Smart Power Controller FAQ

What is it?

The SPC is a sturdy metal box of electronics that bolts onto the wall near your switchboard or distribution boards and wired so that the lighting circuits run through it. The unit is microprocessor controlled and provides normal mains conditions for lamp starting then selectively reduces the voltage to the lighting circuits to reduce power consumption.

What lights will it work with?

The SPC is designed to work on discharge lighting such as the common fluorescent tubes (standard and triphosphorus) as well as ‘High Bay’ or High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting such as mercury vapour, metal halide and high and low pressure sodium. Generally the technology may be used with all derivative forms of starters, ballasts (iron core, High efficiency, low energy), power factor capacitors and lamp types.

How much energy does it save?

Measured energy reduction ranges between 25% and 31%. Contact us for independent assessment reports.

Can you tell me how much I’ll save?

Yes, we can give you projections on energy savings and payback timeframe based upon your conditions. Measurements are provided in line with GEEIP guidelines and results are obtained according to the International Performance, Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP).

Where is it installed and working already?

Contact us for a list of reference sites and actual case studies of power savings.

Will the lights dim?

You won’t notice any dimming as the change in light levels is so minor. Testing with equipment in controlled conditions indicate light losses of between 2% and 8% can be expected depending on age and type of tube used.

What lights doesn’t it work with?

The SPC will not deliver energy efficiency when used with modern compensating electronic ballast fluorescent lighting, however it will still allow them to work. Low Voltage Halogen or Dichroic lamps are not recommended.

How many lights will one box control?

The SPC is designed for large applications and comes in four different sizes from 100 to 600 fluorescent tubes or the HID equivalent. Multiple boxes can be installed to cater for large sites.

The smallest unit, Model 1210, is a 40 amp single phase unit and will control up to 200 x 36 Watt fluorescent lamps or HID equivalent over up to 18 independent lighting circuits. The largest controller, Model 3630, is a 120 amp three-phase unit (40 amps x 3 / 30kVA) and will control up to 600 x 36 Watt fluorescent lamps or HID equivalent over up to 20 independent lighting circuits.

Can you tell when the SPC switches on and off?

The switching happens so fast and the light difference so small you can’t tell by looking at it. LED indicators on the front panel show the current mode of operation.

Will it shorten lamp life or void lamp warranty?

No. The SPC was designed in consultation with lamp manufacturers and complies with their standards. Ballasts will run about 27 degrees cooler which means both lower air-conditioning costs and around 30% longer lamp life reducing replacement costs.

What’s the warranty?

2 year parts and labour on site manufacturers warranty. Non warranty parts and labour service can be arranged as required on a commercial basis.

Where are they designed and made?

The SPC range was designed in Melbourne and they are manufactured in Victoria. The equipment meets all the necessary that regulatory requirements.

Can it be used in a new building?

The SPC’s would be installed as part of, or adjacent to the distribution board, eliminating need for load circuit breakers for the lighting circuits affected as it is fitted with circuit breakers. This reduces the cost of distribution boards and/or frees up distribution infrastructure for possible later expansion. Designing the SPC into a new building would allow the circuit loads to be matched against the capacity of one of the four models.