the reasons

A voltage surge in the network can occur for a number of reasons, both emergency and technological, due to the characteristics of your electrical networks. Let us consider several situations in more detail:

1. Fluctuations resulting from the difference in consumption in the network day and night. The tension increases near midnight, when all residents are asleep, and the large energy consumers nearby are not working. In the afternoon, the voltage can be normal or even low.
2. In winter, the network is normal, and in summer, the voltage at the outlet is more than normal. Also related to the difference in energy consumption. In winter, heaters are turned on, in connection with this, the load increases, and the drag on the line increases.
3. Zero burn and phase imbalance. When the neutral wire is faulty, for example, at the entrance to a house with contact problems or the zero is completely burned out, the voltage in apartments connected by one phase will be high – up to more than 300 volts, depending on how inconsistent the load is. But in apartments connected to other phases, there will be a voltage drop. A similar situation occurs with problems with zero in external power lines, then the problem will not only be in apartments, but entire streets with private houses can suffer.

The first two problems are caused by the transformer substation device, which is equipped with a tap changer on the load (regulating device under load), boosting support transformers or other technical solutions. Thus, the voltage is adjusted for the correct power supply.

But let’s say there is a long street in the village of private houses. Then the substation is equipped in such a way that it supplies normal power to distant consumers, then those customers who are located near the transformer substation will have high voltage, and in the latter houses it will be normal or low. This is especially acute at a time when the line is heavily loaded.

High voltage danger

We found out why there is a voltage surge in the electrical network, but what is its danger? This phenomenon in the network is dangerous primarily for home appliances. Although modern devices install pulsed power supplies with stable output circuits, their input chains experience increased loads and may fail prematurely.

Heating appliances are also affected – boilers, electric stoves, heating elements for washing machines and more. Due to the higher voltage, an increased current flows through the spirals.Accordingly, more energy is released and the service life is reduced. This is especially dangerous for air heating elements, for example, threads of nails and screws.

Such a malfunction in the electrical network is also unfavorable for equipment with motors, such as compressor refrigerators, air conditioners, fans and pumps. Their rolls will rise and may eventually fail. The same applies to line adapters.

Do not forget that due to the increased current consumption due to high voltage, the wires are also loaded.

In the best case, the consequences will be damage to the contact joints (especially if there are fluctuations), and in the worst case, burning of wires, melting of insulation and fire.

Where do you go to solve the problem?

You can influence the situation, but let’s decide where to complain if the network is high voltage. You need to know from your neighbors how things are going in their homes and apartments. After arriving at a general opinion, contact the supplier company or network organization, or find out who is the balance holder of the power transformer substation.

Next, you need to submit a collective application on behalf of the residents of the house or neighborhood. One statement is usually not enough, so the more frequent calls, the faster they will solve the problem! The application must be submitted in two copies, one remains with the applicants, but the organization to which the applicant applies must mark the acceptance. Otherwise, you cannot prove that you were contacted.

What to do to reduce stress at home

If for some reason the mass appeal of the organization is difficult, or the electricity supplier ignores the data without providing high-quality power, you can lower the voltage in your apartment or for a specific device.

To do this, you need a voltage regulator, the cheapest option is a relay type stabilizer. With it, the power supply in a private house will return to the rated parameters.

And if you can connect to three phases – install a phase switch for example PEF-301. It will automatically choose the font with the best parameters. Or voltage relay type RN-111 to protect the most expensive consumers. If the rated current is insufficient – connect the load through the connector.

Now you know what are the causes of high voltage in a house or apartment, as well as how to protect equipment from the negative impact of this phenomenon. We hope that the information provided will be useful and interesting for you!