Is low voltage the problem or the symptom?

Dawson PPD receives questions about voltage during irrigation season. The most common are list­ed here:

If the voltage is okay at the meter, what could be causing the problem at the motor or pivot?

“If there is an excessive voltage drop between the meter and the customer equipment it can be caused by con­ductor that isn’t sized properly,” says Cole Brodine, Manager of Engineer­ing.

This can occur when a customer upgrades equipment but uses exist­ing wire.

The problem can be more pro­nounced with booster pumps in­stalled on pivot end guns.

What causes ‘voltage drop?’

Decreased voltage can be caused by the distance between the load and the meter. The longer the wire, the higher the resistance, causing voltage drop. It can also be caused by wiring that is not sized correctly for the load it serves.

It was working earlier in the season. Why are there problems in August?

During the highest demands of the irrigation season, voltages can vary, yet still be within the standard’s tolerances.

Contact Dawson PPD to test the voltage at the meter if you have concerns.

What can Dawson PPD do about it?

If you contact Dawson PPD with a concern about voltage, the District will check voltage at the meter.

If the voltage is within standard values at the meter, the customer needs to contact their electrician to troubleshoot their wiring and equip­ment.

Can Dawson PPD just turn the voltage up on the power line?

Generally, no. Dawson PPD is required to follow a standard (ANSI C84.1) for voltage requirements. There are high and low values required at the meter.

If Dawson PPD “turns up the voltage” on a power line, it can damage equipment owned by other customers on that line.

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