Such unpleasant phenomena as a malfunction of household appliances and their premature failure, often lead to low voltage. It is necessary to understand the causes of such situations and find out who is to blame in order to correctly solve the problem.
The main causes of the malfunction
In accordance with GOST, certain requirements are put forward to electric networks. Voltage according to existing standards should be 220 volts. Allowable fluctuations from 198 to 242 in. Undervoltage, for example, up to 180 Volts does not meet the established norm. In this situation, the devices consume the same current, but perform their functions for a longer time. For example, the kettle boils longer, the bulb is barely visible. In this case, it is advisable to turn off electrical appliances so that they do not fail.
It is necessary to identify the cause of the decline, and then take measures to eliminate it. Electricity problems can be caused by such factors:
- Old worn wires with a large number of connections can not withstand the load.
- Insufficient installed transformer power.
- Power imbalance, phase imbalance.
- Cross section of supply cable insufficient for rated load.
- Poorly executed air branch.
- Weak contact at the input breaker or machine.
Power can decrease if the input cable is single-phase, and then each phase is the shoulder of a three-line circuit. Voltage may also drop due to improper maintenance or repair of old power lines.
More often these problems are observed simultaneously, therefore, the elimination of one of them leads only to a partial solution to the problem. If you cannot identify the causes yourself, you need to contact an electrician for help.
Most affected are energy consumers who are at a remote distance from the transformer substation line.
The effect of low voltage on electrical appliances
When there is no voltage in the network, devices that have an electric motor or compressor are most vulnerable. This is a large part of household tools, refrigerators, washing machines, pumps. The main damage they receive when starting the engine. Such equipment has a weak built-in protection that can not cope with the voltage drop.
An abnormal mode affects the operation of the equipment, can reduce its life. If the voltage drops, the user may notice this on household appliances and appliances. When the refrigerator and air conditioner are operating, extraneous sounds may appear. Heaters reach the desired temperature longer. A person suffers from flashing lights and insufficient lighting.
Voltage reduction adversely affects devices and household appliances:
- deterioration of starting characteristics of engines;
- increase in current at startup;
- changing the basic parameters of electrical appliances;
- lowering the luminous flux of incandescent lamps;
- increase in current strength, as a result of overheating of wires, destruction of insulation;
- failures in the operation of complex electronic equipment.
Low voltage practically does not affect heating equipment, but in comparison with normal voltage, power is reduced. Equipment equipped with a power supply with wide input parameters is less prone to changes. An exception is devices with electronic control.
Ways to solve the problem
First of all, you need to talk with your neighbors to determine: an external problem or a problem exists in the apartment, in the household. In a high-rise building, this is easier to do. Private homeowners should interview neighbors whose homes are powered by the same lines.
If everyone has a power outage, the culprit is a power supply company. If the malfunctions are related to the delivery of electricity, it is impossible to fix them yourself. Waiting for the modernization of power lines or transformers can last for years.
If the neighbors are all right, you need to turn off the input circuit breaker and measure the voltage at the terminals. Then turn on several appliances. If the voltage drops noticeably when turned on, the cause should be sought in a particular room.
To determine why the voltage in the apartment sags, you need to inspect all the contacts:
- at the entrance to the switchboard;
- connection of wires in the shield itself;
- contacts of junction boxes and sockets.
A weak connection at the input or output of the circuit breaker often leads to a decrease in voltage. Visually, burning and deformation of the body can be detected. In this case, the device must be replaced. Only a professional with the appropriate approval group can install the protective device. Switchboards, circuit breakers, must have a connection to the "ground".
If the circuit breaker is working, all contacts are tightened, check the cross-section of the input cable for compliance, and replace it if necessary.
All installation work to the meter should be performed by a specialist of the management company or service provider, if a contract is concluded.
How to increase the voltage to 220
If there are external reasons, you can raise the voltage level using a stabilizer. Such a device is installed on an apartment or house. For example, the SKAT ST reliable voltage regulator features a wide input voltage range and power from 3.5 to 12 kW. The cost of high-quality electronic devices is quite high, but it is cheaper than acquiring new equipment in return for a failed one.
You can install local stabilizers for individual devices. In this case, the SKAT ST-2525 model with power from 1.5 to 3 kW is suitable.
One of the ways to resolve the issue is the supply of three phases to the house or apartment. This will require coordination with the power supply, since you need to know where and how to disconnect the mains voltage from the main lines in the apartment and private house. Then put a switch on the input. In the process of energy consumption, use the phase that is the least loaded.
You can increase the voltage by connecting the home network through a transformer. The method is not entirely successful, since it can cause an overvoltage, which will lead to the operation of the protection and the disconnection of household appliances.
Installing a voltage relay does not give results. When the parameters are out of range, the device will turn off the power to the network. Outlets remain de-energized until voltage returns to normal.
Where to call and complain
As a rule, you cannot solve the problem over the phone. Replacing trunk lines with a larger cross-section, installing a powerful transformer, requires a number of works and is associated with large investments. Therefore, residents' complaints about suppliers are often ignored.
A service company should formally file a claim. Residents or homeowners must write a statement to the electricity supplier or management company. The document is compiled and submitted in duplicate. One remains with the applicant with a mark on the date of registration.
Another way of communication is to send your requirements by registered mail.Details of the supplier or management company must be indicated in the contract for electricity supply.
If, due to a power outage due to the fault of the supplier, the household appliances fail, the user has the right to compensation for the damage caused. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Call the representative of the supplier, who must record the fact of the accident and draw up an appropriate act.
- Contact the service center for a conclusion on the reason for the failure of the equipment.
- Send a claim to the supplier for damages.
- If the applicant is refused, the matter must be decided in a judicial proceeding.
When there is no adequate action, it is worth filing a complaint to the district administration, Rospotrebnadzor, and the public chamber. If no measures have been taken, you should contact the prosecution, court and arbitration bodies.
There is no independent solution to the problem of low voltage. To appeal to the energy supply, you need to unite with your neighbors, since collective statements are more effective. However, part of the costs will have to be borne. Otherwise, the case can drag on indefinitely.
