Question from Voltimum user: "I have new Phillips LED lamps that will flicker around the same time every night and they flicker in a predictable sequence. I have made the assumption it is the off peak tariff switching signal from the energy provider that is causing this to happen. I have spoken with several reputable companies and no one has been able to give me a cost effective solution. Is there a way to determine what type of filter will work without buying a handful and experimenting?"
Answer provided by Ian Richardson, Senior Product Engineer at ABB Australia.
Certain LED products can be susceptible to this flicker problem created by influences on the supply network. Often the more expensive the LED the less likely the problem. As Philips are considered one of the better brands the problem you are experiencing is reasonably severe.
Due to the characteristics you have described it seems the presence of a ripple control frequency from the energy provider is likely to be the cause. This could depend upon the area where you are located. The ripple control frequencies are common in areas of Sydney and other parts of NSW and QLD.
Typically the frequency range could be 750Hz or 1050Hz, depending upon your area. There may be a device installed in your meter box that will indicate the relevant frequency.
Some local electrical suppliers, wholesalers or lighting shops may have a filter product available for the particular frequency in your area.
Traditional surge protection may assist however the ripple control frequency would normal be below the protection level of a surge diverter.
Surge diverters with a filtering capability (known as surge filters) may also assist although these devices are usually built for a wide frequency range rather than the specific frequency of your problem so it is hard to provide an assurance of their solution. It may also depend upon the sensitivity of the LED lamps.
- See more at: http://www.voltimum.com.au/content/power-surges-spikes-swells-harmonics-and-signalling#sthash.9bRMsSug.dpufCertain LED products can be susceptible to this flicker problem created by influences on the supply network. Often the more expensive the LED the less likely the problem. As Philips are considered one of the better brands the problem you are experiencing is reasonably severe.
Due to the characteristics you have described it seems the presence of a ripple control frequency from the energy provider is likely to be the cause. This could depend upon the area where you are located. The ripple control frequencies are common in areas of Sydney and other parts of NSW and QLD.
Typically the frequency range could be 750Hz or 1050Hz, depending upon your area. There may be a device installed in your meter box that will indicate the relevant frequency.
Some local electrical suppliers, wholesalers or lighting shops may have a filter product available for the particular frequency in your area.
Traditional surge protection may assist however the ripple control frequency would normal be below the protection level of a surge diverter.
Surge diverters with a filtering capability (known as surge filters) may also assist although these devices are usually built for a wide frequency range rather than the specific frequency of your problem so it is hard to provide an assurance of their solution. It may also depend upon the sensitivity of the LED lamps.
- See more at: http://www.voltimum.com.au/content/power-surges-spikes-swells-harmonics-and-signalling#sthash.9bRMsSug.dpufCertain LED products can be susceptible to this flicker problem created by influences on the supply network. Often the more expensive the LED the less likely the problem. As Philips are considered one of the better brands the problem you are experiencing is reasonably severe.
Due to the characteristics you have described it seems the presence of a ripple control frequency from the energy provider is likely to be the cause. This could depend upon the area where you are located. The ripple control frequencies are common in areas of Sydney and other parts of NSW and QLD.
Typically the frequency range could be 750Hz or 1050Hz, depending upon your area. There may be a device installed in your meter box that will indicate the relevant frequency.
Some local electrical suppliers, wholesalers or lighting shops may have a filter product available for the particular frequency in your area.
Traditional surge protection may assist however the ripple control frequency would normal be below the protection level of a surge diverter.
Surge diverters with a filtering capability (known as surge filters) may also assist although these devices are usually built for a wide frequency range rather than the specific frequency of your problem so it is hard to provide an assurance of their solution. It may also depend upon the sensitivity of the LED lamps.
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