How does it work?

The SPC monitors line voltage and current. On application of power, full mains voltage is provided to the load. After an initial time delay to allow starting and stabilisation of lights, the supply voltage to the load is “switched” using zero current switching. Voltage is reduced by around 13.75%

Load current is monitored, and when an increase is detected through switching on of additional bank of lamps, full mains supply is restored within 0.5 milliseconds for the delay period to permit the correct striking of lamps.

What does it do to the sine wave?

Voltage sine wave is not distorted or “chopped” in any way. The sinusoidal curve is maintained without shift and only the wave amplitude is reduced to lower the voltage level. The output waveform, after conditioning, is cleaner providing less lamp ‘flicker’.

What happens when additional circuits are turned on and off?

Nothing changes when part of the load is switched off. When an additional load is switched on normal mains supply is applied to all loads for the preset delay period, then energy save is automatically resumed.

How are sub circuits connected?

Using circuit breakers on a din rail built into the SPC enclosure, which in turn draws it’s supply from the main board. The sub-board configuration is flexible and variations are dependent only on the units maximum capacity – 40 to 120 amps / 10 to 30 kVA per unit.

Is a sub-distribution board necessary?

No. The SPC provides a flexible and unique output din rail chassis for circuit breaker configuration for the load circuit connections and Sub Board redistribution of lighting loads. The units have the capacity to handle up to 20 independent load circuits (23 for the largest 3260 model).

What happens to the circuit numbering?

Nothing need change. The original configuration is mirrored on the new SPC box.

How does the bypass work?

In the unlikely case of a malfunction the bypass will return normal current to the lighting load, allowing time for a service technician to attend to any fault. There are no energy savings in bypass mode.

What about Power Factor?

Some power factor correction will be achieved. An improvement of between 5% and 16% can be demonstrated.

What happens in a brown out?

When supply voltage falls by 8.3% from nominal supply the SPC will switch into bypass mode and allow full voltage through to drive the lights. (This is within distribution variation limits as regulated +6% to -10% of nominal mains)

Harmonics, Noise and Flicker

No additional harmonics are generated. Some attenuation of high frequency harmonics will be achieved through the use of transformers. The use of a three phase balanced load configuration will reduce the propensity for the lamps to create any distracting stroboscopic effect.

What are the internal losses?

Full Load - <120 watts, better than 98.7% efficiency. No Load - less than 10 watts.

Has it been independently tested?