Power Supply Explained

In this article we will be exploring and defining the voltage information provided in the specification tables of our cleaning and heating equipment. Typically expressed as “1 / 230V / 50Hz” or “3 / 400-15V / 50Hz”, we will break down what the 1 or 3 mean, what the 230V or 400-15V means, and what the 50Hz means.

Defining each one, we will then try to explain them further, using a variety of analogies. Please be aware that we do our best to explain things as cleanly and accurately as possible. If, however, you spot anything poorly or incorrectly expressed, please get in touch via our contact form (which links to our email).

Electrical Phases

If we take “1 / 230V / 50Hz” or “3 / 400-15V / 50Hz”, the first number expresses the phase. 1 equals single-phase and 3 equals three-phase. Let’s explore phase and what single and three-phase mean.

Single-phase and Three-phase Explained

In electrical systems, the term “phase” holds significant importance, as it determines how current is distributed in an alternating current system. Let’s break down the two primary types of phases, offering an analogy based on road traffic to help clear up their definitions for you.

Single-phase

In a single-phase system, electrical current flows along one path, resembling a single stream of electricity. This configuration is typical in residential and smaller commercial settings due to its simplicity and its compatibility with common household goods.

We could think of a single-phase system like a one-lane road. All the electrical current travels along this one path, just like cars on a single road in a quiet neighbourhood. The road is designed for lighter traffic, with enough flow of cars to keep everyone moving on a day to day basis in this quiet neighbourhood. Similarly, in a single-phase system, the single flow of electricity is enough to provide power for less powerful, everyday appliances.

Three-phase

In a three-phase system, electrical current flows along three distinct paths, establishing a more balanced and efficient distribution of power. This type of configuration is common in industrial and larger commercial workplaces, offering more electrical current to power greater machines. Three-phase is less commonplace than single-phase, and requires a special supply that you may not have.

Now, picture a three phase system as a motorway, with three lanes. The electrical current divides into three separate paths, just like cars navigating different lanes on a bustling motorway. The increased number of lanes allows for greater traffic flow, without congestion. Or, in our electrical setting, the thicker wire carrying the current does not burn out as it can handle the higher flow of current that a three phase system uses.

Phase Summed Up

Understanding the difference between single-phase and three-phase systems is like grasping the dynamics of traffic on our electrical roads. A single-phase system is a tranquil one-lane road, suiting the demands of everyday use. On the other hand, three-phase systems resemble the motorway, perfect for demanding use.

Choosing the right “electrical road” for your pressure washers is crucial as not only does it ensure optimal performance, but it can be the difference between function and malfunction. If you only have a single-road supply, then you cannot have something like the HD1140, which needs a motorway to supply it. Similarly, if you only do lighter work, a single phase pressure washer, such as the Kranzle K1152 could be suitable, whether you have three-phase or not. 

Use and available power supplies are some of the questions that we will typically ask before supplying a machine. If you would like to enquire about our cleaning equipment, please get in touch via phone (01652) 659759, contact form (which links to our email) or facebook messenger.

Voltage (V)

In “1 / 230V / 50Hz” or “3 / 400-15V / 50Hz”, the second number followed by V (230V or 400-15V) represents the voltage of the equipment. Let’s explore this term, voltage.

Voltage is the measure of electrical potential energy in an electrical circuit, indicating the force that propels electric current through conductors, such as wires. In simpler terms, it's the power that propels the flow of electricity. The voltage specification for your pressure washer (e.g., 230V or 400-415V) specifies the amount of electric force required for it to operate safely and effectively. Understanding this ensures that the equipment receives the right amount of power for correct functionality.

To better visualise voltage, let's draw a parallel between voltage and pressure washers. Just as pressure washers generate force to create pressure, their water pumps pull and push water at an increased rate. This heightened water flow mirrors the water forced through pressure washer pipes. Similarly, voltage represents the force at which electricity is propelled through wires. Just as too much force can lead to excessive pressure in a pressure washer, too much electrical pressure can potentially damage an electrical system. In simpler terms, just as too much water pressure could break a pressure washer, excessive electrical pressure could harm an electrical system.

Bound up with phase, it is important to bear in mind the electrical supply you have and the pressure washers that are suitable to your set up. For example, the 40 in KD1340 tells us that this pressure washer is a three-phase, 400v pressure washer. The KD1340, therefore, is not suitable for use on a typical household 230v supply. Yet, a KD523 (the 23 representing 230V) is.

Hertz (Hz)

The final number in “1 / 230V / 50Hz” or “3 / 400-15V / 50Hz” represents hertz. Let’s define and explore this term.

Hertz, symbolised as Hz, is a unit of frequency used to measure the number of cycles per second in an alternating current. In other words, it expresses how quickly the direction of the electric current changes. For example, in a specification like “50Hz” (typical of our cleaning and heating equipment), it means the electrical current changes direction 50 times per second.

Think of hertz as the heartbeat of electricity. Just like we measure heart rate at beats per minute, hertz measures how many cycles of electric current happen per second. A heart beat of 50 beats per minute is ten times slower than 50hz, but representative of how electrical current circulates through an alternating current (AC) system. Just as our heart beats, pushing blood to our organs 50 times per minute, a 50Hz current delivers electricity to our appliances at a rate of 50 times per second (or 3000 times per minute).

Phase, Voltage and Hertz: drawing them together

Let’s see if we can now bring these different things (phase, voltage and hertz) together in a manner that makes sense:

• Phase is like the lanes of a road. Single-phase is a single lane road. Three-phase is a three lane motorway.
• Voltage is like water being pushed through a system. It represents the pressure or force the system can take. Or, the speed at which electricity is pushed through the electrical system.
• Hertz is like the beating of our hearts, it is the rate at which electricity is pushed back and forth between the power supply and the appliance demanding it.

Taking the road analogy on an electric adventure

To visualise these three aspects of electrical voltage together, consider a road analogy. Imagine a road-based delivery service called Electrical Haulage Ltd. This service represents our electrical system as it carries out deliveries.

Electrical Haulage Ltd. has two delivery customers—one is the Kranzle K1050p using a single-phase system and the other is the Ehrle HSC1240 that uses a three-phase system.

Electrical Haulage Ltd. delivers to a K1050p

Starting with the delivery to the Kranzle K1050p, Electrical Haulage Ltd. are going to deploy their new shiny van, the 230-V. With instant capabilities for acceleration, loading, and unloading, it travels down the one-mile road to the K1050p at 50mph (representative of Hertz). It efficiently handles 50 orders per hour for the K1050p, meeting its needs perfectly.

Electrical Haulage Ltd.’s fails to deliver to the HSC1240

Now, let's imagine the HSC1240 requires deliveries from Electrical Haulage Ltd. However, the company has not yet invested in additional delivery vehicles or the necessary infrastructure between their dispatch centre and the HSC1240.

The HSC1240 requests a delivery, and Electrical Haulage Ltd. responds by dispatching their 230V van, which travels at 50mph along the same single-lane road. However, upon receiving the delivery, the HSC1240 is dismayed to find that there isn't enough electricity for it to operate effectively. Faced with a shortage of supplies, the HSC1240 files a complaint with Electrical Haulage Ltd. to address the issue.

Trying hard to complete the order, Electrical Haulage Ltd. loads their van excessively, stacking goods on top. This strains the van and the road, which isn't built for such loads. Both the van and the road may wear out quickly from this.

Assuming the road and van last a bit, making some deliveries before issues arise. The overloaded van reaches the HSC1240 and they are happy to receive the more sizable delivery. However, now the problem is the frequency of delivery. They need this same delivery again before the van has even got back to Electrical Haulage Ltd. to reload. We need a different solution.

Electrical Haulage Ltd.’s successfully delivers to the HSC1240

After two unsuccessful attempts to supply the HSC1240, Electrical Haulage Ltd. invests in three bigger, stronger 400V vans and a sturdier three-lane road. This allows for coordinated deliveries, with three vans making deliveries spread across time, ensuring the HSC1240 has a steady and larger supply of electricity. Success.

Summary

In summary, let's relate these examples back to electricity. The number of lanes and vans used by Electrical Haulage Ltd. represents phase. For the single-phase K1050p, one van on a single lane per minute was enough. But for the three-phase HSC1240, the operation needed to scale up with 3 vans and a road with three lanes.

The size of the vans, the strength of the road, and each pressure washer's ability to handle delivered electricity symbolise voltage. The 230V van and road couldn't manage the required electricity for the HSC1240, indicating the pressure the system could endure without breaking. On the other hand, the 400V vans and road were stronger and capable of delivering the needed supplies to the HSC1240.

The frequency of van deliveries reflects hertz. Travelling at 50mph on a 1-mile road, the vans could complete 50 deliveries per hour. In the 3-phase, 400V system, three large vans were moving back at the same rate, but there were three of them, tripling the rate of delivery.

Hopefully this article has helped you understand the voltage specifications of the equipment we sell a little better. If you have any questions or would like to enquire about the products we sell please get in touch via phone (01652) 659759, contact form (which links to our email) or facebook messenger.