Calculations based on voltage

[Mike2007]

If I use voltage as a factor in calculations I have two choices 230v AC or 240v + when I take a voltage reading on my own home. Using 230v is working to the safe side of design calcs but drops down the power possibilities a little!
Is this use of 230v when its not 230v because it is going to be harmonised with Europe soon?

 

[Taylortwocities]

You get what you are given unless its outside certain limits and even then there's not much the DNO will do about it.

The nominal European voltage is now 230V 50 Hz (formerly 240V in UK, 220V in the rest of Europe) but this does not mean there has been a real change in the supply.

Instead, the new "harmonised voltage limits" in Europe are now:
230V -10% +6% (i.e. 207.0 V-243.8 V)

in most of Europe (the former 220V nominal countries), and
230V -6% +10% (i.e. 216.2 V - 253.0 V)
in UK (former 240V nominal)

This is really a fudge and means there is no real change of supply voltage, only a change in the "label", with no incentive for electricity supply companies to actually change the supply voltage.

To cope with both sets of limits an equipment will therefore need to cover 230V +/-10% i.e. 207-253V.

I use 230V when calculating loads because (as you say) this errs on the side of caution.

 

[Stoday]

I understand the declaired voltage in the UK will be 230V + or - 10% in 2008.

This is really a fudge and means there is no real change of supply voltage, only a change in the "label", with no incentive for electricity supply companies to actually change the supply voltage.

You must be joking!

15 years or so ago the then electricity boards had to reinforce their LV mains when the voltage fell below 226V (240V less 6%). Now DNOs don't have to do so until the voltage falls below 216V. Next year they can let it fall to 207V.

All OK if your house is near to the substation, but not good if you're near the end of the line.