Why compliance with the standard alone is no guarantee of safety

You know that electricity leaves no room for errors or assumptions. Yet the most dangerous situations often arise out of sight, in the heart of the installation. An electrical installation that complies with all the rules on paper can still be vulnerable in practice. Factors such as ageing, frequent extensions and increasing grid pollution play a crucial role here.

Modern industry is changing rapidly. The integration of power electronics, LED lighting, variable speed drives and PV systems introduces new variables into your energy network. These components can affect the operation of standard safeguards, creating risks that standard controls might miss. Consider the impact of an unintended shutdown in a critical process, or the serious consequences of an arc incident on your technical staff.

As an organisation, you bear the burden of these risks. You are not looking for temporary solutions, but fundamental security. HyTEPS helps you bear that responsibility. We look beyond the 'tick' on the checklist. By analysing, modelling and periodically maintaining your installation, we create an environment where safety and operational reliability go hand in hand.

Power Quality: the invisible factor in electrical safety

When it comes to safety, physical shielding, earthing and insulation are often immediately thought of. But an underestimated component in this safety issue is the quality of the electrical energy itself: Power Quality. When voltage and current deviate from the ideal sine wave form, physical reactions occur in your components that directly compromise safety.

Electric arc

Harmonics and the risk of fire

One of the most common problems is harmonic contamination. This phenomenon causes additional energy losses that manifest as heat. Due to the 'skin effect' and eddy currents, cables, transformers and motors can become severely overheated, even if the measured current rating (RMS) appears to be within the rated values. A specific risk is the neutral conductor. In three-phase systems, so-called 'third harmonics' can accumulate in the neutral conductor. As the neutral conductor is often not protected against overcurrent, it can become glowing hot unnoticed, resulting in melting insulation and fire. Our engineers map these harmonics and advise on filtering to eliminate this fire risk at source.

Inadvertent triggering of protective devices

In addition to thermal risks, Power Quality affects your protection components. Voltage dips, spikes or high-frequency disturbances can cause protection switches and circuit breakers to trip wrongly ('nuisance tripping'). This may seem like just a nuisance interruption, but it compromises the reliability of your system. Worse, it can mean that a switch does not respond when it really should. A system that responds unpredictably is inherently unsafe for users and maintenance engineers.

Eliminate risks with advanced security studies

To measure is to know, but to calculate is to predict. To stay ahead of calamities, it is necessary to simulate the behaviour of your installation under fault conditions. HyTEPS carries out detailed studies on your installation model. This way, we ensure that your safety devices do what they are supposed to do: protect.

Engineers view measurement

Short-circuit current calculations

Are you sure your switchgear can handle the enormous forces of a short circuit? If the short-circuit current at any point in the installation exceeds the tripping capacity (kA) of your circuit breakers, they can explode in the event of a fault instead of switching off safely. This poses an immediate danger to life. Our engineers calculate the maximum and minimum short-circuit currents at each point in your infrastructure. With this, we verify that your components can withstand the thermal and dynamic effects of a fault current. This calculation forms the foundation of safe design and is increasingly a hard requirement of insurers.

Selectivity analysis

When an electrical fault occurs, it is crucial that the impact is limited. You want only the circuit breaker directly above the fault to trip, and not the main distributor feeding the entire plant. We call this principle selectivity. In practice, we regularly see that main and sub-switches are mismatched, so a small fault in a terminal group leads to a total blackout. Through a comprehensive selectivity analysis, we optimise the settings of your protections. We analyse the tripping characteristics (amperometric, chronometric and logical) and ensure correct sizing. In this way, we guarantee maximum operational reliability: a fault is isolated locally, while the rest of your process continues undisturbed.

Commissioning
Electric arc

Arc Flash calculations

An electric arc is one of the most devastating incidents that can occur in an electrical installation. The explosive energy it releases - in the form of heat, pressure, light and noise - is life-threatening to anyone in the vicinity. HyTEPS performs specialised arc calculations in accordance with international standards such as the IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E. We determine the potential arc energy (incident energy) at each workplace. Based on this, we advise on the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe working distances. We also look further: by making smart adjustments to the protection settings, we can often reduce the arc energy significantly. This lowers the risk from 'life-threatening' to a manageable level.

Lasting safety through Service and Maintenance

An electrical installation is not a static entity. Components age, connections can loosen due to vibrations and settings can expire over the years. Therefore, a one-off good design and adjustment is not enough. You must be able to demonstrate that you are in control of safety at all times. HyTEPS supports you in this with high-quality service on your installation.

Service Engineer

On-site service

Our engineers periodically check the vital parts of your installation. In doing so, we look beyond standard standards and focus on the actual condition of your electrical infrastructure. Possible risks due to wear and tear or contamination are immediately identified.

Validation of protections

It is essential to be sure that your protection relays and circuit breakers are still responding exactly as calculated. With advanced test equipment, we simulate fault currents to validate the response time and accuracy of your protection devices.

Installation maintenance
Research

Thermographic investigation

Using thermal imaging cameras, we scan your distributors for hotspots. This brings bad contact crossings or overloads into focus without having to shut down the installation.

Preventive maintenance plan

Together with you, we draw up a maintenance plan that matches the criticality of your installation. This shifts you from reactive fire-fighting to proactive management and prevents overdue maintenance from becoming a safety risk.

Service team

Results from practice:

From energy risk to expansion: 550A reduction in current draw

Nijsen was struggling with high costs and lack of capacity due to reactive power. Our active capacitor banks eliminated the penalties and immediately created 550 amps of extra space on the transformers.

Proactive Power Quality: eliminating risks at 5MW installation

To prevent downtime at the new 5MW plant, HyTEPS preventively implemented two Active Harmonic Filters. This assures ARN Recycling of a stable energy network and maximum business continuity.

1.75MW less grid load and cost reduction for SNB

Despite own generation, SNB was struggling with high costs due to reactive power. HyTEPS optimised the installation with capacitor banks. The result: 1.75MW less grid load and a payback time within one year.

Real-time Power Quality insight secures production of 290,000 tonnes of zinc

By tackling unexplained outages with high-end monitoring, HyTEPS ensured continuity at Nyrstar. Real-time insight into Power Quality now prevents unnecessary downtime.

Continuity in passenger flows through EMC control

Harmonic contamination threatened the continuity of Schiphol's security lanes. HyTEPS analysed the risks and installed seven active filters to restore grid quality. The result is a stable installation and guaranteed operational security for millions of passengers.

Maximising installation capacity and eliminating reactive power at Xella

HyTEPS restored installation capacity at Xella by targeting reactive power with capacitor banks. The solution offers Xella an immediate cost reduction and sustainable security in every kilowatt.

Maximum installation capacity for Naber Plastics through Cos Phi Improvement

HyTEPS increased installation capacity at Naber Plastics by targeting reactive power. With a 400kVAr capacitor bank, our engineers immediately created space for additional machinery. This results in optimum power utilisation and maximum operational reliability.

No room for error: how Zentrys guarantees 24/7 continuity

HyTEPS ensures the operational reliability of Zentrys through targeted arc scanning and selectivity testing. With digital simulations, we eliminate invisible risks for maximum continuity and a safe working environment.

Maximum operational reliability for offshore giant: ground loops eliminated

HyTEPS eliminated years of cable insulation damage on the Bumblebee due to a hidden ground loop in the complex offshore installation through a focused Power Quality. This proactive approach restores operational continuity and provides Allseas with the maximum reliability their operation requires.

Production downtime eliminated: Sappi Maastricht achieves full operational reliability

Sappi Maastricht eliminated costly production downtime by targeting harmful harmonics with a Power Quality diagnosis and active filtering. This investment fully restored operational reliability and paid for itself within a year due to the guaranteed continuity.

Spotlight on operational reliability: De Kuip ready for a fault-free LED future

In an environment where tens of thousands of spectators count on continuity, downtime is not an option. HyTEPS secures Power Quality at Stadion Feijenoord, so that the transition to LED lighting leads directly to guaranteed performance without invisible risks.

500 amps of extra power and elimination of blind current penalties at Mauser

Through targeted measurements and active filtering, HyTEPS eliminated grid contamination and blind current penalties at Mauser Packaging Solutions . This immediately provided 500 amps of extra capacity, allowing production to scale up safely without investing in a heavier grid connection .

No harmonic pollution at KLM: HyTEPS optimises Power Quality at Schiphol Airport

HyTEPS integrated 4 MW of solar panels at KLM Schiphol without risk. By eliminating grid pollution with Active Harmonic Filters, we ensure maximum operational reliability and a stable installation in Hangar 14.

Efficiency gains through precision: VDL Parree eliminates blind power penalties

By deploying a 300 kVA capacitor bank, HyTEPS stopped monthly reactive power penalties at VDL Parree. This intervention increased efficiency and created additional capacity immediately, so the investment paid for itself within a year.

Direct cost savings and extra capacity for Van Munster Recyclers

Van Munster Recyclers eliminated the reactive power penalty and immediately created additional capacity with a HyTEPS capacitor bank. Thanks to the immediate cost savings, this solution paid for itself within one year.

Sustainability and fault reduction at Clondalkin Flexible Packaging

HyTEPS ensures continuity at Clondalkin with a system that combines energy insight with automatic HACCP recording. This eliminates risky manual checks and maximises operational reliability.

Maximum continuity in care: 100% focus on the electrical installation

Hospital Rivierenland ensures safe care by working with HyTEPS to eliminate harmonic contamination in the installation. The deployment of Active Harmonic Filters now guarantees optimum Power Quality and maximum operational reliability.

Optimal operational reliability through data-driven energy monitoring

HyTEPS implemented an advanced monitoring system that gives CurTec real-time grip on energy consumption and Power Quality. This data-driven solution prevents blind power penalties and ensures a stable, climate-neutral future.

100% Continuity for carriageway lighting Schiphol through Power Quality diagnostics

HyTEPS identified the risks to the taxiway lighting at Schiphol Airport through accurate measurements. With the subsequent solution, the continuity and safety of this critical installation is fully guaranteed.

Safe innovation: Arc calculation for the world's fastest charging battery

Our engineers performed specialist arc simulations to ensure the safety of InMotion's unique battery pack. Thanks to this concrete analysis, the team is now working on ultra-fast charging technology with the right protective equipment and complete certainty.

Rijkswaterstaat ensures tunnel safety with 40% spare capacity

HyTEPS eliminates harmonic pollution in the Ruhr Tunnel by implementing four active filters. Thanks to 40% spare capacity, technical safety for Rijkswaterstaat is guaranteed under all circumstances.

Maximum operational reliability for Amphia: 100% grip on Power Quality

Our engineers analysed Power Quality with continuous waveform recording to ensure maximum safety. Thanks to continuous monitoring, all risks are now under control and care continuity is guaranteed.

Securing Dutch security of supply: Power Quality monitoring at scale

HyTEPS continuously analyses and validates Power Quality data from the entire Dutch power grid. Our customised software transforms this complex data stream into reliable control information for optimal security of supply.

Securing communication standards in EMI due to video installations at Schiphol Airport

HyTEPS eliminated electromagnetic interference in the Schiphol T2000 network after an integral EMC study. This approach restored system integrity and guaranteed uninterrupted communication for emergency services.

NYRSTAR eliminates harmonic contamination and prevents unplanned downtime

HyTEPS eliminated high-risk harmonic contamination at Nyrstar. Our specialist measurements provided an exact diagnosis and a guaranteed stable production environment.

Mannesmann secures security of supply with stable Power Quality

HyTEPS solved the failure of air compressors at Mannesmann by immediately eliminating harmful harmonic contamination. With active filtering and continuous monitoring, precision tube production is now fully stabilised.

75% Faster shutdown times for safe battery storage at iwell

For iwell's battery system, HyTEPS conducted an Arc Flash Compliance study to ensure electrical safety. The new settings reduced shutdown times by 75%, reducing dangerous arc flash energy to safe levels.

Frequently asked questions

Answer:

Yes, we read the logs and do snapshots to see if the filter is still functioning correctly and meeting its targets. However, for a comprehensive analysis of the entire installation (e.g. in case of vague complaints elsewhere in the premises), we recommend a specific Power Quality Analysis.

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For contract customers with critical processes, we can make specific SLA agreements on response times and availability outside office hours. Standard failures are handled with high priority within office hours.

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We understand that downtime costs money. For urgent matters, we try to respond as quickly as possible, often within 24 to 48 hours. For less urgent analyses, we plan in consultation.

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We recommend a regular checkup to identify degradation in time. Our service department has the right equipment to measure condition precisely.

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Electronic components and insulation materials wear faster due to heat and voltage spikes. By stabilising the voltage and keeping it 'clean', you avoid these stressors, making equipment last years longer.

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Our focus is on Power Quality and the quality of voltage and current (NEN-EN 50160). However, Power Quality is an essential part of a safe installation. We can supplement your inspection report with in-depth measurements that go beyond the standard NEN 3140 scope.

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NEN 3140 is a safety inspection focusing on touch hazard and fire safety at a basic level. It does not look at voltage quality or the influence of equipment on each other. A 'safe' installation can still be very unreliable due to Power Quality problems.

Do you doubt the safety of your installation?

Don't take any chances with your operational safety and the safety of your employees. Let our specialists diagnose, verify your security studies or take care of your service. We provide clear insight and a secure solution.