power factor correction units

[rdelectrical]

hi guys i need advice my friend passed on some remedials for a factory i mainly do domestic work however given the climate i fancy taking it on but part of the job is installing a new pfc unit which ive never done how hard are they to do should i leave that part to a more suitable spark thanks for any replies

 

[plugsandsparks]

The actual installation is quite straightforward but who is speccing the unit, i.e. doing the design as thats where the clever bit is. Also someone with more experience will need to design the connections from the existing install as they tend to be installed close to the main incoming and as such you need to work out how to connect.
The manufacturers data sheets will state how to install, in fact many of them will do a design for you.
Hope this helps

 

[snowhead]

Power Factor Correction uses Current Transformers on the Incomer, easy enough to fit, with no power on, BUT you need to know what you are doing with them.
Not something to be attempted for a first timer.
Get someone experienced to do the PFC and watch and ask.

 

[rdelectrical]

many thanks guys you have answered my question the unit has been waiting to be installed 2 years i opened it up today looked fairly straightforward however being mainly domestic when i saw the size of the connections i started to quickly get unkeen ive done some industrial stuff i feel ok with most of it but will listen to your advice so any one want the job lol

 

[Knobhead]

Is it just a box with a terminal chamber (passive), or does it have a small control panel (active). Either way they are easy to fit. If it’s active just carefully follow the instructions for the CT’s.
A passive PF unit will have just one cable to it, all be it a fair sized one.
Once you have energised it, if you need to get to the terminals again give it time to discharge before touching them/

 

[johnboy6083]

many thanks guys you have answered my question the unit has been waiting to be installed 2 years i opened it up today looked fairly straightforward however being mainly domestic when i saw the size of the connections i started to quickly get unkeen ive done some industrial stuff i feel ok with most of it but will listen to your advice so any one want the job lol

where are you mate?

 

[johnboy6083]

asthe others have stated, they are fairly easy to fit. Its important that the CT's are fitted upstream of any power distribution. Also you will need shorting links for the CT's , otherwise they overheat and buzz/vibrate when not being used, ie switching off the PF coprrection for maintenance ect.

What tyope of mains distribution arrangement is there at the factory. Is it a panelboard, busbar trunking with switchfuses ect?

 

[plugsandsparks]

many thanks guys you have answered my question the unit has been waiting to be installed 2 years i opened it up today looked fairly straightforward however being mainly domestic when i saw the size of the connections i started to quickly get unkeen ive done some industrial stuff i feel ok with most of it but will listen to your advice so any one want the job lol

Like working on a lorry rather than a car - lol. You will need bigger tools.
As mentioned you have got to connect it in somehow, have a look at the main board and see if there is space to connect in, some photos would help of the unit and the main board.

 

[Engineer54]

Installing a PF correction unit to a Switchboard that has not been designed to facilitate one, will require someone that has experience. As everyone has stated, it's not rocket science, the actual theory is simple, actually doing it, can be a very different situation.... Always better to watch and learn from someone that knows what they are doing, and maybe how they do it, even more so....

 

[Knobhead]

To carry on from John and E54. most active units will incorporate an isolator that shorts the CT’s when in the off position.
It would help to know the controller type if one is fitted, we should be able to give better information then.

 

[rdelectrical]

it has 3 big connections at the top underneath there are electronics and what appear to be capacitor banks silver tubes like the ones boy racers have to keep the sub bass going many thanks

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worksop near sheffield mate

 

[Engineer54]

it has 3 big connections at the top underneath there are electronics and what appear to be capacitor banks silver tubes like the ones boy racers have to keep the sub bass going many thanks

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worksop near sheffield mate

Well that, just about tells us everything, ...and Nothing!! lol!!!

 

[rdelectrical]

how do you put pictures on her guys

 

[rdelectrical]

sorry its sideways

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got picky on but its side ways

 

[Knobhead]

What make is the controller?
What is the KVAr rating of the unit?