Power factor

The power factor survey process

A power factor survey is the critical first step in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of a PFC system. The process evaluates financial viability from your municipal bill, then runs a thorough onsite inspection and health report. Fixing component issues proactively helps you avoid costly demand charges and equipment failure, backed by data-driven maintenance and continuous monitoring.

3 phases
Consult, inspect, monitor
Annual
Recommended cadence
Every component
Tested onsite
Health report
The deliverable
Published
Read5 min
TopicPower factor
The short version

Phase 1: consultation and financial viability

A survey is the first step in confirming the financial case for correction. It begins by:

From this, a detailed quotation is provided for the full inspection and survey, tailored to the equipment onsite.

Phase 2: onsite inspection, testing and safety

High dust, high heat, high stakes

Neglecting PFC maintenance in the high-dust, high-heat environments common in South Africa significantly raises the risk of electrical fires and prolonged downtime. Given the severe cost of demand charges, professional annual surveys protect both finances and safety compliance.

Phase 3: data-driven next steps and monitoring

After the survey, a comprehensive health report details the condition of every component, flags any issues, and sets out actionable recommendations. Continuous monitoring then keeps the system efficient between visits, so correction stays effective as the load changes.

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Common questions

What does a power factor survey involve?

Three phases: an initial consultation that checks financial viability from your municipal bill, a detailed onsite inspection and component-level testing, and a health report with data-driven next steps and continuous monitoring.

How is financial viability assessed?

By evaluating your municipal bill to see whether you are on a demand-based tariff. If you are, correction reduces demand charges. If you are not, the survey assesses whether correction is needed to use your full available capacity.

What is tested during the onsite inspection?

Capacitors, fuses, contactors, reactors and controllers are all tested, controller settings verified, safety and protection parameters confirmed, and the panel cleaned of dust and debris that can cause overheating.

Why are regular surveys important in South Africa?

In high-dust, high-heat industrial environments, neglecting PFC maintenance raises the risk of electrical fires and downtime. Given the cost of demand charges, annual surveys protect finances and help satisfy insurance and health-and-safety requirements.

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