Introduction
Electricity plays an important role in the running of factory premises. Properly regulated electricity in industries is essential to protect personnel and the electrical equipment from hazards that excessive voltage can cause. Therefore, significant consideration is needed during the planning, installation, and maintenance of power distribution systems to ensure all components in the system operate safely and reliably, and that the electrical power quality is within required specifications. This paper will discuss the importance of proper factory power distribution voltages, along with the practical aspects related to voltage adjustments and the considerations related to new equipment installation or modifications in the existing power distribution system.
Factory Power Distribution Voltage
To ensure the safety of personnel and equipment, and proper operation of the equipment and processes, the voltage supplied to the factory must be within acceptable specifications. The acceptable range of voltages in a factory will depend on the type of equipment and processes run in that factory. Generally, electricity is distributed at a nominal voltage of 400v or higher in a factory, although lower voltages may be permissible in certain cases. If a factory has heavy power consuming equipment, then higher voltage levels may be necessary to supply the needed power.
The voltage should be regulated to ensure that it does not exceed the manufacturers recommended operating level, which will vary depending on the equipment specified. It is important to ensure that voltage levels are regularly monitored, and adjustments are made to comply with the manufacturers specifications. If machines that require different voltage levels operate in the same factory, then separate zones with regulating transformers may be necessary to provide the correct voltage to each zone.
Adjustments
Voltage adjustments may be necessary for a variety of reasons such as changes in power load, worn transmission lines, or to address an operational issue. The adjustments should always be made cautiously, with the assistance of a qualified electrician to prevent any harm to personnel or equipment. When voltage is being adjusted, connection lines should be disconnected, and all personnel should be advised that a voltage adjustment is in progress. Voltage should always be measured before and after the adjustment to ensure it is within specifications. Depending on the equipment specified, voltage dips and variations may need to be addressed to prevent disruption in operation.
New Equipment Installation
When new equipment is installed in a factory, consideration must be given to the additional power load and how it will affect the power distribution system. Voltage level adjustments may need to be made to ensure that the voltage supplied to the new equipment is within specifications. It is also important to ensure that these adjustments do not interfere with any other equipment in the factory. When installing new equipment, it is important to ensure that the power supply is adequate and the wiring is properly sized and installed.
Conclusion
Regulated voltages are important for the safe and proper operation of the machines and processes in any factory. It is important to regularly monitor the voltage levels to ensure they are within specification and that there are no irregularities that could affect the power quality and operation of equipment. When installing new equipment or making changes to the power distribution system, consideration needs to be given to the power load, the voltage levels and the wiring. Following these steps will ensure that the system runs safely and reliably.
