Electrical Projects Measuring voltages is usually the next step in troubleshooting malfunctioning appliances. To avoid replacing expensive components by mistake, these measurements should be as accurate as possible. The first consideration is the line-voltage level available to the appliance. When factories list check voltages for their appliances, they specify the operating voltages under which these results were obtained. Thus, it's important to have some means of determining whether the line-voltage level is within a range sufficient for accurate readings.

Line voltage refers to the main power-line voltage supplied to the home from the community power source. This power has been standardized country-wide at 115V, but variations in the load level on a line will produce fluctuations ranging anywhere from as low as 108V to as high as 125V. During the summer months especially, these irregularities are frequent as the power demands of air-conditioning equipment exceed the utility companies' ability to supply them without reducing voltage levels. These line fluctuations affect the readings obtained during appliance tests.

Home > Electrical Projects > Tools And Components > Line - Voltage Checks

August 20, 2008