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For the low voltage electric system of our local houses use two common voltage levels which are 415 volts and 240 volts. How to check and measure the voltage 415/240 volts?

We can have visual inspection on how many wires of the electric system.

“3 wires” mean 240 volts. The wires is a combination of 1 no. of phase wire, 1 no of neutral wire and 1 no of earth wire. Sometimes, we may call it “single phase”.

“5 wires” are 415 volts. The wires is a combination of 3 nos. of phase wires, 1 no of neutral and 1 no. earth wire.

After the visual inspection, we will use the multimeter to measure the voltage. Switch the multimeter to voltmeter. See the photo, the red circle is voltmeter. Then, put the tip of the red probe and black probe across on two (2) wire terminals. You will read the output in volts.

In conclusion, you have learnt the low voltage system for residential housing, 415/240 volts are common voltage levels, conduct visual inspection and use the voltmeter for measurement.

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Tags: Inspection by admin
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My colleague raised this question to me last week. She said, “I connect all electric kettle, rice cooker and washing machine together. The power was off immediately when I switched on the electric appliances.” She continued, “A burnt smell and brown mark could be seen on the extension socket.” Luckily, the electric appliance was not damaged and no injured to people. However, she got to buy new extension cable.

Does above problem sound familiar to you? This symptom is called OVERLOAD in electric circuit.

Secret of OVERLOAD revealed here.

Each circuit has the maximum capacity of the current carrying to the electric appliance. In simple word, too many electrical appliances connected to a socket outlet will cause this overload problem.

Perhaps you will trip and black out your house and can be reset. If it doesn’t trip and overloading prolongs unknowingly, the insulation of cables will deteriorate and conductors produce losses in heat. It may cause fire too. This considers unsafe act and energy waste.

In my opinion, the electric appliance can be classified to Heavy Load and Light Load.

For examples:

1) Heavy Load

Air conditioning, water heater, electric stove, discharged lamp, washine machine, refrigerator, monitor, television, high power amplier.

2) Light Load

Fluorescent lamp, bulb, table fan, computer, radio, dvd\ vcd\ cd player, handphone charger.

Solution to avoid OVERLOAD

1) Always apply one electric appliance to one socket outlet if possible. However, 3 nos of light load can be add up to one socket outlet.

2) Take advice from competent electrician if you wish to extend more appliances. Perhaps, this requires additional consumer distribution board for long term usage.

3) For temporary usage, I also recommend you to check the loading calculation with electrician.

In conclusion, we shall always consider minimum loading of each socket outlet for safety purpose and fully occupied energy and material usage.

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Tags: Inspection, safety by admin
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