Voltage Levels

[Sparky2391]

New to the forum..... finally getting with the times and going electronic! I wondered if anyone knows what the typical voltage levels are in domestic properties in Germany? I know they have an alleged similar infrastructure similar to ours at 230volts/50hz! But we all know with the supply authority we can see voltages in excess of 245volts and above! Cheers in advance.

 

[Engineer54]

In Germany the real nominal voltage is 220V/50hz, as is the vast majority of Western Europe. The make believe 230V harmonisation is just as much a joke in Europe as it is in the UK!! Nothing will change very quickly either, it'll be donkey's years before you see real world nominal 230 Volts throughout Europe and the UK....

 

[Sparky2391]

Thanks for the reply engineer 54..... As you say the 230 volt cenelec European Harmonisation is never realistically going to happen, suppliers having to 'push the voltage out higher to over compensate for distances/volt drop and demand. I'm looking at a project out in Lichtenstein and with the equipment being quite voltage sensitive I was wondering if anyone had worked out there and knew of actual voltage levels when testing. I know that in Germany with the infrastructure of their grid under strain with the amount of PV and offshore turbines the voltage levels would be higher than average. Really don't want a trip out just to do some voltage measuring!!!

 

[Engineer54]

If the stuff you're working on is that sensitive, then you'll need some sort of voltage regulator/ stabilizer gizmo. Been a long time since i've worked in Germany, so can't comment on your statement regarding strains on their grid or local network systems...

 

[Sparky2391]

Thanks again for the reply. The voltage reading is the reason I'm asking as the project is looking at is voltage stabilising technology but needed to know the sort of upper end average readings and was it similar to the UK levels of 245+ volts.

 

[sheephat]

Think most voltage regulators can regulate quite high voltages anyway, iv seen some that can go as high as 270v, but its unlikely you will see voltages like that because equipment can be damaged.