Rated AC mains voltage

Many of us are familiar with such a concept as "nominal voltage". This parameter is indicated on all household appliances. Exceeding or lowering this value will result in improper operation of the device or its malfunction. Particularly sensitive to compliance with the correct operating mode are electronic devices. Even a short-term change in dietary parameters can adversely affect their performance. Separately, it is necessary to note the work of production schemes. From the change in the supply voltage, say, during the drawdown of the supply network, the entire technological process may suffer - this will lead to equipment downtime and significant losses to the entire enterprise.

Let's divide all household appliances into several groups. We will classify the degree of possible failure as a result of a change in such a parameter as the nominal voltage.

• The most invulnerable in this regard are heating appliances: heaters, electric kettles, irons, etc. With a short-term change in the parameters of the supply network, they will give extra power to heat, thereby protecting themselves from breakage. Typically, such devices are designed with a margin for such an indicator as interturn isolation. If the power regulator in such a device is at a minimum level, then they can withstand a prolonged overvoltage. To make this device fail, the rated voltage should increase significantly.
• Devices that include an asynchronous motor: refrigerators, air conditioners, fans, etc. A brief increase / decrease in voltage will only cause a malfunction in the appliance. But a long violation of the operating mode can have unfortunate consequences - the engine will fail, and its replacement will be required. Nominal voltage is the guarantee of normal operation of all consumer devices.
• Electronic home appliances: computers, laptops, televisions, etc. Such schemes are the most sensitive - any change in the parameters of the supply network can lead to their failure. Modern devices are designed with allowance for possible overvoltage and are equipped with various protection circuits, but their capabilities are also limited, because they consist of the same elements as the basic circuit. The protection devices perfectly protect the electronic device from short-term power failures, but with prolonged overvoltage they can fail. This will result in the loss of a valuable household appliance.
• Lighting devices: incandescent lamps, high-power LED lamps, luminescent. Energy saving devices are more sensitive to overvoltage than traditional ones.

As you can see, the receivers of electrical energy require compliance with the norms of exploitation laid down in them. To reduce the rated voltage, the motors that work under load are sensitive. A prolonged drawdown can lead to their stopping and failure. As for overvoltage in the network, in this case, electronic devices will be the fastest to fail.

To protect the most critical circuits from such situations, a powerful voltage regulator is used at the plant. Such devices can be used in everyday life. Of course, they are smaller in power and are designed for powering household appliances. With their help it is possible to avoid breakdown and extend the life of a valuable device.