How to deal with low voltage on the network?

The main causes of the failure

First of all, let us briefly consider why a small voltage in the electrical network, then separately consider how to eliminate each of the malfunctions. So, the main reasons for the low load in a private house or apartment are:

1. Insufficient cross-section of the input cable spanned from the main power line to your housing.
2. Poor branch of wires from power lines.
3. Incorrect connection of the circuit breaker in your input shield.
4. Transformer overload at the service substation.
5. Insufficient cross-section of the main power line.
6. Phase skew - the load for each phase of the transformer is uneven( for example, one phase is overloaded, the rest are underloaded).

These are the most common causes of very low voltage in a network of private houses and apartments. As you understand, the first 3 reasons apply only to you, and you will have to solve the problem yourself. As for the last three situations, they must be resolved collectively with neighbors, by writing complaints to the relevant authorities. Next, we will tell you what to do to increase the voltage yourself and where to call, so that the higher authorities can help to eliminate the cause of the malfunction.

Ways of solving the

problem In the order of listing the causes of weak voltage in the network, we will also consider the ways of troubleshooting.

The first thing you should check is whether there is a weak voltage in the neighbors or if a low voltage is present only on your site. If it turns out that there are no problems in neighboring houses( or apartments), we begin to look for a malfunction in the home electrical wiring.

First you must turn off the input automat and measure the voltage on the input. If it is already below the norm( according to GOST ± 5 and ± 10% of the nominal - 230 Volts, ie 207-253 V), it's time to complain about power sales. If the values ​​on the input correspond to the norms, and after the load is connected, the voltage drops, the power supply is not affected and it is necessary to solve the malfunction yourself.

According to the above, the reasons can be 3 if the voltage is low only for you. Start troubleshooting by checking the circuit breaker connection. If there is a bad contact with the wire in the upper terminal, this may well be the cause of a weak voltage. Visually inspect the body of the machine, if it is melted( as in the photo below), it is necessary to replace it. Do not forget to connect the new circuit breaker after that - tighten the wires in the clamps properly. Is the

machine correctly connected and there is no visible damage? Make sure that the input lead section is sufficient for the work of consumers in your home or apartment. We discussed how to calculate the cross-section of the wire in terms of power in the corresponding article. The fact is that when the veins are insufficiently cross-section, the voltage decreases, when an increased load is connected.

If the cross-section of the home wiring cable is sufficient, check how the branch line from the trunk line to your input is made. If it is twisting, then it is possible to say with great certainty that the low voltage in the house is due to poor cable branch. With poor contact, resistance in the problem zone increases, which entails lowering the voltage. Even if the branch is made with special clamps, inspect them too( the state of the hull).You can also check the clamps by connecting the load - if this place starts to spark, or if the clamp body begins to heat up - you need to replace the product.

Worse things are, if the reduced voltage in the electrical network is not your fault, but the electricity supplier. In fact, to fix the problem in this case is quite difficult. Then we will tell you where to call and complain about the problem, and now we will provide a measure that will help increase the tension in the home electricity network.

You probably know that it's best to connect a stabilizer, which can increase the value from 140-160 Volts to the desired 220. From personal experience I can say that this is the best option for troubleshooting, becausemost often the voltage is low in the autumn-winter season due to the use of electric heaters. The stabilizer is not so expensive and can protect your home appliances even with overvoltage, which is also very important. If there is money, we recommend that you also purchase a source of non-trouble-free power, which, during the voltage drop, can eliminate the problem.in an independent mode will supply electricity. Emergency power systems operate from 140 Volts, which is excellent in our case. The only drawback is the high cost. For the model, 5 kW of power will have to be given at least 80 thousand rubles( price for 2015).

The operation of the stabilizer is shown in the video:

Some experts also recommend to deal with low voltage in the power grid, using transformers or additional grounding, however we advise you to avoid such measures. The fact is that the consequences of such manipulations can be disappointing - overvoltage up to 300 volts or a short circuit in the network!

Where to call and complain?

When the reason for the small voltage is the insufficient section of the main transmission line or the weak power of the transformer at the substation, things are worse. Millions of rubles are needed to upgrade the substation and power lines, so complaints do not have an effect, even if they have been written for years. However, you still have to say that you are dissatisfied with the quality of electricity to move the issue of reconstruction from its place.

If you do not know where to call and write a complaint at low voltage on the network, we recommend you read the following list:

1. Write a written claim to the power sales company.
2. If within 30 days after registration of the appeal you have written no action is taken, the prosecutor's office will help to attract the energy supply, which is also advised to apply.
3. Rospotrebnadzor.
4. Administration of the city( district or village).
5. Power Monitoring.
6. Public Chamber.
7. Trial.

We draw your attention to the fact that all these bodies have their official websites, which are not difficult to find on the Internet. It is not necessary to wall around and stand in lines, it's enough just to write to the appropriate body about your low voltage on the network, and that you have already tried to solve the problem with energy sales. It will be better if you present all the evidence in an email.

Another useful advice - when you write a collective complaint to the power supply, refer to GOST 13109-97, according to which the deviation from 230 volts should not exceed 10%.

We hope, now you know what to do with low voltage in the network, where and who needs to complain, so that the malfunction is eliminated! Once again, we draw attention to the fact that the process of resolving the conflict with the energy sale can drag on for a long time, so immediately you need to buy a stabilizer so that all domestic appliances do not burn in the house.

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