Surge protection in Kenya?

[Toby Kuhnert]

Hi chaps

Just been asked by a customer of mine to advise what surge protective device he would need to install at his house in Kenya..
He says they have a real problem with surges (and undervoltages for that matter) to the point they are worried to plug in sensitive electronics. He says he has measured on the mains voltages ranging from 160v - 400v. It appears that the distribution voltages are completely unregulated!!

What I am wondering about is this: I know you can obviously get surge protective devices to connect inline with the final circuits after the MCBs/protective devices, but can you get one that could cope with such a HIGH voltage? obviously in this country the voltages are regulated, the SPD manufacturers know the voltages will only go SO high etc.
Just wondering what your thoughts on this are.. maybe what i could recommend he does? I suggested getting a local electrician in, but he says the standards out there are appauling and wouldn't trust them!!

Any thoughts/comments much appreciated as always!!

 

[Marvo]

The supply in Kenya isn't as bad as he makes out unless maybe he's right out in the sticks somewhere. Surge protection is going to protect against surges but it isn't going to iron out prolonged over/undervoltage. He needs to buy small UPS's to supply his electronic items. A ferro-resonant UPS would be ideal for maintaining a constant output in the face of large voltage swings. This is a South African company who have custom made items for us in the past, they can supply to Kenya.

 

[Guest55]

i'd say voltage stability is the bigger issue rather than surge protection to be honest.

electronic surge devices are going to do sweet f.a. when his line drops below 200v lol

i think the problems lie at a national grid level so unless he can afford his own gen sets or ups then he'll have to put up with it whilst living in africa.

 

[Toby Kuhnert]

The supply in Kenya isn't as bad as he makes out unless maybe he's right out in the sticks somewhere. Surge protection is going to protect against surges but it isn't going to iron out prolonged over/undervoltage. He needs to buy small UPS's to supply his electronic items. A ferro-resonant UPS would be ideal for maintaining a constant output in the face of large voltage swings. This is a South African company who have custom made items for us in the past, they can supply to Kenya.

I will find out exactly where about's he is... seeing him tomorrow to quote for a job. obviously the UPS route sounds like the best idea...

 

[Toby Kuhnert]

i'd say voltage stability is the bigger issue rather than surge protection to be honest.

electronic surge devices are going to do sweet f.a. when his line drops below 200v lol

i think the problems lie at a national grid level so unless he can afford his own gen sets or ups then he'll have to put up with it whilst living in africa.

Yep, exactly. Will have a chat with him tomorrow, thanks