surges and spikes, these are not the only issues that cause electrical damage. A surge is a sudden increase in voltage, often caused by lightning strikes or switching activities in the grid and can instantly damage sensitive electronics.
However, other power supply issues, such as power back surges (which occur when power is restored after an outage) and the loss of neutral (a disruption in the neutral wire that causes the voltage to fluctuate unpredictably), are also highly problematic. These can lead to erratic voltages in your appliances, further increasing the risk of damage.
Protecting against voltage fluctuations
There are various solutions to protect against power problems. Stabilisers (regulators) stabilise fluctuating voltage, whereas automatic voltage switchers disconnect and protect when power fluctuates. Surge protection devices (SPD) protect against lightning surges and spikes. Uninterruptible power supply systems (UPSs) and inverters provide valuable stable power when there is none.
The Sollatek range offers these and many more solutions to protect critical equipment. In areas where voltage problems are frequent, installing these protective devices is not just a luxury but a necessity to preserve the longevity of your electrical appliances.
Sollatek’s solutions
Sollatek is a world leader in voltage protection and power control. Its primary focus is protecting electrical and electronic equipment against unstable and unreliable voltage.
The Sollatek Voltshield range automatically prevents damage to electrical and electronic equipment/ appliances from power fluctuations, specifically over and under voltage levels of long duration.
When the mains power supply fluctuates outside preset tolerances (say 190 V and 260 V), the switcher disconnects the power to the equipment. The switcher then monitors the voltage for a short period to ensure the power has stabilised before re-connecting. In addition, a start-up delay period provides protection against power-back surges commonly experienced after the resumption of power in a power-cut situation. Surge and spike protection are also incorporated to ensure protection.
Sollatek’s Voltright range of voltage stabilisers and regulators is ideal for the most erratic power conditions. It will keep your equipment operating safely, no matter the voltage level.
The Sollatek SVS monitors the mains voltage continuously. If the voltage rises or drops, the SVS will stabilise the output to ensure the voltage reaching your equipment remains constant at 230 V (±6%).
The Sollatek AVR is a state-of-the-art solid-state stabiliser. Using microprocessor technology, it rapidly detects voltage variations and corrects the output.
