answersLogoWhite

0

Answer for countries in Europe and other world areas running a 50 Hz supply service.Originally the UK mains supply voltage was specified at 240 volts AC or, more precisely, 240 volts RMS +/-6%. The alternating current runs at a frequency of 50 Hz.

Some time ago, to allow harmonisation across Europe, the specifications were changed to 230 volts RMS +10%/-6%, also running at a frequency of 50 Hz.

Thus the mains supply voltage will remain within European Union norms (standards) even if it varies between an upper limit of 253 volts and a lower limit of 216.2 volts.

A 240 volt 50 Hz appliance can have up to 3 wires altogether:

  • one single 240 volt "live" or "hot" wire which colored brown;
  • a neutral wire which is colored blue;
  • a safety "earth" or "ground" wire which is colored green/yellow

    but this is not required if the appliance is of the type known as "double insulated".

The hot wire feeds alternating voltage from the power station to the load and, because the voltage is alternating, the load draws an alternating current. Then the neutral wire returns the current to the power station to complete the circuit.

Note

The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland (and some other countries elsewhere, most of which were formerly British colonies) use a power outlet plug and socket system which is totally different to the rest of Europe:

  • All power socket outlets are rated at 13 amps to take a standard 13 amp plug.
  • Each power socket has a protective insulated shutter that safely uncovers the live (or hot) and neutral holes when the plug of an appliance is inserted. The shutter immediately covers the holes over again when the plug is removed. The shutter is operated by the insertion of the earth (or ground) pin which is longer than the live and neutral pins.
  • Each 13 amp plug has 3 rectangular (not round) pins for a brown live wire, a blue neutral wire and a green/yellow earth wire . There is also a fuse that should be selected to be of the right size to protect the appliance it is attached-to.
  • The actual plug type is known internationally as Type 'G'.
  • It was designed for use on any normal house mains voltage or frequency and is used in the UK and other countries which have adopted the UK mains power plug and socket system for appliances.

    It is a very good plug and socket system but not many other countries have adopted it - probably because they didn't invent it!

Outside the UK and The Republic of Ireland (Eire), European countries use plugs where all the pins are round. Sometimes (but not always - it depends on the country) the plug's earth connection is not a pin but is a ground-socket within the plug which connects to a ground-pin which permanently protrudes from within the wall receptacle. That arrangement of pins and pin-sockets makes it impossible to insert a non-grounded plug into the receptacle! Another common European plug - the "Schuko" - does not use any earth pin but instead uses two clips which are positioned diametrically opposite one another on the outside edge of the plug.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the household ac electrical power mains voltage in Greece?

The standard household AC electrical power mains voltage in Greece is 230 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz.


What is the household AC electrical power mains socket in Eire?

230 / 240 volts


What is the household ac electrical power mains voltage in Italy?

The voltage is 230volts and this is the norm in Europe.


What types of plugs are used in houses and what is the voltage and frequency of the household AC electrical service which is supplied?

Your AC electrical service's voltage and frequency, and the types of plugs and sockets you can use, depend on the place where you live in the world.If you want more detailed information please see the Related Link and some Related Questions shown below.


What is the household AC electrical power mains voltage in Europe?

in Australia most homes are single phase 240 volts but when measured with a multi meter sometimes you get readings of between 230 and 250 volts


Would you expect to find DC or AC in the filament of a light bulb in your home?

The electrical grid in North America uses AC system. Your home is connected to the grid through your utility company. To answer the question, you will find AC in the filament of a light bulb in your home.


Which type of electrical current, AC or DC, is safer to use in household appliances?

AC (alternating current) is generally considered safer to use in household appliances compared to DC (direct current). This is because AC can be easily controlled and regulated with devices like circuit breakers, making it less likely to cause electrical shocks or fires.


What is ac energy?

That probably refers to an AC current or an AC voltage. That means that the electrical current is not continuously flowing in one direction, but changes direction all the time - typically at a frequency of 50 or 60 cycles per second in the case of household current. Similar for the voltage.


Is AC current used in home appliances?

Yes, alternating current (AC) is commonly used in home appliances. It is the standard form of electrical power supplied to homes, as it is more efficient for long-distance transmission and can be easily transformed to different voltages. Most household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions, are designed to operate on AC power.


Where do you find Alternating current?

Alternating current (AC) is primarily found in residential and commercial power systems, where it is used to power electrical appliances and equipment. It is generated by power plants and transmitted over long distances through power lines. Additionally, AC is commonly used in household outlets and is the standard form of electricity in most countries around the world.


What type of current is used to power electrical outlets in the US?

AC, alternating current is used to power electrical outlets in the U.S..


What is the purpose of a wire AC disconnect and how is it used in electrical systems?

The purpose of a wire AC disconnect is to provide a way to safely disconnect power from an electrical system. It is used to isolate the electrical system from the main power source for maintenance or in case of emergencies.