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Voltage fluctuations in the 240V network and acceptable standards

aksel_pl 126960 102
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Are 200–215 V phase voltages at the meter output acceptable on a 230 V supply, and could they explain dimming lights and failing electronics?

Yes—according to the thread, a 230 V low-voltage supply may vary by +10%/−15%, and the weekly 10-minute averages must stay within the standard limits, so 200–215 V is generally within the permitted range, though 205 V is close to the lower edge [#13261838][#13329265] Still, several replies say that dimming lamps and damaged electronics warrant inspection by a qualified person because the cause could be a loose PEN/N connection or another fault either in your installation or in the supplier’s network [#13261941][#13263032] The advice is to verify the installation from the ownership boundary and, if you want proof, request a network analyzer or recorder rather than relying on an ordinary multimeter [#13263032][#13262926][#13284987] Brief spikes are easy to miss with a normal meter; an oscilloscope can show them, but without logging/memory it is not a good tool for hunting intermittent events [#13262267][#13261983] One reply also notes that if the load changes, the voltage can move within the normal range and the distributor may see nothing actionable if the phases are otherwise fairly even [#13264541]
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  • #31 13263441
    aksel_pl
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    It will turn off, but the impulse will go through the security and reach the receivers, won't it?
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  • #32 13263550
    sq9cwd
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    Yes, but the timing of its operation also matters.
  • #33 13263833
    Anonymous
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  • #34 13264117
    aksel_pl
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    Such a question for you.
    How to recognize zero and phase in a power socket?
  • #35 13264130
    zbich70
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    aksel_pl wrote:
    I carried out the measurements at the meter output, so there are only the power plant cables in front of it.

    Not necessarily - the ownership boundary may be elsewhere, you have it in your contract.
  • #36 13264175
    aksel_pl
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    Ok, there was no question, I removed the socket and checked the markings.

    Today, the voltages are better on 2 phases because it is 225, while on 3 I have noticed even 195 today, and currently it is still between 200-205v.

    So, for example, I have 200V in the bathroom and 225 in another room. Generally, I have to check whether it is always so low on this one phase or whether it changes.

    As for the cables, I measured it in the main box on the street and there are thick cables from the ground in black armor, so I found out that there are already cables from the power plant.
  • #37 13264533
    michalekk1
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    Measurement of the phase-neutral fault loop impedance at various points should remove doubts about the quality of your installation.
  • #38 13264541
    Anonymous
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  • #39 13264785
    aksel_pl
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    I thought so too, thanks Bronek for the information ;)
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    Anonymous
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  • #41 13267109
    wotik
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    Bronek22 wrote:
    In my opinion, the luck is weak. They turned it up to get the voltage at the lower limit of normal


    Heh hey, they always crank it up. In the past, on the control lamp, which also acted as a voltmeter, I had a voltage in the range of 205-210V ("red") on each phase. Currently, when I have a chance 50m from the house, the voltage is also "red" on the lamp, but in the upper range, i.e.> 250V :-D
  • #42 13268028
    Cezary_
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    From the point of view of a distribution company, over 250V is better: more sales ...
  • #43 13268042
    wotik
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    Cezary_ wrote:
    From the point of view of a distribution company, over 250V is better: more sales ...


    Hmm ... Can you elaborate on that?
  • #44 13268053
    michalekk1
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    wotik wrote:
    Cezary_ wrote:
    From the point of view of a distribution company, over 250V is better: more sales ...


    Hmm ... Can you elaborate on that?

    My colleague probably means that devices powered by higher voltage draw more power, at least some of them.
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  • #45 13268137
    TyPeczek
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    Each equipment with the CE mark should be tested in the most extreme conditions, i.e. at a voltage of 253 V, which, however, does not change the fact that such a test takes only 15 minutes. Maintaining this high voltage for longer periods is detrimental to the equipment.
  • #46 13268158
    Anonymous
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  • #47 13268168
    wotik
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    michalekk1 wrote:
    My colleague probably means that devices powered by higher voltage draw more power, at least some of them.


    Could this have any significant impact on the electricity bill of the average household?
  • #48 13268189
    vodiczka
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    wotik wrote:
    Could this have any significant impact on the electricity bill of the average household?

    It may not significantly, but it will raise, not lower :D although I do not believe in the theory of tweaking the voltage for higher energy profits.
  • #49 13268658
    aksel_pl
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    In the case of too low voltage, e.g. 190-200v, does it not result in greater losses in energy transmission, which also translates into increased consumption?
  • #50 13269076
    zbich70
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    vodiczka wrote:
    I do not believe in the theory of increasing the voltage to achieve greater energy profits.

    Probably the energy suppliers are in league with the producers of, for example, kettles to make them turn up the thermostats so that the kettles last longer ... :D
  • #51 13269150
    vodiczka
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    ... and additionally with water producers to turn it up to the boiling point = 105 degrees :D
  • #52 13269154
    Anonymous
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  • #53 13271283
    stomat
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    And where did the idea come from that there was no reaction? Maybe the investment process of building a new transformer station is underway. Or maybe they just don't know about their friend's problem? The friend limited himself to the phone and let himself be disposed of. Dude Aksel, write a letter to the supplier and you will get a reply, then we will know more and maybe something will be clarified.
  • #54 13271806
    aksel_pl
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    Hello
    So far no one has come, if no one comes today, I will call tomorrow.
    Generally, here are the scams after the scam, so I would not be surprised if there was something wrong with the current. Recently, the CBA entered the commune regarding the sale of land for the estate. Ants like me can't do much :)
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  • #55 13272235
    TyPeczek
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    aksel_pl wrote:
    In the case of too low voltage, e.g. 190-200v, does it not result in greater losses in energy transmission, which also translates into increased consumption?

    Why? Since there is less electricity flowing?
  • #56 13272368
    aksel_pl
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    Somewhere on the net I read that the idea of increasing the voltage is to ensure less losses in energy transmission
  • #57 13272395
    soadfan
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    Col. aksel is correct. The higher the voltage, the lower the current and the lower the losses related to, inter alia, electrical resistance (P = I? * R). Devices can be damaged by overheating when voltage drops.
  • #58 13272657
    TyPeczek
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    Only that the situation you describe is in front of the transformer, not the end user. There, the voltage is converted into current and vice versa. In our case (at the end user), the voltage change is proportional to the current change.
  • #59 13273481
    aksel_pl
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    Take your word for it because I lack knowledge :)
    By the way, can such voltage surges, even if they are normal, i.e. 205-240, can damage equipment, specifically power supplies? Could anything get into DC through such spikes, something that could reduce the life of the equipment?
  • #60 13273523
    Anonymous
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion addresses voltage fluctuations observed in a 230/400V low-voltage network, with measured phase voltages ranging from approximately 195V to 225V, occasionally dropping to around 200V. According to applicable standards and EU regulations, voltage deviations of +10% to -15% from the nominal 230V are generally acceptable, meaning voltages between 195.5V and 253V fall within tolerance. Fluctuations can be caused by factors such as load changes, transformer aging, or network configuration, including new housing estate connections without completed transformer installations. Measurement accuracy and equipment limitations were considered, with suggestions to use devices like oscilloscopes with memory or network analyzers for detailed voltage quality monitoring. The importance of measuring at the ownership boundary to attribute responsibility was emphasized. Voltage dips may cause dimming of lighting and slower operation of appliances but typically do not damage CE-marked equipment designed to withstand short-term voltage variations up to 253V. Overvoltage protection devices and mains voltage controllers can mitigate transient spikes, though some impulses may still reach connected devices. Collective complaints and persistence in communication with energy suppliers are recommended for resolution. The discussion also touched on the impact of voltage levels on energy losses and consumption, noting that higher voltages reduce current and transmission losses, while low voltages may increase losses and affect device performance. Proving supplier fault for damages requires detailed, continuous voltage monitoring, often with specialized equipment such as the FLUKE VR1710 or Tektronix oscilloscopes. The overall consensus is that the observed voltage levels, while at the lower end of the acceptable range, are within regulatory limits, and that infrastructure upgrades like transformer replacement may be necessary for long-term improvement.
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