Hi people Spannerhands here from Wales in the UK!
Finally decided to take the plunge and post something rather than just read you lovely forum
…
I have 2 questions, or lack of understanding… So please be gentle…
I had a problem when I first moved into my new home last year, the mains power was high! I have an APC3000 UPS which can log incommoding line voltage and it was ranging between 251 volts & 256 volts. (Supposed to be 230 volts +10% - 6%)
Contacted Weston power destitution (electricity distribution network operator) and to their credit they came out the same day left a measuring device and a week later picked it up, then mouth after that I received a notice of intended power disconnection for maintenance (well the whole area received this), so I thought job done…
So my mains voltage has now technically been within spec of 230 volts +10% - 6% (i.e. between 216.2 volts and 253 volts) for the last year, however; it’s still always above 247 volts and every so often can wander up to a maximum of 252 volts according to my log… So it’s on the high side of the spec.
Now sorry for all that boring background and here are the questions…
Since UK/EU Mains Voltage Harmonisation people can now sell electronics originally designed for the European 220v network because “technically” Europe had the same voltage as the UK 230 volts +10% - 6%...
What do you think about that?
Is this going to shorten the life of all my electrical gadgets? I have had quite a few things brake on me, granted it gives me an opportunity to repair, but it’s getting more frequent? And no joke the last few things I bought from eBay died the second they turned on… Which is making me panic about buying expensive used test equipment as it may get killed the second I try and power it on…
Am I being paranoid or is there something I can do?
Thanks
SpannerHands