Electricity Meter Shows Low Voltage? Here Are the Causes and Solutions

Have you ever seen the words “Lo Volt” appear on your electricity meter (KWH meter)? This is not just a normal notification, but a sign that there is too low voltage (Low Voltage) in your home's electrical network.

Low Voltage issues can cause low light levels, malfunctioning electronic devices, and potential damage to electrical appliances such as refrigerators, TVs, or washing machines. To understand how to address this issue, it is important to know the causes of Low Voltage, the risks involved, and the safe steps to take to resolve it.

What is Lo Volt on an Electricity Meter?

The term “Lo Volt” comes from the words “Low Voltage,” which means low voltage. Digital electricity meters (prepaid KWH meters) will automatically display this warning when the voltage drops below 200 volts, while the normal household voltage in Indonesia is around 220 volts.

Smart KWH meters are equipped with a protection system that automatically cuts off the electricity supply (relay open) if the voltage is too low or too high. The purpose is to protect electronic devices in the home from damage due to extreme voltage surges or drops.

Causes of Low Voltage on Electricity Meters

The appearance of Lo Volt on the electricity meter is caused by several common factors, including:

1. Loose or Slack Electrical Cables

One of the most common causes is loose cable connections in the KWH meter, MCB, or connections from the power pole to the house. Loose cables can increase resistance, resulting in voltage drops and the meter detecting low voltage.

2. Damaged or Burnt Cable

Wires that are burnt, melted, or frayed can disrupt the flow of electricity. This usually occurs in old wire connections or in installations that do not meet standards.

Immediately check the main wires from the power pole to the house. If you find signs of burning or charring, do not attempt to repair it yourself; please contact an official PLN technician.

3. Electrical Voltage in the Area Drops (Disruption from PLN)

In some cases, low voltage does not originate from your home installation, but rather from the PLN network. If a Power Transformer in your environment is overloaded (insufficient capacity) or experiences technical problems, the entire area may experience a simultaneous drop in voltage.

A simple way to check this:

• Try asking your neighbour if they are experiencing the same thing, the problem is most likely with the PLN network.

4. Poor Electrical Installation Quality

The use of substandard cables, such as connections without connectors or damaged insulation, can cause a significant drop in voltage. Non-SNI standard cables also tend to have thin copper cores that are unable to conduct electricity efficiently. Use SNI-standard electrical cables from Wilson Cables to ensure maximum conductivity and safety for your home installation.

Symptoms that Indicate Low Voltage

In addition to the “Lo Volt” message on the KWH meter display, you may also notice the following signs in your home:

• The lights are dim even though the electricity is on.
• Electronic appliances such as refrigerators or water pumps are not working optimally.
• The MCB often trips for no apparent reason.
• The meter displays a relay open symbol.
• Electricity tokens cannot be used even though there is still a balance.

If this condition occurs, immediately take the initial steps before contacting PLN.

How to Deal with Low Voltage on the Electricity Meter

Here are some safe and effective steps you can take:

1. Check the Condition of the Meter and Cables

See if there are any signs of loose cables, a burning smell, or loose connections. If you do not have technical expertise, avoid opening the KWH panel yourself, as this area is the responsibility of PLN.

2. Check the Voltage with a Multimeter

Use a measuring device (multi-meter) to check the voltage at the outlet. If the value is below 200 volts, it means there is a serious voltage drop.

3. Compare with Your Neighbour

If your neighbour is also experiencing similar symptoms, it is likely that the source of the problem is the PLN transformer or distribution network.

4. Report to PLN

Do not attempt to repair any part of the meter or cables connected to the PLN network yourself. Report it immediately through one of the following official channels:

• PLN Mobile app
• PLN Call Centre 123
• PLN's official Twitter account (@pln_123)

All PLN complaint services are free of charge. An officer will arrive at the location usually within 15-30 minutes after the report is received.

Tips to Prevent Low Voltage from Happening Again

To keep the voltage in your home stable, do the following:

1. Use SNI-standard cables such as products from Wilson Cables, which have 99.99% pure copper conductors.
2. Regularly inspect the installation, especially at the main connection and KWH terminal.
3. Use high-quality MCBs and connectors appropriate for your home's electrical capacity.
4. Avoid overloading by not turning on all large electrical appliances simultaneously.
5. Ensure proper grounding to maintain system stability.

Wilson Cables: Safe and Stable Electrical Cable Solutions

Wilson Cables is a trusted electrical cable manufacturer in Indonesia, offering various types of high-quality cables such as NYA, NYM, NYY, and NYAF, all of which meet SNI and ISO 9001:2015 standards. Purified copper core cables provide more stable electrical conductivity, helping to reduce the risk of low voltage warnings on your electricity meter.

Wilson Cables products are designed for various needs:

• Households & buildings
• Industrial installations & factories
• Electrical panel systems and construction projects

Conclusion

The wording “Lo Volt” on the electricity meter indicates that the voltage is falling below the normal limit. The cause could be loose cable connections, a faulty PLN transformer, or substandard home installations.

The best steps to take are:

1. Visually inspect the installation.
2. Report the issue to PLN via the app or call centre.
3. Use SNI-certified electrical cables from Wilson Cables to maintain voltage stability and ensure the safety of your home installation.

Good installation and high-quality components not only prevent “Lo Volt” issues but also ensure safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting electricity flow in your home.