Power Control Apparatus
Frequently asked questions

1. Describe The Ncon Smart Power Controller (SPC) for Lighting

The SPC is a self-contained unit designed for mounting in or adjacent to a switchboard and reduces power consumed by fluorescent and HID lighting installations. It is microprocessor controlled, and selectively reduces supply voltage to the lighting circuits to save energy and reduce demand, but provides normal mains conditions for lamp starting. With a small foot-print (55L X 30W x 20D cm) It is suitable for wall mounting, and provides an integrated 3~phase lighting sub-distribution panel with up to 23 dedicated miniature circuit breakers for separate switched circuit loads.

2. How does it work?

The SPC monitors line voltage and current loads levels 4000 times per second. When lights are turned on, full power is provided to the lighting circuits. After a time delay, which varies depending on the lamps type, to allow starting and stabilisation of lights, the power supply (voltage) to the lights is reduced using zero current switching. Load current is monitored, and when an increase is detected (switching on of additional lamps) full voltage is restored for the delay period to permit proper starting of lamps. Remote override of the normal action is possible. In the event of a fault, the SPC is designed to "fail" with the lights ON. To cater for other possible failure modes testing or to provide normal mains conditions when required a handy bypass switch is provided in the unit.

3. What benefits can I expect from installing the NCON SPC

• Reduced energy consumption (kWh) by between 25% and 33%
• Lower demand levels (kW / kVA) thereby reducing the demand billing if applicable by between 30% and 41%
• Improved 'power factor" - more efficient supply delivery (5% - 20%)
• Reduced NEMMCO and NETWORK charges
• Longer lamp and ballast life - lower maintenance costs
• Reduced HVAC overhead - Ballast run about 27% cooler
• Beneficial reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Environment
• No discernable loss in light output or quality

Installation of the SPC is simple and disruption to existing lighting / site facilities is minimal.

4. How are sub circuits connected?

The SPC provides a fully integrated 3~phase lighting sub-board. Each light circuit (up to 20 circuits over the three phases) is independently protected by a Circuit breaker per lighting circuit with the full lighting configuration balanced over the three phases.

5. Is an additional distribution board required?

No.

6. Is the Apparatus a single phase or three-phase operation device?

Single phase or three Phase as required. 3 of the 4 Ncon SPC models are 3~phase configurations (Model 3210, 3420 & 3630) with one unit (Model 1210) providing single phase operation if suitable / required.

7. Will the Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector accept the installation of the Apparatus

SPC is fully compliant with all applicable safety and wiring standards, CTick (EMC/RFI).

8. What are the acceptable characteristics of the light fittings which are connected to the SPC with regards to:

9. Have the major fluorescent lamp manufacturers accepted the SPC for the operation of their lamps without adversely affecting the lamp life or warranties?

Yes. The SPC's operation is fully compliant with lamps manufacturers minimum operating specifications. The SPC provides protection against under-running lamps in low voltage situations and brownout conditions with its patented AMVLS (Automatic Minimum Voltage Limitation System).

10. Does the Apparatus operate both " standard" and triphosphorus tubular lamps? Are they permitted to be mixed in the circuit?

Yes. They may be mixed at will. All lamp types, Iron Core and high efficiency ballasts will benefit from the SPC's operation.

11. What effect does the SPC have on the level of Harmonics in the electrical reticulation system of the facility?

No harmonics are generated, in fact, the technology design will provide some attenuation of high frequency harmonics. Voltage management varies the aplitude of the sine wave ONLY. No wave "chopping" or wave deformation is evident. No "noise" or interference is created by the operation of the SPC.

12. What energy level reduction may be expected through the use of the system?

Measured reduction of kW range between 24% and 37%. kVA between 29% and 40% depending of site's electrical parameters. Independent reports are available to verify these outcomes.

13. What effect does the use of the Apparatus have on illumination levels in areas where it is installed?

Nominally a reduction of less than 10% can be expected. Independent testing indicates losses in fluorescent at less than 5%. Some HID lamp types vary with losses of between 8% and 20%. Please ask your Representative for details on lamp type performances.

14. Is the operation of the unit effected by switching part of the lighting load on or off during operation such as an installation where there may be separately locally switched areas? Do the light levels change?

There is no effect when part of the load is switched off. When additional load is switched on, full normal mains is applied to all load for a short period (dependent on lamp type), then energy save is resumed. Light levels will change as per 13 above. The time the SPC has been on does not matter. The system is fully automated and requires no intervention with respect to lamps being turn on or off at any time.

15. How would the SPC technology be applied in a new building? What are your installation guide lines?

The SPC would be installed as part of the switchboard, eliminating need for additional load circuit breakers for the lighting circuits affected. There are no traps for beginners. However, from an ease of installation perspective, It may be advantageous to provide independent lighting / power chassis at the main distribution board. The SPC can be installed by any qualified electrician.

Installation manual may be downloaded if required.

16. How do you propose that the SPC technology would be applied in a retrofit application?

Installation in or near switchboard. Cables will be run from an input circuit breaker to the unit, and load circuit cables will be connected directly to the unit. Where appropriate, installation at an appropriate sub-board level may be beneficial.

17. Has a cost benefit study been undertaken for an installation?

Yes. .........Various market segments (retail, supermarket, government, commercial, industrial) have been assessed for both performance and overall economics. Reports are available and may be reviewed on this site or by request if required.

18. Are there any operating installations at the present time?

Yes. New installations are being commissioned on an ongoing basis - Ncon would be happy to provide a suitable site report / reference aligned to your business's application and type.

19. Where is the SPC manufactured?

Victoria, Australia. Ncon is committed to supporting local industry where possible. Ncon has been awarded ISO's "Outstanding Achievement Award - Import Replacement". Ncon is 100% Australian owned.

20. Is there a minimum number of lamps required in the circuit for the SPC to operate correctly?

3 single 36W lamps are required. This is necessary for the SPC to be able to distinguish between lamps being "turned on" and a possible faulty lamp operation.

21. Will the SPC function normally when other "control equipment" (ambient light sensors, occupancy sensors, dimmers, proprietory managment systems and transmission equipment etc) are connected in circuit?

Yes, The SPC's primary function is to reduce energy consumption and associated costs through the management of an approriate level of supply voltage to the lamps in question.

22. What are the losses inherent in the SPC at No-Load and Full Load in watts or as a percentage of the SPC rating?

Full Load - 120 watts, better than 98% efficiency
No Load - less than 10 watts

webdesign WEBARCADE