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ESS_DEC_2016
Why Voltage Monitoring Is Required Part‐I.
Author: Prasad Gore Edition: ESSDEC2016
Abstract: Offices are 1 ph loads almost evenly distributed on 3 phase supply. However when system
comes in operations there exist an unbalance situations. As we know with advancement in
technology, working Voltage limits of components are shortened. This paper explain you how above
situation makes it difficult for very sensitive electronic equipment.
This is a case we are sharing through this paper and hence theoretical aspect shall not be
discussed in details. Its an attempt to share our findings.
1. General :
In offices/stores we have all single phase equipment and evenly distributed on 3 phase supply. When
we see design aspect we see cable size as per its ampacity and voltage drop at full load. Everything
looks normal when we see a steady state conditions. However we will explain here what may
happen with voltage in transient/ inrush current and even when unbalance loading.
2. Case I
We see a design where lets say 6 sqmm cable is used and ACs/lights/PCs (15 kva Loads ) are evenly
distributed and in steady state condition load unbalance is not more than 25%.
Now we know if we considered 415V as base +‐10% is the range where utility supply voltage.
Looks fine as below
Developed By : PRASAD GORE ELECTRICAL SCIENCE SOLUTIONS
Cu
E en V 0 0 Conductor 0.25 0.03 Total Load 15 Vne 0 ‐41 In 0 ‐43
Inrush
AL Current 6
Conductor 0.42 0.02 time 115 ‐1.4% 240 264 10%
Select
Voltage Change %
Cond 0.25 0.03 ‐1.4% 240 216 ‐10%
DC
Resistanc Inductanc
e e ‐1.4% 415 456.5 373.5
Standard Voltage
Source Voltage 435V/ 251V 15 kVA Load side voltage 248V Voltage drop 1.4%, Looks OK.
See Load Voltage graph below.
prasad@electricalsciencesolutions.com
Electrical Science Solutions
ESS_DEC_2016
3. Case II
Now as mentioned earlier there are loads with 4‐6 times starting/ inrush currents, particularly ACs.
Now when this situation comes, we may see below situation which definitely last for few cycles only,
but certainly damaging sensitive electronic equipment. Due to this inrush R ph voltage drops but
neutral gets shifted and B phase voltage raises.
Developed By : PRASAD GORE ELECTRICAL SCIENCE SOLUTIONS
Cu
E en V 0 0 Conductor 0.25 0.03 Total Load 32 Vne 21 ‐72 In 81 ‐73
Inrush
AL Current 6
Conductor 0.42 0.02 time 115 ‐4.1% 240 264 10%
Select
Voltage Change %
Cond 0.25 0.03 ‐6.5% 240 216 ‐10%
DC
Resistanc Inductanc
e e 7.2% 415 456.5 373.5
Standard Voltage
See voltage graph below,
prasad@electricalsciencesolutions.com
Electrical Science Solutions
ESS_DEC_2016
1. Case III
Now everything remains same as per case II i.e. inrush current and other loads but we replace 6
sqmm with 25 sqmm and with this B phase voltage reduce from 269 V to 256 V which comes well
below 264V.
Developed By : PRASAD GORE ELECTRICAL SCIENCE SOLUTIONS
Cu
E en V 0 0 Conductor 0.06 0.10 Total Load 32 Vne 5 ‐77 In 85 ‐83
Inrush
AL Current 6
Conductor 0.10 0.06 time 115 ‐1.1% 240 264 10%
Select
Voltage Change %
Cond 0.06 0.10 ‐1.8% 240 216 ‐10%
DC
Resistanc Inductanc
e e 1.7% 415 456.5 373.5
Standard Voltage
This explains that even we have balance load system, single phase inrush current makes system
unbalance for few cycle so below points shall be considered,
1. Input voltage level: Recommend to keep at 400‐415V.
2. Cable Impedance : Recommend to calculate inrush current drop magnitude and duration.
3. Design limits of sensitive equipment.
See actual data captured by us.
In case of any queries please write us back on prasad@electricalsciencesolutions.com
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