power optimizers

[nizak]

Have many here have been installing "power optimizers"? I recently went to do some service work at a restaurant and saw that the owner had been sold one of these units for each panel that was in the building. They were wired into the panel via a 2 pole 20A breaker, he told me that "someone down the road" had sold and installed them. He said that they were quite expensive but he would recoup the initial cost in as little as 6 months. ????

 

[480sparky]

OK, I'll bite.

What's a power optimizer?

 

[StreamlineGT]

I think he is referring to a "Powersave" type unit. we have discussed before. search powersave.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

There is a product called the Power Optimizer. The following is from their website.

The Power Optimizer? works to reduce heat and electrical vibration by stabilizing the current and training the electrons to flow more efficiently.

I installed one that has never been turned on. It was installed because corporate big wigs without technical knowledge were "sold" on the product. The one I installed was for a 150 hp motor. It is installed in parallel with the motor and physically at the motor. I asked if I had to change the overloads to account for the reduced current like you do for a capacitor located on the load side of the overloads and was told, "no, the power optimizer does not reduce the current, it only saves energy". I have no idea of what is inside the unit as it is all riveted together and the only thing with screws is the three terminals.
Power Optimizer

 

[macmikeman]

There is a product called the Power Optimizer. The following is from their website.
I installed one that has never been turned on. It was installed because corporate big wigs without technical knowledge were "sold" on the product. The one I installed was for a 150 hp motor. It is installed in parallel with the motor and physically at the motor. I asked if I had to change the overloads to account for the reduced current like you do for a capacitor located on the load side of the overloads and was told, "no, the power optimizer does not reduce the current, it only saves energy". I have no idea of what is inside the unit as it is all riveted together and the only thing with screws is the three terminals.
Power Optimizer

Probably what is inside of it is a device to alert the manufacturer when the jig is up and its time to dissapear and go back into time share condo sales......

 

[brian john]

I recieved a call today from a mechanical contractor I do work for his customer gave him a quote from a "consulantant" he read me this so it may be a bit off.


This product SHAVES the sine wave there by matching the system impedance which can signaficantly reduce your electric bill.