Download SA Power Networks 1 Variations in electricity supply

Why does electricity vary?
Unlike most other goods, electricity is used at
the very instant it is produced and cannot be
stored (except in batteries). There are no
warehouses or reservoirs where the product can
be held and checked before it is delivered to the
customer.
SA
Power
Networks
Variations
in electricity
supply
Consequently, any variation in the generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity at any
point in the network can result in variation in
supply to the customer. In addition, the amount
of electricity other customers are using, or faulty
household appliances or equipment within the
network, may cause variations to the quality and
consistency of your supply.
Under the Australian Standard, the voltage for
household customers must be maintained
between 216 volts and 253 volts. Until 2000, the
Australian Standard was 240 volts but this was
amended to align South Australia with current
national and international standards.
What type of variations occur?
Low voltage conditions
Occasionally, sometimes as a result of a vehicle
colliding with a stobie pole or other electrical
equipment, low voltage conditions may occur.
This may cause:
• Lights to glow at less than full power and
fridges and air conditioners to appear to be
working harder, or making strange sounds. In
these cases it is wise to turn off any appliance
that is not behaving normally; however lights
can be left on.
• Lights to dim momentarily due to electric
motors within large appliances cycling in and
out.
How do I protect my equipment?
Power surges may cause damage to electrical
appliances. Electronic equipment is particularly
at risk, with computers, entertainment systems
including plasma and LCD TVs being most
affected. Surge diverters can be purchased,
either as plug-in attachments to individual
power outlets or as fittings to main
switchboards.
These devices are worthwhile but you should be
aware they may not protect your equipment in
every circumstance.
What should I do if I’m experiencing voltage
variations?
If you’re experiencing voltage variations that you
believe are outside the normal level please
contact us on 13 13 66.
We will conduct an initial investigation and any
apparent faults will be remedied as soon as
possible. Investigating the cause can range from
taking simple voltage measurements through to
installing monitoring equipment on the
powerlines outside your home.
If these dips (or sags) in power continue for
more than a few seconds, we recommend that
you disconnect your electrical appliances and
notify us on 13 13 66. Once the power supply
has returned to normal you can reconnect these
appliances.
Power interruptions
Power interruptions are inconvenient but are
often the result of factors that are outside our
control (such as vehicle collisions, weather
conditions or wildlife activity). This makes it
impossible to guarantee 100 percent reliability
of electricity supply.
In the event of a power interruption we
recommend you switch off appliances not
normally in continuous use. This helps when
power is restored and is a safety precaution to
prevent, for example, a heater or iron coming on
again without your knowledge.
Power surges
For further information contact:
SA Power Networks on 13 12 61
www.sapowernetworks.com.au
/SAPowerNetworks
@SAPowerNetworks
1
Some power interruptions may also involve a
power surge—a rapid increase or spike in
voltage. These can be caused by:
• natural triggers such as storms, lightning
strikes or birds, and animals or vegetation
coming in contact with powerlines;
• motor vehicle accidents, vandalism or the
actions of other electricity users;
• plant or equipment failure; or
• customers not ensuring that electrical
equipment is compatible with system
requirements.
You can report a power outage or street light fault as well as register with Power@MyPlace to receive free info (via
SMS or email) about known power outages affecting your property and meter readings in your area.
Get online at www.sapowernetworks.com.au
CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION 09/2012