Power Conditioners

At RS Australia, we stock a comprehensive range of power conditioners for industrial, commercial and professional applications. Our selection covers rack-mount units, portable devices and heavy-duty hardwired systems, giving electrical engineers, facilities managers and procurement teams a reliable solution for protecting sensitive equipment from mains supply irregularities.

How Do Power Conditioners Work?

A power conditioner improves the quality of electrical supply delivered to connected equipment by filtering noise, correcting voltage fluctuations and eliminating interference on the incoming AC line.

A 240V power conditioner typically combines an isolation transformer with an electronic regulation circuit. The isolation transformer physically separates the output circuit from the mains supply, blocking common-mode noise and preventing high-frequency interference from passing downstream. The regulation circuit then monitors the output voltage continuously, adjusting it to maintain a stable waveform regardless of input fluctuations.

The result is a smooth, consistent sine wave at the output. A 240V line conditioner operating in this way protects connected equipment not only from voltage spikes and surges, but from the subtler forms of electrical interference that cause data errors, equipment malfunctions and premature component failure over time.

Power Conditioners Types

Understanding the available types helps you match the right unit to your installation requirements.

• Rack-Mount: Rack-mount power conditioners are designed to fit standard 19-inch equipment racks and are widely used in AV control rooms, server rooms and broadcast facilities. They provide filtered, regulated AC to all rack-mounted equipment from a single unit, simplifying installation and reducing cabling complexity.
• Portable and Plug-In: Portable units are compact, self-contained devices suited to individual workstations, test benches and power tool applications. They offer a practical solution where a dedicated hardwired installation is not feasible, providing conditioning and protection at the point of use.
• Industrial and Hardwired: Industrial power conditioners are hardwired into the distribution system and sized to protect an entire facility, production line or building. These units handle higher current loads and are built to withstand the demanding conditions found in warehouses, manufacturing plants and utility installations.
• Generator-Specific: Dedicated generator power filter units are engineered to address the specific distortion characteristics of generator output. A 240V line conditioner designed for generator use includes THD reduction circuitry that standard conditioners may not provide, making these the correct specification where a portable or standby generator is the primary or backup power source.

Applications of Power Conditioners

Power line conditioners are deployed across a wide range of industries where supply quality directly affects equipment performance, data integrity or operational continuity.

• Laboratory and Scientific Instrumentation: Sensitive analytical instruments, calibration equipment and measurement devices are highly susceptible to mains-borne noise and voltage variation. A power conditioner ensures that test results are not compromised by supply disturbances, maintaining the stable input conditions that precision instruments require.
• IT Infrastructure and Server Rooms: Server rooms and network infrastructure rely on consistent, clean power to protect data and maintain uptime. An AC power conditioner installed upstream of critical IT equipment filters line noise that would otherwise cause read/write errors, unexpected reboots and reduced hardware lifespan.
• Industrial Manufacturing and Automation: Industrial power conditioners are specified for manufacturing environments where variable loads, motor switching and heavy machinery create significant electrical noise on shared distribution circuits. By isolating automation controllers, PLCs and HMI panels from this interference, conditioners reduce unplanned downtime and protect control system components.
• Generator and Portable Power Applications: Portable and standby generators frequently produce output with elevated total harmonic distortion (THD), which can damage or destabilise connected equipment. A power conditioner, in this case, acts as a generator power filter, cleaning the output before it reaches sensitive loads.
• Broadcasting and Audio-Visual Production: Professional AV installations and broadcasting facilities use power conditioners to eliminate ground loop interference, hum and radio-frequency noise from signal chains. Clean power at the source translates directly to cleaner audio and more stable video output.

How to Choose the Right Power Conditioner

Selecting the right unit requires matching the conditioner's specifications to your load, environment and supply conditions.

• Voltage Rating: Confirm the conditioner is rated for the local supply voltage. For Australian installations, a 240V power conditioner is the standard specification.
• VA or Watt Rating: Size the unit to handle the full connected load with headroom. Undersized conditioners will limit output or activate protection circuits under load.
• Noise Attenuation: Check the manufacturer's attenuation figures in dB across relevant frequency ranges. Higher values indicate more effective filtering across the line.
• THD Handling: For generator applications, confirm the unit is rated as a power line conditioner for generator use, or otherwise specified to handle elevated input THD without degrading output quality.
• Isolation: Units with galvanic isolation provide the highest level of noise rejection and are preferred for laboratory, medical and precision measurement environments.
• Form Factor: Choose rack-mount, plug-in or hardwired configurations based on your installation constraints and the number of devices to be protected.
• Compliance: Specify units certified to relevant Australian and IEC standards where the application demands verified components.

How to Install Power Conditioners

Installation requirements vary depending on the unit type and application. The guidance below covers general best practice; always refer to the manufacturer's documentation and comply with AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules and any applicable Australian Standards.

1. Assess the Load: Calculate the total VA or wattage of all equipment to be protected. Select a conditioner rated for at least 20% above your calculated load to allow for startup current and future expansion.
2. Determine the Installation Type: Plug-in and rack-mount units can typically be commissioned by the end user. Hardwired industrial units must be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local wiring regulations.
3. Position the Unit: Install the conditioner as close as practical to the equipment it protects. Shorter cable runs reduce the opportunity for noise to re-enter the circuit between the conditioner output and the connected load.
4. Connect the Input Supply: For hardwired units, ensure the input circuit is protected by an appropriately rated circuit breaker. For plug-in units, verify that the wall outlet is in good condition and correctly earthed.
5. Connect the Loads: Distribute connected equipment evenly across the conditioner's output outlets, staying within the rated capacity of each outlet.
6. Commission the Installation: Power on the conditioner before energising connected loads. Verify that the output voltage is within the specified tolerance band and that any status indicators confirm normal operation.

Buy Power Conditioners Online from RS

RS Australia is a trusted manufacturer, supplier and distributor of power conditioners, stocking products from leading brands including Sollatek, Schneider Electric, and Block to suit industrial, commercial and professional applications.

Our range covers AC power conditioners in rack-mount, portable and hardwired configurations, alongside complementary products such as uninterruptible power supplies, surge protection components, and power quality analysers to support complete solutions. Benefit from our expert technical support and seamless online ordering with fast delivery. To get complete details on our delivery services and charges, please visit our Delivery Page.