humint

I do not wish to appear as an ‘original poster” (OP) that posts and disappears.

A special thank you for all your replies to my question about overvoltage.

When I asked for help from those knowledgeable in the field of electricity – just like my overvoltage problem – I now have more (information) than I know what to do with.

While attempting to assimilate some of the more technical posts - I realized my brain’s directory does not even have a listing for electrical technology.

The takeaway being I should probably not attempt any DIY electrical projects.

Sadly my two go-to guys (electricians) are no longer around.

Kudos for your help.

6 hours ago, Crossy said:

Most equipment will be good from about 198V (220V -10%) to 253V (230V +10%) with a bit on top for safety (PEA is 220V, MEA 230V).

 

I would certainly keep an eye on it and if it keeps climbing have a word with PEA. It's possible a big load has gone off-line (factory) and everything will go back to normal when they start work again.

Crosby, thank you for your valuable input.

The first voltage increase would correspond to the end of sugarcane season and the closure of sugarcane processing plants in our region. The return of the extra electricity allotted to the sugarcane factories is generally offset by the onset of warmer weather and increased demands of fans and ACs. This summer the weather has been milder.

The second voltage bump might be related to the other industry in our area – resorts and homestays. Due to Covid-19 lower occupancy rates. Fewer guests using ACs, TVs, hot water heaters, etc.

After many years of coping with undervoltage it is ironic to be contending with overvoltage.

Guess the old adage “be careful what you wish for” might apply to my current situation. I plan on being more specific in my future prayers.

My core question is when does overvoltage become hazardous to electronic devices.

The rest of this posting is merely backstory blather.

There are a cluster of residences in the area where I live. We receive our electricity via a power line strung from a small village about one kilometer away. For years we suffered from undervoltage issues. Pleasantly surprised when the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) upgraded the grid and installed a transformer 500 meters away.

Things were fine for a time – but as the number of residences increased in our area - so did power consumption. A kindly PEA technician upped the voltage from 220 volts to 230 volts to accommodate a voltage drop of up to or over 20 volts during times of peak demand.

Voltage levels from the PEA have varied – kind of like bipolar mood swings. There have been intermittent periods when the voltage range drops to 200-220 – then rising back up a day or so later.

A few months ago the peak voltage levels went from being 230 volts to being 240 volts.

For the past couple of weeks the voltage tends to get even higher (242-247 volts) – occasionally pushing 250 volts.

Not certain if this is another voltage mood swing or if the power levels are going to stay crazy.

I remember reading the Thai government considered sending extra electricity because people were working from home due to Covid-19.

The PEA technician who previously adjusted our voltage - no longer works for the PEA. The current team of PEA technicians seem less approachable. I am concerned about the outcome of making adjustments to the voltage. PEA may not wish to send more than 220 volts or add more voltage as future demand increases. A recent influx of new construction near us reflects amenitized resort style homes - not the primitive farmhouse architecture common to the area.

I have experienced three types of electrical whining - me complaining about not enough volts - me complaining about too many volts – the sound emitted by a fluorescent light ballast freaking out (overwhelmed by too many volts). That annoying noise can only be eclipsed by the clatter of a fluorescent light gasping for enough juice to ignite its tube (not enough volts).

Hoping for help from those knowledgeable in the field of electricity. At what levels does overvoltage become a hazard to all things electrical?