I had a request the other day that I've seen in the industrial sector, even in the world of commercial, but never in a residential application.

I have a client with a large older home with a recently upgraded service from a 100 amp to a 200 amp. If a house this size were to be built today, a 400 amp service would be required. The problem he has is that he has several large motors in his home, one for a well pump, two large AC units, a few large sump pumps and so on.

He would like a capacitor bank installed to stop the lights from flickering so often particularly in the summer during a rainy season.

Have you guys heard of a product that would satisfy this request. (he's an important client (menaing he's worth money to me)), I'd like to do what I can for him, while at the same time seeing what can be done. Any help you can provide would be helpful.

Thanks

Look into using a soft-start - they are available for single phase motors too.

How would you be using the capacitors? I'm thinking it may cause a 'leading' power factor and possibly some extra attention from your POCO.

I have not heard of capacitor doing what you request for AC. On a DC circuit they might help as they would act as a bettery and give the extra capacity.

I think he means raising capacitance at the motors.It can be done on the air conditioners up to ten % I've also seen hard start kits installed to reduce the flicker effect.I would however stay awaything other than hermetic compressors.A refrigeration wholesaler will have a $80 or so kit sized for the A/C units.But there is still no guarantee.Also make sure the a/c units are staged properly with a "staging thermostat" or there will be power sags.Cycle the units one at a time and see if there a difference.

[This message has been edited by frank (edited 03-14-2005).]