UK Voltage
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: And the rest
Forum Name: Power Sources
Forum Description: Where the power comes from has always been a hot topic - even more so now with new World legislation
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2354
Printed Date: 26 Mar 2026 at 10:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: UK Voltage
Posted By: Drewan77
Subject: UK Voltage
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2014 at 3:57pm
I have noticed that recently the mains supply to my house seems to be creeping ever closer to the supposed max for the UK, 253V (230V AC +10% / -6%). Since I took this photo mid afternoon today, it has hit 250.9V I found the following quotes on a UK University site. This is suggesting that equipment including hi-fi is inefficient in wasting energy/reducing life at higher than necessary voltages. Does this also have a detrimental effect on what we hear? Also, listening late at night when the grid is allegedly 'cleaner', music does seem even higher quality (but then again it may just be the effect of drinking a placebic substance at the time) "It is not unusual for the supply voltage to vary substantially throughout the day. The average voltage in the UK is around 242V. This means that in the majority of properties, electrical equipment is running at a voltage much higher than needed, resulting in excessive losses in many types of equipment. This is due, in a large part that due to the so called harmonisation of supply voltages in Europe all new low voltage appliances are designed to operate at 230V or even 220V. Therefore it can be seen that much equipment designed to be operated at 230V and 220V may be being supplied with a voltage above this if we consider that the UK average supply voltage is 242V, much higher than is needed....if it is still well within the statutory limits, (i.e. 220 Volts) there will usually also be benefits of increased life and reduced maintenance of the equipment...." ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |
Replies:
Posted By: LOINER
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2014 at 6:36pm
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HARMONISATION MMmm I think you will find that what happened was that the UK agreed to this, and then when it came the time to do it the UK said sod that it is going to cost to much, and likewise the Europeans did the same,the only difference now is that they are allowed to vary by +or -10% which means it can go as low as 207V and as high as 257V. Late night listening,yes I agree with you music does sound better with or without the placebic substance. ------------- STUART SOLO ULTRA LINEAR DIAMOND EDITION LAUTUS DUAL MONO 1.5M INTERCONNECTS GRAM AMP 2SE |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2014 at 7:58pm
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It's generally quieter outside at night as well. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2014 at 12:40pm
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I use a mains regenerator (a Powerinspired unit) for source components which outputs
a steady 230V & music still sounds at it's best late in the evening!
This could well be because of reduced outside noise & also just due to a more relaxed &
'receptive' mood for listening to music.
A chilled tipple does help too!
------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: suede
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2014 at 12:55pm
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Could variations in frequency play a part as well? According to these graphs I found on Wikipedia it does however seem as if these occur all throughout the day and night in most places. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Variation_of_utility_frequency.svg - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Variation_of_utility_frequency.svg ------------- Proprius, Reflex M, Solo UL, Bitzie, CuSats & Spatia --------------------------------- Johan |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2014 at 2:03pm
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My amp's PSU transformer (which isn't connected to the regenerator but is filtered) buzzes
much more early evening than later at night, suggesting mains sinewave distortion & DC
offset I believe.
------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2014 at 2:17pm
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This just further demonstrates the need for good well regulated power supplies. There is plenty of information available, but none of it will help if your power supply filtering and regulation is not up to it. For live info see: http://www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/Industry-information/electricity-transmission-operational-data/ - http://www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/Industry-information/electricity-transmission-operational-data/ or http://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/ - http://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/ ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2014 at 12:53pm
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Hi Drewan77. I have a monitoring device and my voltage is typically 233-243 - have dropped below 230 but cannot recall seeing over 245v. Would seriously love to try some form of generation system (e.g. PS Audio) but funds & space preclude. Would be interested to know what is more typical? Regards Richard
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Posted By: Drewan77
Date Posted: 21 Nov 2014 at 5:02pm
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As I type it's hovering between 236-241 so it seems to be more 'normal' at the moment. I have never tried a power conditioning device but if the improvements I believe I notice during late night listening are indicative, cleaner power must surely be beneficial ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |