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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Technical Advice => Topic started by: Sherpa on June 25, 2007, 07:05:12 AM

Title: UK voltage
Post by: Sherpa on June 25, 2007, 07:05:12 AM

I know the standard UK voltage is 240Vac, but was it always that or was it changed from 240 Vac to 230 Vac?

If it was changed what was the reason?

Title: UK voltage
Post by: John Webb on June 25, 2007, 10:13:51 AM

It was decided some while ago that for free movement of electrical goods around the EEC, there should be a standardised 'Eurovoltage', as you might call it. This was set at 230V ac - I do not recall the exact date. At the same time however, the percentage tolerance on the voltage was also adjusted so that equipment was expected to work on roughly any voltage between 220 and 240 volts. So over most of the UK the domestic voltage remains as it was at 240 volts, which is within the limits of the defined 230V Eurostandard.
Hope that is clear!

Title: UK voltage
Post by: Sherpa on June 25, 2007, 05:00:16 PM

Very helpful, many thanks

Title: UK voltage
Post by: Gel on June 26, 2007, 09:25:25 AM

For further bedtime reading:

Currently the statutorily declared voltage is 230V +10% or -6%.

In 2008 the tolerance becomes 230V =or- 10%