Low voltage

[niceone]

We have had very low voltage for a few hours now, we are in Catalkoy. Currently only have 45 volts
Anyone else having problems

[Philoz]

Always seems to happen this time of year,fans,air con all run slower-maybe the demand from the hotels.
Microwaving is a complete waste of time-maybe KC can explain that?

[Keithcaley]

Hi, If the voltage drops lower than it should, then a lot of 'Electronic' devices such as TV's will continue to work perfectly well, as they have 'Switched Mode Power Supplies' that are able to adapt to a lower supply voltage, and maintain the level of power going to the internal circuits.

However, a Microwave is fed by a conventional transformer, where the output voltage is a fixed ratio of the Supply voltage, and when the supply to the Magnetron's 'heater' (filament) falls much below 2 Volts, then the Magnetron (which is basically a 'Big Valve') just doesn't work at all. So if there's a 15% drop in the Supply voltage, the Microwave may be just on the edge of being able to supply a very reduced amount of energy to heat food, and with a 25% drop, you'd be better off rubbing two boy scouts together

[sophie]

KC, correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not the case that Fridge Freezers and even A/C can throw wobblies and motors actually burn out, or am I confusing it with power fluctuations and surges?

[niceone]

Went back to full power late last night, low again this morning

[ElectricianPete]

If you have low voltage like that , there is danger of burning out pool pumps, house pumps, fridges etc. Best to turn all these things off, and report the problem to Kibtek, as the mains voltage should not really fall below about 220. Are your neighbours having the same problem, or is it just you? It sounds like a bad connection somewhere, either in the Kibtek supply, or maybe in your own house.

[niceone]

Went and asked our neighbours last night, they have the same problem. All appliances are switched off except the fridge freezer

[OldOwl]

Right now, down at Tempo, Catalköy we have 246 V.

[Keithcaley]

KC, correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not the case that Fridge Freezers and even A/C can throw wobblies and motors actually burn out, or am I confusing it with power fluctuations and surges?

Hi Sophie, I see that Electrician Pete has already answered, and as he says, any appliance with an 'ordinary electric motor' would be in danger of going up in smoke!

Technically, the issue is that as the voltage falls, the motor needs to draw more current to do the same amount of work, and when it reaches the point where the current being drawn exceeds the current carrying capacity of the motor windings, then the motor tends to overheat and stall.

Some of the newer aircons may not be quite so liable to this phenomenon - the 'Inverter' types do use electronic circuits to control the compressor and fan motors, and my guess would be that this should make them relatively immune to 'Brown Outs' as they are known, although I'm not absolutely sure just how susceptible the external units are to voltage fluctuations.

Probably best to just turn everything off except a light bulb, to be safe!

[niceone]

We did turn everything off except the fridge freezer, took a gamble on that. Power came back on about a half hour ago at 248 volts.
Hope it lasts all night

[sophie]

How can we tell what the volts are in a house at any one time. Obviously I know what its like to have browns outs, and take as many precautions as possible, but I am never sure when its really safe to switch everything back on.

[Keithcaley]

That's why I suggested leaving one light bulb switched on - if you get used to how bright it is under normal conditions, then you'll be able to see when things are back to normal.

A small 'pygmy' bulb with a low consumption would do the trick.

A bit crude, I know, but not everyone has got a voltmeter!

[niceone]

We do have testing equipment luckily, my husband is an electrician, however if you have a smart meter (I think everyone has them now?) It will tell you what voltage you are getting

[Keithcaley]

... if you have a smart meter ... It will tell you what voltage you are getting

That's true, it's a good tip, but I do still think that the 'bulb' has a lot going for it - a lot of people's electric meters are 'outside', often by the pavement.

Certainly the indication on the meter would confirm whether the supply voltage was back to normal or not if you needed confirmation, but it's not exactly convenient if you're in a penthouse apartment, to have to go outside every 10 minutes to check the situation...

I'm off outside now, to have a look at my meter, to find out how to read the voltage!

[rockpebbler]

How do you check the voltage, I have tried clicking the blue button but cant find the voltage output

[kibsolar1999]

you have to push the blue button approx 15 times. its at the end of the menu.

[Groucho]

Yesterday I went to Acdinc to see if my repair is done and he still has no usable electricity. Too long Kibtek get your finger out!