Single & Three Phase Service

Protecting Your Electrical Equipment

At OUC, we take pride in the quality and reliability of our electric service. Nevertheless, events beyond our control may cause power interruptions and fluctuations. That's why it's important to know that customers are ultimately responsible for protecting their valuable electrical equipment. Depending on your type of electric service and application, you may need to take additional steps to ensure that your equipment is properly protected.

Service to Meet Your Specific Electrical Requirements

OUC delivers "single-phase" or "three-phase" service to customers, depending on the specific power requirements that need to be met. The electrical needs of most homes and small businesses are normally met with single-phase service commonly recognized as the 120/240 volt service.

Other customers - such as large industries, shopping centers, and even some homes - have electrical equipment that requires three-phase service. Air conditioners larger than five tons, commercial refrigeration, motors, and pumps are examples of equipment that may run on three-phase power.

Three-phase Equipment Needs Added Protection

To run properly, three-phase equipment requires three energized lines. When voltage is lost in any one line, unprotected three-phase equipment may continue to run and overheat which can result in extensive damage or equipment failure. This type of interruption could be caused by acts of nature such as lightning, falling tree limbs, wind, or even electrical problems within your facility or home. Typical thermal protection such as fuses, breakers, or overload devices may not be sufficient to protect your three-phase equipment when such power interruptions occur.

A Worthwhile Investment

Fortunately, various types of sensors and supervisory relays are available to give you this added protection. These monitoring relays are installed by a licensed electrician and can protect against phase loss, phase imbalance, reversal, under-voltage, and over-voltage conditions. Considering the high cost of three-phase equipment, the added insurance provided by this type of protection is a worthwhile investment.

Take Charge!

Remember: Customers are responsible for properly protecting their electrical equipment. Although power interruptions are infrequent, they do occur. Be sure to have a licensed electrical contractor inspect your three-phase equipment and install the added protection, if needed.

For More Information

For more information on how this program can save you money, simply call an OUC account representative at 407-423-9018 or email your inquiry to us.