flourescent lts

[tashie]

allong our row of houses at least four tennents have the same problem at around the same time everyday between 4 and 6, the flourescent lts in kitchens flicker on and of or even go off for a few mins come on and go off again, seems weird we have had new fittings starters etc, wondered if anyone would no what causes this thanks

 

[ricicle]

Possibly voltage drop.
Are there any large factories nearby that you know have heavy loading?

Is the row of houses on the end of the supply line?

Has any work been done that you know of on the electricity network recently?

Do you all have electric showers and are all using them that time of the evening?

Do you all have electric ovens and are all cooking at the same time?

Do you all have immersion heaters?

Is any other equipment affected?

Do you have the means/ability to safely measure the voltage when this occurs?

 

[ericmark]

Ballast and starter controlled fluorescent unit is very dependent on voltage. An over voltage will result in it using well over the rated power and an under voltage will cause it to fail. However a HF fluorescent is controlled by an inverter and can accept a lot larger variation in voltage from typically 200 to 300 volt AC or DC and have no strophic effect and the tubes (although same type) last up to 5 times longer and also come in an emergency version so they will continue to work for a given time in a power cut and in industry most units are of this type. To look at there is no difference they are more expensive but the low maintenance features in industry mean they pay for themselves.
The problem you relate to is common where heavy industry shares the HV supply.
My sister has same problem in Flint North Wales where a large paper works shares the same HV supply.
Eric

 

[tashie]

houses were rewired around 6 months ago or upgraded there didnt seem to be any probs before we all have showers cookers electric that is ,house num 13/19/ then up to 31/43 so dont no if at end of a line, dont understand how its just flourescent lts in kitch were prob is all other electrics ok, what would solution be get our main supplier out could it not be that we are on the same phase and that the fault is external thanks

 

[ricicle]

Possibly voltage drop. Do you have the means/ability to safely measure the voltage when this occurs?

 

[radioredcat]

One of you could do with measuring the voltage with a volt meter when the problem occurs,I have seen this problem before and has been the voltage dropping below 200v items like tv's will work 90v-260v so are not affected but fridge and freezer sometimes make a buzzing noise as our,s have when we have been subjected to brownouts (low voltage) cookers and showers will work but will run cooler if you can confirm that volltage is dropping then you should all complain to your electricity provider but it helps if you know that low voltage is the problem.
The nominal mains voltage is 230v it should not go below 216v or over 253v we had to do the same only we used to in the dark for hours on end.


andy

 

[Golaboots888]

Sewerage pumping stations can cause the voltage to drop when pumps start up also.

 

[radioredcat]

I have just found out that the Voltage tolerance of 230 V +10%/−6% (216.2 V to 253 V), to be widened to 230 V ±10% (207 V to 253 V) in 2008.


andy