⚡ Why Voltage Matters

Most electrical equipment is designed to operate within a certain nominal voltage — for example, many devices in Europe are rated for 230V ±10%, meaning they can safely handle voltages from approximately 207V to 253V.

If the supply voltage is higher (e.g., 242V–249V), you're operating at the upper limit — or even beyond — the recommended range.

🔍 Effects of High Voltage on Equipment

1. Increased Heat Generation

Higher voltage increases the current through components like coils, windings, and resistors. This leads to:

• More power loss (I²R losses) → more internal heat
• Accelerated breakdown of insulation
• Faster wear of components and material aging
• Example: motor windings and transformer insulation degrade more quickly under excessive heat

2. Dielectric Stress

High voltage applies greater electrical stress on insulation materials, which over time can cause:

• Partial discharges
• Cracks or breakdowns in cables, capacitors, and motor windings
• Premature failure even if devices appear to operate normally

3. Mechanical Stress

Motors running at elevated voltage may produce more torque than intended, resulting in:

• Added stress on bearings, shafts, and connected loads
• Long-term risk of misalignment, wear, or vibration-induced failure

4. Lighting and Electronics Sensitivit

LEDs, fluorescent lamps, computers, and sensitive electronics may:

• Overheat or fail under sustained high voltage
• Suffer from stressed internal components (e.g., capacitors in SMPS), reducing their lifespan

⚙ Impact on Equipment Lifespan

According to reliability engineering:

Every 10°C rise in operating temperature cuts component lifespan by 50%.

Since high voltage increases internal temperatures, it accelerates:
✅ Insulation deterioration
✅ Semiconductor degradation
✅ Capacitor drying
✅ Solder joint fatigue

Even without immediate failure, continuous operation at 242V–249V significantly shortens equipment life.

📉 Benefits of Keeping Voltage Within the Optimal Range

Maintaining voltage between 220–230V helps:

• Reduce thermal and electrical stress
• Extend insulation and component lifespan
• Prevent damage to delicate electronics
• Keep motors, transformers, and power supplies running cooler and longer

✅ Summary

Operating equipment at 242V–249V — even within regulatory tolerance — often pushes it beyond optimal design conditions.

Over time, this leads to:

• 🔺 Higher temperatures
• 🔺 Increased stress
• 🔺 Accelerated wear
• 🔻 Shortened lifespan