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What Is Voltage Optimisation And Will It Benefit My Business?

Energy efficiency is extremely important for all businesses. Finding ways to minimise waste can help to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.

Most businesses will explore the best ways to reduce electricity consumption. Things like energy audits can be a great way to identify ways to save money.

Optimised equipment can be another excellent way to reduce energy use on a business’s premises. But what happens when the mains supply is providing too high a voltage?

Not only can this damage electrical equipment, but it can also lead to higher energy bills.

This article will explore the benefits of installing a voltage optimiser and how it can help you to save money. We will be answering all the important questions, including ‘How does voltage optimisation save energy?

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What Is Voltage Optimisation?

Voltage optimisation is a technology that can help UK businesses reduce their energy consumption. It can also help to lower their energy bills. Plus, it can improve the lifespan of electrical equipment.

It works by matching the voltage supplied to electrical equipment from the national grid supply to the minimum required level, without affecting the equipment’s performance.

This can help to avoid over-voltage, which causes damage to equipment and wastes energy.

Voltage optimisation systems typically consist of a transformer and control unit. The transformer reduces the supply voltage to the required level. The control unit monitors the voltage and adjusts the transformer as needed to maintain a stable voltage output.

Voltage optimisation can be an effective way for UK businesses to manage their energy consumption. It also helps to reduce energy bills and improve the lifespan of electrical equipment.

It’s important to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of voltage optimisation. It is also essential that you work with a trusted and experienced provider. This ensures the voltage optimisation system is installed and maintained properly.

How Does Voltage Optimisation Work?

Voltage optimisation works by reducing the voltage supplied to equipment to the minimum required level, without affecting the equipment’s performance.

In the UK, the standard voltage supplied to equipment is 230 volts. There is typically a tolerance of -6% and +10%.

Some equipment may only require a lower voltage to operate effectively. If that equipment is constantly exposed to a higher voltage it can result in damage. It also wastes a significant amount of energy over the lifespan of the equipment.

A voltage optimisation system will typically consist of a transformer and control unit.

The transformer reduces the incoming voltage to the required level. The control unit monitors the voltage and adjusts the transformer to maintain the stability of the voltage output

An electrical device may only require 200 volts to operate. A voltage optimisation system can reduce the voltage supplied to that device from 230 volts to 200 volts.

The system reduces energy consumption and helps to avoid over-voltage. This can cause damage to electrical equipment.

By reducing the voltage supplied to electrical equipment, voltage optimisation can benefit UK businesses.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced energy costs
  • Improved equipment lifespan
  • Reduced carbon footprint
  • Improved power quality
  • Improved power factor

We will cover these benefits in more detail later in the article.

It’s important to note that the savings businesses can achieve through voltage optimisation may vary. This will depend on the equipment being used and the business’s energy usage patterns.

It’s important for businesses to work with a trusted and experienced provider. This will determine the best approach to voltage optimisation for their specific needs.

The supplier will help you make an informed decision on whether a voltage optimisation system will benefit your business.

Can I Install A Voltage Optimiser Myself?

You should never install a voltage optimiser yourself. Voltage optimiser installation is considered a relatively straightforward task. However, it’s a requirement that installation is carried out by qualified electricians.

Your supplier will typically provide an electrician to carry out the work. This will provide greater peace of mind and a guarantee from the supplier.

The installation of a voltage optimiser will affect the business’s power supply. Because of this, many suppliers allow out-of-hours installations. This will minimise the effect it has on the business.

Installing voltage optimisers with bypass technology can also be beneficial for maintenance. This will allow work to be carried out on the voltage optimiser without having to cease business for the day.

Voltage optimisers with internal bypass switches can be beneficial to businesses in the long term.

They will typically be installed at the main supply intake point of the building. This is usually located between the consumer unit and the electricity meter.

Voltage optimisation units can be installed further away. Cables are then used to reach the main supply intake point.

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How Much Does It Cost To Install A Voltage Optimiser?

The cost of energy optimiser installation in the UK will vary depending on the optimiser required for the property. Factors that will affect the cost include:

  • Optimiser type
  • Optimiser size
  • The complexity of the facility
  • Type of industry
  • Energy saving goals

The cost of the optimiser and its installation can often be spread across monthly bills by suppliers. This can minimise the initial expenditure.

Do Voltage Optimisers Help Save Energy And Money?

Businesses will typically have a range of equipment that is voltage dependent. Voltage optimisation technology can help reduce electricity consumption and lower bills.

An unregulated incoming power supply in the UK will typically provide 230 V. Not all appliances and equipment require this level.

Using fixed voltage optimisation can ensure you aren’t using more electricity than you need. This reduces energy usage for businesses. The benefit of this is lower business electricity rates and reduced carbon emissions.

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Which Businesses Will Benefit The Most From Voltage Optimisation?

Large businesses with high electricity consumption will get the biggest benefits from using a voltage management system. Voltage-dependent industries most likely to benefit from a regulated power supply include:

However, all businesses will benefit from energy savings. Reduced energy consumption will result in lower bills and carbon emissions.

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How Can I Measure The Results Of Voltage Optimisation?

Comparing bills can give varied results. There may be other factors impacting the fluctuation in costs.

Comparing bills over longer periods should help to present a better idea of your average energy savings.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Voltage Optimisation?

The pros of voltage optimisation

  • Reduced energy costs: Voltage optimisation can help businesses reduce energy consumption. This will result in lower energy bills. Optimisation can help businesses reduce energy consumption by as much as 20%.
  • Improved equipment lifespan: Voltage optimisation can also help to extend the lifespan of electrical equipment. Using too high a voltage can cause damage to electrical equipment and reduce its lifespan. Optimising the voltage supplied to electrical equipment can reduce the risk of damage.
  • Reduced carbon footprint: Businesses can also reduce their carbon footprint by minimising their energy usage levels. This can help businesses to meet sustainability goals and contribute to a greener environment.
  • Increased power quality: Voltage optimisation can improve the quality of power supplied to electrical equipment. Reducing supply voltage fluctuations and harmonics helps electrical equipment operate efficiently and effectively.
  • Improved power factor: Voltage optimisation can help to improve the power factor of electrical equipment. This helps businesses reduce their energy bills and avoid power factor penalties and charges.

The cons of voltage optimisation

  • Upfront cost: One of the main cons of voltage optimisation is that it can be expensive to install. The initial cost of purchasing and installing a voltage optimisation system can be high. This can be a barrier for some businesses.
  • Compatibility issues: Voltage optimisation systems may not be compatible with all types of electrical equipment. Businesses may need to replace existing equipment or install additional equipment to ensure compatibility with the voltage optimisation system.
  • Maintenance requirements: Voltage optimisation systems require regular maintenance to ensure that they are working effectively. This can add additional costs and time requirements for businesses.
  • Limited savings: The amount of energy savings that businesses can achieve through optimisation may be limited.
  • Risk of equipment damage: In some cases, optimisation systems may cause damage to electrical equipment. If the system is not properly installed or maintained, it can cause voltage fluctuations that can damage sensitive equipment.
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Saving Money On Business Utilities With Business Energy Comparison

An optimised power supply can be a great way for businesses to use less energy and reduce bills.

Another great way is by making use of our services to compare business gas and electricity prices to find the best rates.

Our great service helps you compare quotes for business utilities from the UK’s top energy providers.

All you need to provide is your business address. We use industry-held data to gather all the information required to supply you with a selection of quotes.

We will then help you every step of the way through switching providers to help you save money.

Switching providers with Business Energy Comparison is hassle-free. You won’t experience any supply issues and we are on hand to provide expert advice should you have any concerns.

Final Thoughts

Managing your voltage supply can lead to significant energy savings. It can also help to protect sensitive electrical equipment.

Managing the incoming supply voltage from the national grid is a great way for businesses to reduce energy use. It will also allow them to run their business more efficiently.

Voltage optimisation technology installation can be arranged with your electricity supplier. They will be able to advise on the benefits for your business at this point too.

Using Business Energy Comparison to find a competitive electricity supplier will also help to save you money.

Our team of business energy brokers and consultants use their experience to guide you through switching suppliers. This can help you enjoy better customer service and lower utility rates.

If you’re interested in reducing electricity bills, then comparing suppliers and investing in voltage optimisation technology could be the perfect solution.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help with your business energy needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does voltage optimisation work?

Optimising your voltage does work. However, you must ensure the equipment you use is compatible with the optimiser and its results.

How do I know if a voltage optimiser is worth it for my business?

The best way to determine whether a voltage optimiser will benefit your work is by speaking to an impartial expert. A reputable electrician will be in a good position to advise further.

Are voltage optimisers worth it for small businesses?

Voltage optimisers can help small and large enterprises save money on energy. This is especially true for businesses with higher power demand. This can include shops with refrigeration units and restaurants.