To support reliable service and help protect member equipment, Columbia REA is providing updated guidance on power quality and recommended protection measures for all three‑phase services. All members with three‑phase electrical loads should install dedicated, standalone power‑quality protection devices that continuously monitor incoming utility power and automatically disconnect equipment when abnormal conditions occur.
What conditions to protect against
Three‑phase motors and other equipment are susceptible to line‑side power conditions that can damage motor windings, controls and other components. These problems can shorten equipment life and affect overall service reliability. To help mitigate damage, Columbia REA recommends the following protections be installed on all three-phase services:
- Dropped Phase Detection (Single-Phasing / Phase Loss): Protects equipment from the loss of one or more of the incoming utility phases.
- Under-Voltage / Over-Voltage Detection: Ensures voltage remains within the equipment manufacturer’s specifications.
- Surge Detection: Protects against transient voltage spikes, typically caused by lightning.
Because these issues originate upstream of member-owned equipment, the integrated protection found in Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), soft starters, or other control equipment is typically not sufficient on its own. Columbia REA strongly recommends installing independent line-monitoring devices that operate separately from VFDs, soft starters, and other control systems.
We’re here to help
Our Engineering & Operations team is available to help evaluate protection options or to answer questions about your existing three-phase services. Additional information is available in our “New Service Guide” located on our website, at www.columbiarea.coop, under the new construction option.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting safe and reliable service across our cooperative.
