Mains voltage test: indication and measurement
It is known that in the centralized power supply network there should be a voltage in the range from 198 to 242 Volts with an average value of 220 Volts. This voltage is provided by a separate winding of a three-phase transformer, to which several consumers are connected. This is how power supply is organized both in apartment buildings and in the private sector. Apartments and houses are divided into groups. Each group is connected to one phase - the transformer winding.
But the power of this transformer is limited. Therefore, there are cases when the connected total load is too large and the mains voltage drops below 198 volts. This situation is common for the private sector and dachas. For example, in dry weather, irrigation pumps are turned on in many areas, in cold weather, electric heaters are turned on, and for someone, an electric stove-heater of ten kilowatts all year round periodically lowers the voltage in the network.
With the correct voltage values \u200b\u200bthe effective operation of many household electrical appliances, especially powerful ones, is associated. These are:
- electric borehole pumps with water pressure stabilizers;
- large refrigerators;
- washing machines;
- heating devices;
- vacuum cleaners.
Indication and measurement
A good visual indicator of voltage is an incandescent light bulb. The change in the brightness of its light is clearly visible, especially with repeated dips in the mains voltage. Modern socle fluorescent and LED lamps contain an inverter that stabilizes the voltage on the lamp. Therefore, the light of these lamps cannot serve as an indicator of voltage. And if the light of the incandescent bulb noticeably dimmed, but you need to use any of the listed household appliances, it's time to measure the voltage at the outlet.
For this, either pointer or digital instruments are used - multimeters. Obsolete pointer multimeters are also called "testers". When measuring, it is important to correctly set up the multimeter by selecting the AC voltage range corresponding to 220 Volts. Usually this range is more than 220 Volts - 300 V or 600 V.
In addition, test probes with wires must have undamaged insulation. When touching the terminals of the socket, it is necessary to exclude the tension of the measuring wires and the possibility of jumping out of the connecting wire from the terminal of the measuring device. Therefore, if the length of the measuring wires allows, it is best to put a stool or chair right next to the outlet and place the measuring device on it.
- If the device shows an underestimated voltage in the network, it is better to postpone washing, ironing and vacuuming. An additional connection of a powerful load will lower it even more.
With frequent voltage drops, it is best to install a voltage stabilizer. Most of all, electric well pumps with water pressure stabilizers and refrigerators need it. By installing a voltage stabilizer, which has a built-in voltmeter, you no longer need to measure the voltage in the network.
If during installation work voltage control is required, you can use an indicator screwdriver that glows when you touch the phase terminal of the socket or the same wire. However, there are more advanced models of screwdrivers with a built-in digital voltmeter. This is convenient, much more expensive than a conventional indicator, but does not cancel the multimeter, since in many cases a pair of measuring probes with wires and different ranges is needed when reading on a large display.
The presence of an indicator and a voltage meter in the household is highly desirable. They allow you to control the mains voltage and at the same time help to identify the need for such changes in electrical equipment, without which significant financial losses are possible due to its damage.
