Green and Direct | Voltage Optimisation

Exact Voltage Control ("EVoC") is the most effective energy saving choice for your organisation and can provide you with the quickest energy cost savings and Carbon Reduction. With interest free government financing available, Exact Voltage Control systems from Green and Direct can be easily funded with no outlay meaning that your organisation starts saving money and increasing its profitability straight away.

What is it? (for the non-technical amongst us)

Simply put, Exact Voltage Control is a piece of equipment which is installed where your electricity supply enters your building (near your mains circuit board or fuse box) and it regulates the amount of electricity you take from the national grid. Basically, because all buildings are at different distances from the local substations which supply the electricity, the voltage that you are supplied at varies and to make sure everybody has enough, you are invariably delivered too much i.e. it comes in at too high voltage. Our equipment intelligently reduces the voltage down to the right level, which means your bill reduces and your electrical items will last longer as they are not being overloaded.

For your peace of mind, the technology has been around for years but owing to the environmental legislation which came into force 5th April 2010, if your company does not reduce its carbon footprint, you may be penalised in the future and to incentivise you, Green and Direct can install the equipment and fund it through the Carbon Trust on an interest free basis, meaning that “you save as you go”

Green and Direct - leadership technology

Green and Direct supply the UK’s most comprehensive and proven range of Exact Voltage Control systems. This enables you to cut your energy bills by up to 25%and all our products work firstly by correcting the actual supply voltage you receive from the grid (207V - 253V), to the ideal voltage for your electrical installations which is typically 220V. Green and Direct’s installations can then go much further, effectively maximising your savings by correcting other key factors including harmonics, transients, phase voltage imbalances, and also reducing reactive power. In total, these can generate significant savings for your business, by minimising your wasted power costs, cutting plant maintenance and downtime costs, extending the life of your capital machinery and reducing your Carbon Footprint.

Legislation – and Interest Free Government Loans

For the private sector, the Carbon Trust offers interest free loans of £3,000 - £500,000 (£3,000 - £100,000 for SMEs) for organisations to invest in energy saving projects. The loan is unsecured, completely interest-free, costs nothing to apply for and is designed to produce savings during the course of the 4 year government backed free finance period. Please see our Funding page for full details of both private and public sector funding, and the Carbon Reduction Scheme itself and how we can spread the payments over 7 years in some cases with nothing to pay for 6 months.

Protects the entire electrical infrastructure of your business

Green and Direct's Exact Voltage Control system prolongs the life, increases the reliability, cuts the maintenance and downtime costs of all the equipment in your premises that runs on electricity, from a computer to an air conditioning system. It creates an efficient, robust, stable and reliable electrical supply to your premises, protecting your electrical infrastructure. An increasing number of events can otherwise adversely affect your equipment, especially power transient spikes, which can cause considerable damage. Whilst your organisation may never have experienced the negative effects of spikes, they are on the increase and will become more common as the national gap between electricity demand and supply increases. So the next time the grid switches sources at times of high demand, Green and Direct's EVoC system will protect you.

Some of the guaranteed benefits of Exact Voltage Control from Green and Direct

Reduced electricity consumption by up to 25%, reducing your electricity costs by up to 25% and saving £'000s
Reduced carbon emissions (by up to 25%) helping you to protect the environment
Reduced maintenance costs on all of your electrical equipment
Measurably improved power quality, protecting your equipment
Protection of your electrical equipment from power spikes, prolonging its useful life
Reduced capital costs of replacing capital equipment early
10 year guarantee and a 30 year useful life giving you peace of mind
24/7 operation and no maintenance requirement from Direct and Green, an Insurance and Legal group company
Reduced reactive power consumption helping to reduce other operating costs
No monitoring of the equipment which means no management time required
Reduced Carbon Footprint and CRC scheme charges
Can earn your business Gold Standard recognition from the Carbon Trust - and a higher position in the impending league tables.

Contact Green and Direct today for

No obligation chat about how you can save money
Free determination of the savings you could make
Free visit to your premises
Free report on the reduction of your carbon output once Exact Voltage Control system is installed

Call free on 0800 652 9222 to arrange an appointment and to find out how your profitability will increase.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How does reducing the voltage save power?
Generally, the mains supply voltage in the UK is greater than necessary. For many types of electrical equipment if the voltage is reduced the current drops. Power consumption is the product of voltage and current, so as voltage is reduced the power falls.
What are the average savings from voltage reduction?
Each individual site will have unique characteristics and a variety of plant and equipment and savings of up to 25% can be achieved.
What is the typical supply voltage in the UK?
This varies widely (which is why a site survey is so important) but typically, although the official nominal supply voltage is 230V, the actual voltage fluctuates around an average of 242V.
What are the benefits of Green and Direct’s Exact Voltage Control System range over other Voltage Optimisers in the market?
Exact Voltage Control Systems - EvoCS - are designed to offer you the option of maintaining the supply at the optimum voltage and achieve this dynamically whereas some other suppliers only offer a fixed reduction in voltage and so do not truly optimise the voltage or offer the same levels of savings or protection from supply variations.

A fixed-ratio voltage reduction may cause problems if the supply voltage reduces, whilst a Green and Direct EVoCS can automatically compensate for this. In many cases the Green and Direct Unit will safely allow for an even larger voltage reduction and thus enhance the savings.
What is the difference between a transformer and a stabiliser?
A transformer reduces the voltage by a fixed percentage. A stabiliser reduces the voltage to a fixed (preset) value. This has numerous advantages - the reduction in voltage (and therefore saving in power) can be greater, and the equipment being fed operates at an optimum stable voltage ensuring more consistent performance and longer life.
If I install a voltage reducer, what happens if the mains voltage drops?
Unstable mains voltage (voltage drops) are likely to be more prevalent as supply capacity decreases. If the voltage reducer is a transformer, it will continue to reduce the now reduced incoming voltage, which can drop below the safe operating voltage for the equipment being supplied. On the contrary, a stabiliser will automatically compensate by decreasing the degree of voltage reduction, preserving correct equipment operation.
Some suppliers claim that voltage stabilisation equipment cannot be used for voltage reduction purposes. Is that correct?
No, to the contrary, voltage regulation offers significant advantages over basic fixed or switched tap voltage reduction equipment not least of which being its ability to maintain the supply at a customer adjustable optimum voltage and maintain each phase voltage to within 1%.
What types of load are better suited for energy savings by voltage reduction?
Most loads benefit from voltage reduction as the un-reduced voltage is higher than the optimum design voltage of the equipment. As an example, resistive loads and fluorescent lighting generally show the highest savings.
Is it feasible to use EVoCS in any industry?
Voltage reduction equipment could be beneficial for any industry sector. We measure suitability based on types of loads and other site specifics.
If I upgrade plant and machinery at my site, do I need to upgrade my Green and Direct EVoCS?
Advice should be sought if you increase your electrical consumption at your site. Green and Direct will offer you different sized equipment to meet each specific requirements and at the outset, consideration should be given if future expansion is foreseen.
Will the installation of an Exact Voltage Control System have any positive effect on any of my electrical equipment?
Yes. In fact operation of electrical equipment with a reduced and regulated voltage will generally increase the service life of the equipment.
What is the voltage range equipment can accept?
All electrical equipment sold in the EC needs to be capable of working with a supply voltage anywhere between 207 and 253V (230V ± 10%). Operating at a fixed, reduced, voltage of 220V (or even 210V for maximum saving) is therefore realistic with a Green and Direct Exact Voltage Control System.
What are the benefits of Exact Voltage Control System to the environment?
Benefits include reduction in Carbon footprint as well as a reduction in equipment replacement and maintenance requirements.
Does the equipment qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowance?
No, but there are interest free loans available through Carbon Trust or Salix which Green and Direct is happy to facilitate.
Can we apply for a Carbon Trust or Salix loan to install Exact Voltage Control Systems?
Yes. Green and Direct will help you to complete your application form.
Why do we need to have a site survey and three phase logging to establish possible savings and carbon reduction?
In order to accurately establish site suitability and energy saving potential, a detailed survey and electrical logging are required. Surveying a site and understanding the load types that exist on the site and the specific way in which they are applied together with accurate data will enable a full technical analysis and assessment to be made. Without this level of detail any report is likely to be inaccurate and could potentially cause severe operational problems particularly if non regulating products were to be installed.
What happens if the Exact Voltage Control System is overloaded?
Just like any electrical appliance, the capacity of the equipment should not be exceeded and protection to ensure this should be added where not already provided as part of the installation.

After our initial site survey and three phase logging we will advise on suitable Exact Voltage Control Systems for your site and we will estimate available capacity for future expansion.

We also request site personnel to advise if there is any planned site expansion in the future. In all instances, Green and Direct installs a bypass switch in case of foreseen overload.
What is the lifetime of your product?
As with any product, the lifetime depends upon its use and treatment over time however, provided the equipment is maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions it will give indefinite service life.
Do Green and Direct have designated after sales support?
Yes, Green and Direct have a dedicated team of 90 engineers offering full customer support.
Does the Exact Voltage Control System replace the site transformer?
No. Exact Voltage Control Systems are complementary products to your existing site transformer, if there is one on site.
Does Green and Direct provide installation?
Yes, through our dedicated approved installation contractors.
How long does installation take?
Each site has specific requirements and so each individual installation should be looked at separately. All works will be completed prior to switch over to limit equipment downtime.
Will out of hour's works be possible for installation and/or switchover period?
Yes. Our engineers and installers are very used to working in accordance with customers requirements.
Do I need to contact my energy supplier to switch off the supply during the works?
Green and Direct will deal with the energy supplier directly.
Will my site be without power whilst works are completed?
Green and Direct will work together with our customers, and a planned programme will be employed to limit downtime. Where necessary use of backup power can be used in order that your site has minimal interruption of service to normal activities.
Can the units be used in outdoor applications?
Yes, we have the technical knowledge to accommodate any outdoor application request. Standard units have IP21 rating and they are designed for indoor use.
Does Green and Direct offer maintenance as standard?
Yes, and the maintenance contract terms will be agreed with you at the outset.
Will my site be without electrical power during maintenance?
Most systems incorporate internal No-Break by pass switches alleviating the need for any power disruption during maintenance. Where no internal bypass is available, an external bypass switch is recommended allowing our equipment to be isolated for maintenance and this could involve a planned, brief loss of power.
What is the standard warranty on Exact Voltage Control Systems?
Exact Voltage Control Systems come with a standard 1 year manufacturer warranty. This can be extended up to 7 years with a bolt on maintenance contract.
What happens if an Exact Voltage Control System fails?
In case of any failure, the unit can be switched to bypass manually until the Green and Direct engineer identifies the reason for failure. During this time the site will operate under its normal working conditions. Green and Direct is part of the Insurance and Legal group and has been trading for over 15 years.
What is the optimum output voltage setting?
All equipment is set at 220V output upon leaving Green and Direct; however, this can be set as per customers requirements and adjusted on site to meet optimum voltage for the specific site equipment / load profile.
Can each phase output voltage be set individually?
Yes, although it is normal to ensure all three phases are set at the same voltage.
Can a customer set the output voltage as per their requirements?
Yes. Full details of system adjustments are detailed in the equipment handbook supplied with the unit.
What is the maximum input voltage allowed?
Standard Green and Direct systems have a maximum allowable input voltage of 254V per phase, with alternative maximum input voltages available to order.
What is the correction range?
Standard correction range for the Energy Saving Regulator is 0-12.5% of output setting, although other correction ranges are available.
Can the equipment be provided as either three phase or three single phase units?
Yes. In most circumstances three phase units offer the most suitable style of unit although 3x single phase units can be supplied where there is limited available space at a customer's site or access to it.
It is a known factor that not all loads benefit from voltage reduction / optimisation. What are the most suitable loads for energy saving by voltage reduction?
Not all loads offer energy saving from voltage reduction but most loads will benefit from being fed with a reduced voltage as their designed voltage is probably at or closer to a reduced voltage than it is to the unregulated mains supply, and the added benefit of keeping the phases balanced to within 1% is always preferable.

Loads which generally offer significant energy savings include refrigeration, chillers, motors (excluding VSD), lighting (most types except those with high frequency ballast), some temperature controlled equipment, and pumps, although there is no definitive list.
What is the output accuracy?
Each Phase is individually controlled to within ± 1%.
What is the surge rating?
1000% for 2 seconds
300% for 2 minutes
What is the supply frequency range?
47-65Hz
Is there any waveform distortion?
No
What is the efficiency?
>99% at full load
How is the kVA determined?
kVA is calculated at 415V, before energy savings.
Does the equipment require cooling?
Green and Direct equipment is specifically designed to be naturally air cooled and no additional cooling is normally required although the equipment's environment must be maintained within the operating specifications as per the data sheet and installed in accordance with the installation manual.
Does the equipment create noise?
Minimal low level intermittent noise whilst compensating for input supply voltage variations.
Does the equipment have surge protection?
Yes, supplied as standard
Does the equipment have over current protection?
No, equipment should be protected with suitably rated fuse or Circuit Breaker.
Does the equipment have metering capabilities?
Some models have built in metering and where not fitted as standard this is available as an option.
Does the equipment have safe-start capabilities?
This is not applicable to the Green and Direct EVoCS
Does the Exact Voltage Control System reduce harmonics?
In some cases, yes (load dependent), however a dedicated Harmonic Reduction Transformer (HRT), which we can also supply, would be better suited for designated harmonic reduction solutions and can be used in conjunction with the energy saving regulator.
Does the Exact Voltage Control System improve power factor?
In some cases, yes, however designated power factor correction should be sought if solving dedicated specific power factor issues.
Does the equipment require a Bypass Switch?
The equipment should have the ability to be isolated for maintenance or shutdown works and so we always recommend the fitting of a bypass switch. Some models now incorporate internal bypass systems.
How can the equipment be moved around at site?
By using standard pallet truck equipment in most cases subject to weight limits of pallet truck and model designated.
Will the moving parts in these Units have any negative effect on my plant and equipment?
No, to the contrary, the moving parts are there in order to give a dynamic control of the supply and maintain supply conditions which will give the optimum output voltage for both site equipment and energy savings.
Does the equipment require maintenance?
All electrical plant and equipment needs to be maintained. Some EVoCS incorporate variable transformers which have carbon brushes and our recommendation is for annual inspection with replacement when required.
Could you describe the recommended maintenance interval for Green and Direct EVoCS?
We recommend an annual inspection and service visit.
Will you carry out any test after installation to identify actual savings?
We are happy to visit sites after the installation to measure savings by using a reliable method.

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