Power quality
We work hard to sustain high reliability and network stability. But sometimes, circumstances may result in voltage variations.
Many are normal and fall within the Essential Services Commission Victoria's standards. However, variations can cause surges and brown outs that affect your supply experience.
Businesses can take reasonable precautions to ride through these events. This preparation helps to protect plant and equipment from voltage variations.
A risk assessment will establish the type of protection required. These assessments consider the size and nature of your business.
We also recommend you speak to your Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). In the case of data back up and Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS), contact a specialist IT service provider.
Ways to protect your power quality
The following table outlines some of the options you may wish to consider for your business:
| Surge protector | A device that automatically switches power off when voltage exceeds a certain level. These can plug into the wall to protect certain appliances. Or they can be installed at the switchboard to protect appliances on a particular circuit. You will need to contact an electrician for advice on the best solution for your business. |
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| Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) | Allows a continuous supply of power for a limited time so an appliance can be shut down correctly. It is not suitable for keeping appliances on supply. May help businesses reliant on equipment sensitive to voltage variations, such as computers. Advice should be sought from IT service providers to help you make an effective choice. |
| Phase fail relays | Similar to surge protection. Automatically shuts down power when voltage falls below a set limit. Can be a good option for businesses that operate motorised equipment. Installed at the switchboard to stop motors from burning out during voltage variations. You will need to contact an electrician for advice on the best solution for your business. |
| Back up of data | Copying computer data to a secure site. Frequency depends on the sensitivity of data. Many businesses back up their data daily. |
| Back up supply/generator | Allows a continuous supply of power as an alternative power source. The size of generators and how they are powered varies. Require a Registered Electrical Contractor for installation. |
| Line conditioner | A device which regulates voltage to keep it between set limits. Seek advice from your Registered Electrical Contractor. |
| Emergency plan | An emergency plan depends on the nature of your business. The plan could move stock or use alternative premises following a voltage variation. Your plan should incorporate elements of a risk assessment. |
| Adequate insurance policy | Your insurance may or may not cover damage from occurrences such as brown outs and surges. Check your policy includes ‘new for old’ coverage if that's important for your business. Your insurer can advise on the best way to cover your premises and assets in these circumstances. |
How to lodge a claim for damages
You may be eligible to claim for damage caused by a voltage variation or other power quality issue.
If you make a claim, you will need to outline the precautions taken to protect your assets.
We expect all businesses to have appropriate protection to minimise loss and damage during a voltage variation.
Our compensation guidelines consider the age and functionality of damaged goods or equipment. If a claim is made for a five-year old computer, we compensate the claimant for its value at the time of the incident.
Check your insurance policy for items you wish to replace with more up to date or advanced products.
For more details, see our Claims page.
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