The effects of power quality on LED lighting and its performance generally receive little attention prior to its installation. Power quality issues such as voltage dips, harmonics, and interruptions can result in expensive, early replacement of damaged or failed LED lighting equipment. As a result of having to replace the damaged or failed LED lighting, the user could incur costs related to increased installation costs, an increase in the operation and maintenance costs, such as electrical labour costs to remove failed luminaires, replacement of the drivers and re-hanging of the fixtures.

Electrical installations are becoming more complex and many LED drivers and fixtures are designed and installed without considering what is already in use. Non-linear loads, such as variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and other high power equipment like induction motors generate power quality disturbances. Other power quality phenomena can be generated by the switching of contactors or there maybe external influences caused by other power users. Because of this, industrial and commercial installations need to take Power Quality issues into account before making the change to LED lighting because they can also contribute to power quality issues if preparation is over looked.

Power quality problems can cause a range of costly facility issues, from overheating equipment to power failures and increased utility costs. With the drive towards Net Zero, LED lighting is seen a source of energy saving, however these same LED lights can be a source of poor power quality.

Issues coming from the LED lighting include:

  • Harmonics– LED lights are non-linear loads producing harmonic distortion in the plant’s electrical system, including the lighting systems.
  • Power Factor –LED drivers with a low power factor reflect harmonics back to the mains. A poor power factor can cause equipment degradation, power losses in your system, voltage drops, and potentially incur penalty charges from the utility company.
  • Inrush Current– LED lighting with compensated power factor can cause high inrush current and surges of energy. This can cause damage and malfunction of equipment.

So, what can be done about LEDs contributing to poor power quality?

Initially, it is good practice to start by documenting the non-linear and high-power loads operating in the building. This can then be followed by conducting a power quality survey on your critical, first-tier loads and the panels currently powering the lighting systems.

Every electrical network and its problems with power quality are unique and need:

  • Planning of the power quality survey
  • Preparation of the monitoring location and site
  • The power quality survey
  • An understanding of where the problem is.

Electrex power quality sub-metering and Sonel power quality analysers offer fixed and portable solutions that enable the monitoring and analysis of power quality.

Both types of power quality analyser can be used for:

  • The recording of power quality events
  • Preventive maintenance on the LED lighting system
  • Power Quality measurement surveys over a specific period defined from the user, typically 7 days.
  • Monitoring of the compliance with power quality standards (EN50160) or similar engineering recommendations (G5)

The final step is to then focus on the analysis of the power quality data. As in many other fields, in depth analysis may require a power quality expert. In order to support end users and electrical contractors to understanding the power quality results, Power Quality Expert offer a number of reporting solutions where we will take the data you have recorded and prepare our Power Quality Health Check report or for larger projects, a full power quality and harmonic report using the measurements recorded by the monitoring equipment.

It is important to remember, that the success of any LED lighting project, whether it is a retrofit of an existing installation or a new installation, is the understanding, identification, resolution, and prevention of power quality problems. Preventive and continuous power quality monitoring can ensure a smooth installation and ensure a reliably operating system. The cost of making this analysis is always small when compared to the cost of replacing damaged or failed equipment when power quality is not considered.

Learn more about the Electrex range of energy management systems and sub meters , the Sonel range of power quality analysers or contact Power Quality Expert for more information.

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