Standard Operating Procedure: Looking after Voltage Regulators

The SOP, titled TAN-EVM-SOP-E5-05, Version 1, outlines the policy and objectives for maintaining voltage regulators in cold rooms and freezer rooms. The policy emphasizes the importance of voltage regulators in preventing permanent damage to refrigeration equipment and vaccine loss due to voltage fluctuations exceeding ± 15% or exceeding the tolerance allowed by the refrigeration equipment manufacturer. The objectives of the SOP are to provide guidance on routine checks for three-phase voltage regulators connected to cold rooms and freezer rooms, as well as single-phase voltage regulators connected to individual vaccine refrigerators and freezers. Responsibility for carrying out daily checks on voltage regulators is assigned to the cold chain technician, who has primary responsibility for servicing the 3-phase units. The cold chain technician is also responsible for troubleshooting the Electrogard units, which involves following the Electrogard troubleshooting checklist and consulting the Electrogard installation manual. The SOP outlines the procedure for daily checks, which includes verifying the voltage readings on the 3-phase meter and individual phase meters, checking the output and input indicator lights, and listening for any unusual sounds. For single-phase voltage regulators, the cold chain technician must ensure that the correct type of unit is connected to the refrigerator or freezer and check the input and output indicator lights. The SOP also emphasizes the importance of training personnel responsible for looking after voltage regulation equipment. All personnel should receive hands-on training to ensure they are capable of carrying out the tasks outlined in the SOP. The manufacturer's operating instructions should be read and followed exactly, and the instruction manuals should be filed in a safe place. The SOP is distributed to various facilities, including central vaccine stores, regional vaccine stores, and district vaccine stores, and is intended to be used in conjunction with other SOPs, such as TAN-EVM-SOP-E2-01: Monitoring vaccine storage temperatures at fixed storage locations. The Electrogard troubleshooting checklist, outlined in Annex 1, provides guidance on troubleshooting the Electrogard units, including checking the control panel indicators and switches, and verifying the availability of three phases from the mains commercial supply to the regulator. The checklist emphasizes the importance of taking suitable electrical safety precautions while carrying out troubleshooting work.