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Common reasons for low voltage in residential areas

Common reasons for low voltage

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Diminishing voltage causes great disappointment for us. We human beings prefer lights in good amounts and whenever we face low voltage problems at home, we feel very upset. In technical terms to explain this, the low voltage refers to a 90 percent reduction of current compared to its normal level. Three things can happen when the power supply is insufficient- voltage fluctuations, power surges, and spikes. The effects of this diminishing voltage include poor appliance performance, dim lighting and intermittent stopping of lights, etc. Due to this, the appliances do not receive the proper amount of power they need, they become overheated and thus stop functioning properly.

We shall discuss here some common reasons for low voltage at home.

Overloading- one of the common reasons for low voltage

A major reason for this low voltage is overloading. The afternoon is a time of high demand, so during this time, the voltage tends to decrease naturally. Apart from that, summer days also cause a scarcity of power because of overdemand. A common reason for this is the air conditioners which take away much of the power. When the power corporation in the city identifies this huge demand, they quickly announce a 5 percent reduction in power in respective regions. This results in diminishing voltage or voltage fluctuation.

Needless to opine, this diminishing voltage causes the lights to become dim, flicker, or glow unusually brighter and it disrupts your mood when you sit to read something or do any household work. The bulbs can get fused in certain instances. The tv may not run, the radio will not get started and you will find it difficult to power on the computer.

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Distance is a reason for diminishing voltage

This is a usual norm that any home situated at a far distance from the main power generator will receive low voltage compared to the ones which are located nearby to it. This is why rural areas experience low voltage everywhere in the world.

As the electricity travels farther distance it becomes weak, in urban areas the voltage is high usually.

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Imbalance in wires affects the distribution of power

The uneven distribution of the three wires naturally found in every house may also cause diminishing voltage. They are connected from the transformer to the house. One wire is called a neutral regulator. Any imbalance that might happen to these wires compels one wire to overlap with the other and thus the wire which is overworked starts giving low voltage.

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Poor wiring condition

The condition of the wiring in any area is also a reason for low voltage. Old wires and corrosion are two of the common causes of low voltage. Another reason can be dirty connections and weak insulation. Apart from that, if the population increases the demand increases and this leaves an impact on the distribution of voltage.

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Natural calamities affect the wiring

This can happen inside the house or on the main road outside on the power lines, caused by natural calamities and it results in low voltage.  Sometimes lightning also disrupts the power distribution in an area which gives diminishing voltage.

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As a natural outcome of this, tress gets stuck in the power lines due to high winds, accidents of vehicles, etc. Sometimes you can see whenever you are going to iron your clothes, your tv stops working. This is because the iron is taking away much of your electricity meant for your house and causes a diminishing voltage.

Concluding remark

If this low voltage is a consistent problem in your area, then you must contact your power supply department of your city and lodge a complaint. Complete the form you will be given at the center and write down the problems you are facing in your area. You can call them personally to inspect the lines. If the defect is in the lines, then there will be no charge. However, if the defect is found inside your power system, then you will be charged a certain amount for repairing this diminishing voltage problem.

Therefore, having prior knowledge about these common reasons for low voltage at home help you to tackle the situation in time.

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