Voltage Optimizer

[AZsparky]

I ran a service call today to troubleshoot a swimming pool light. In the course of the troubleshoot, I discovered the incoming voltage at the main breaker was only 221 volts leg to leg and 112 volts to ground. (pool light fix was replace the GFI and remote switch that were finished with indoor covers) But, back to this Voltage Optimizer, the reason for my post. The voltage from the POCO was 246 volts leg to leg and 123 volts to ground on each leg, but from the meter it went through this voltage optimizer before landing on the panel's main breaker. So, what is the real purpose of these voltage optimizers? Is it power conditioning or load balancing? By dropping the voltages down, isn't the customer going to pay more based upon amp draw? Was going to disconnect it, but wanted to get some other's opinions before doing so. If they are deriving some benefit from it such as extending the life of electronics, I don't want to create a problem for them. The original construction date was 1977, and it looked original to the date of the service being installed. It is a Voltron Voltage Optimizer 35 KVA Auto-Transformer with input of 120/240v and output of 108/216v. Any thoughts???

 

[AZsparky]

make that *Voltrol* instead of Voltron

 

[GoldDigger]

Motors will draw more current for a given mechanical load, but the power registered by the meter should remain unchanged. (Volts times Amps, integrated over multiple cycles.)

Lights and resistance heaters will draw less current, but may not operate as well or as efficiently.

Incandescent light bulbs will not burn out as soon, but will give less light.

Possibly at the time the unit was installed the POCO voltage was even higher that the completely ordinary 246 on nominal 240?

 

[drcampbell]

Sounds like a candidate for removal. 246 volts is certainly within limits and doesn't need correction.
In addition to being unnecessary, the autotransformer will be consuming some energy and inflating the bill.

Resistance heaters are 100% efficient, no more & no less, at any voltage. They will consume less power and emit less heat at a lower voltage.

Incandescent lamps are less efficient on lower voltages, but I can't imagine why anybody would still be using them.

 

[Jraef]

... So, what is the real purpose of these voltage optimizers? ...

To separate people who are worried about their power bills from even more of their hard earned money by capitalizing on their ignorance of how electricity really works. They are a scam, no two ways about it.

We have been down this road in this forum before and it can get ugly, but I love a good fight sometimes. There are contractors here who, to give them the benefit of the doubt, have been unwitting accomplices in these scams and will defend their honor. I can't say I blame them, but I'm also not big on "alternative facts" when it comes to electrical engineering.

It's been a while now, maybe it's time for a rematch. Bring it on... :rant:

 

[ptonsparky]

Whatever it's for, it still works by the sound of it even after 40 years. Transformers are pretty hard to kill and at 35kva not overloaded.

 

[AZsparky]

To remove or not to remove from system?

To remove or not to remove from system?

Motors will draw more current for a given mechanical load, but the power registered by the meter should remain unchanged. (Volts times Amps, integrated over multiple cycles.)

Lights and resistance heaters will draw less current, but may not operate as well or as efficiently.

Incandescent light bulbs will not burn out as soon, but will give less light.

Possibly at the time the unit was installed the POCO voltage was even higher that the completely ordinary 246 on nominal 240?

So, if they are experiencing no problems, would you leave well enough alone? I just always thought low voltage = higher amp draw = POCO bill. When under a simulated 12 amp load out at the pool light j-box (1600 watt hair dryer), I measured 108 volts. I would assume the microwave in the kitchen would do the same. Just seems too low.