Running machinery.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT
Motors, which draw far more when starting than when running.
WHY THAT MATTERS
Sizing on running wattage produces equipment that trips constantly.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR EACH MACHINE
Running wattage Starting surge Whether it can be started separately
WHAT STAGGERING STARTS ACHIEVES
Avoiding simultaneous surges, which reduces required capacity substantially.
HOW
A routine: start machines in sequence, not together.
WHAT SOFT STARTERS DO
Reduce the surge when a motor starts.
WHERE THEY HELP
Larger motors on constrained supplies.
WHAT VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES DO
Control motor speed, reducing consumption where full speed is not needed.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE FITTING EITHER
That the equipment and supply are compatible.
WHY THREE PHASE MATTERS HERE
Many machines require it, and single-phase premises cannot run them without conversion.
WHAT CONVERSION COSTS
Money and efficiency.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE BUYING MACHINERY
What supply it needs, against what you have.
WHY BEFORE
Machines bought without checking sit unused.
WHAT TO PROTECT
Motors from low voltage, which overheats them.
HOW
Voltage monitoring that disconnects outside a safe range.
WHAT TO PLAN
Work scheduling around supply, where machinery is heavy.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Doing power-hungry work when grid supply is present.
