We are having a debate at work about what voltage the mains supply actually is.
I have read that the supply is 230V plus 10% / minus 6%.
A colleague believes it is 240V.
Can anyone show me a reliable reference that states the exact Uk supply voltage and tolerances?
Thanks
About 230V
How about the BBC?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/electricity/mainselectrev1.shtml
Its 230 as you say, we harmonised with Europe a few years back.
Its in here somewhere http://www.theiet.org/publishing/wiring-regulations/
it's 240V which is less than 230V + 5%
the european 'harmonisation' was 230V ±10%
this means everyone can claim the be 230V ±10% without chainging from what they were on.
do you have a multi meter? stick it in the wall! 😯
Yes we have a multi meter but it came in a tool kit from China which cost about £5.00 so I'm not going to stick it in the wall!
Ooh just had a look here and the meter is reading 245V, up a bit today.
Varies massively here, even more so at my flat - 2-3 second dips down in the mid 100s from time to time.
Variable. I've metered out supplies at anywhere between 220 and 265V. The latter trashed some VERY expensive projection kit.
Iee wiring regs BS7671 (17th edition )
230v +10% -6%
yup, varies wildly.
I too have seen 265V indicated which has a habit of blowing up expensive things. Don't even get me started on phase variation 🙄
I'm looking at a very steady 227-228V here, if you're getting much variation then you've either got a dodgy connection somewhere or your supplier is breaking their supply contract with you & could be responsible for premature failure of most household electrical items.
if you are really bored you can monitor demand at the national grid website.
my goal in life is to work on a show where i can cause a blip in demand on that site.
not sure it's achievable 😆
It leaves my workplace at around 400,000 volts, blame National Grid and the distribution companies for any voltage problems 😉
i can blame you for phase problems though. it's YOUR fault 😡
mrmichaelwright - Member
my goal in life is to work on a show where i can cause a blip in demand on that site.
not sure it's achievable
Couple of postings in the Blue Room.....some syncing of lighting desk clocks.....And they might just start up Cruachan PS just for you!!! heheheh!
I remember the "change" to the EU harmonised 230V, and all the papers were talking about kettles taking a few seconds longer and lights being infinitessimally dimmer, and lasting infinitessimally longer.
Stuck a voltmeter in the supply, and it still read 240V, pretty much spot on. Ditto Netherlands read 220V pretty much spot on.
My understanding was 230V is the norm, but it can be anything from 210-250V