Causes of Unstable Electrical Voltage and Effective Ways to Overcome It

Unstable electrical voltage is often the source of various problems in homes and commercial buildings. These include dimmed or suddenly brightened lights, rapid damage to electronic equipment, and the risk of short circuits and fires, all of which can occur due to an unstable power supply. Unfortunately, many people ignore the early signs of voltage instability until it ultimately leads to equipment damage and energy waste.

As an electricity user, it is important to understand the common causes of fluctuating electrical voltage and how to address them properly. This article will discuss various triggering factors, from excessive electrical loads, issues with home installations, disruptions in the PLN network, to short circuits, along with the appropriate steps to take. This way, you can ensure your electrical system remains safe, efficient, and durable.

Why Must Electrical Voltage Be Stable?

Stable electrical voltage is very important for maintaining the performance of electrical systems and the safety of electronic equipment in homes and commercial buildings. When voltage fluctuates too often, either up (overvoltage) or down (undervoltage), the electrical distribution system cannot work optimally. As a result, electronic equipment can experience decreased performance, premature damage, and even the risk of fire due to sudden current surges.

Voltage stability also ensures that the power supply meets device specifications. Most modern household appliances and electronic devices are designed to operate at a standard voltage of around 220 volts. If the voltage is too low, devices such as refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners will work harder and break down quickly. Conversely, if the voltage is too high, the internal components of the device can burn out or short circuit.

Reasons for Unstable Electrical Voltage

Unstable electrical voltage can occur due to various factors, both internal (in-house installations) and external (PLN distribution networks). Some common causes that often lead to unstable electrical voltage are:

1. Excessive Electrical Load

One of the most common causes of unstable electrical voltage is the use of electrical power that exceeds the capacity of the installation. When too many appliances are turned on at the same time, the electric current flowing becomes too large, causing a drop in voltage. This condition often occurs when air conditioners, water pumps, rice cookers, and irons are used simultaneously, especially in homes with low electrical power. As a result, lights become dim, electronic appliances do not work optimally, and the risk of the MCB tripping increases.

2. Problems with the Internal Electrical Installation

Electrical installations that do not meet standards can cause voltage instability. For example, using cables with a cross-sectional area that is too small for a heavy load will result in high resistance and a drop in voltage at the end of the cable. Additionally, loose cable connections, worn-out sockets, or poorly maintained distribution panels can also cause uneven current flow, resulting in sudden voltage fluctuations. Old installations that have not been updated are also often the source of this problem.

3. Disruption to the PLN Network

External factors such as disruption to the PLN distribution network are also a major cause of voltage instability. These disruptions can be caused by peak loads when many users access electricity simultaneously, network maintenance, or equipment damage at substations. In addition, in areas far from the electricity distribution center, voltage fluctuations occur more frequently due to the length of the transmission network.

4. Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when electrical current flows through an unintended path, usually due to damaged cable insulation or unsafe connections. When a short circuit occurs, the current surges sharply and causes a drastic voltage drop in other areas of the installation. If not addressed immediately, short circuits can damage equipment, cause dangerous current surges, or trigger electrical fires.

5. Damp Environment or Water Leaks

Environmental factors such as high humidity or water leaks can also affect electrical voltage stability. Water seeping into cable lines or electrical panels can cause current leakage to the ground, resulting in voltage drops and frequent MCB tripping. This is often found in homes with poorly protected or non-waterproof electrical installations.

6. Poor Quality Cables and Electrical Components

The use of substandard cables or electrical components, such as thin cables, mixed conductor materials, or easily damaged insulation, also contributes significantly to voltage instability. Low-quality cables have poor electrical conductivity and heat up more quickly when used for long periods of time, causing high resistance and voltage fluctuations.

7. Weather and Lightning Effects

Extreme weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, or lightning strikes can cause temporary disruptions to the electrical network. Lightning, in particular, can cause sudden voltage surges that flow into home installations. These surges not only cause voltage instability but can also damage sensitive electronic devices if they are not protected by a stabilizer or surge protector.

Signs of Unstable Electrical Voltage

It is important to recognize the signs of unstable electrical voltage so that you can take immediate preventive action before more serious damage occurs to your electrical equipment. Fluctuating voltage often causes symptoms that can be observed directly, either through the behavior of electronic devices or the condition of the electrical installation in your home. Some signs to watch out for:

• Lights often dim or flicker.
• Electronic devices overheat or shut down suddenly.
• A humming sound from the transformer or circuit breaker.
• The circuit breaker trips unexpectedly.
• An unusually high electricity bill.

How to Deal with Unstable Electrical Voltage

The solution to unstable electrical voltage depends on the cause. However, in general, there are several important steps that can be taken to restore normal voltage and maintain the safety of electrical installations in homes and buildings.

1. Check Your Home's Electrical Installation

The first step is to thoroughly check the condition of the electrical installation. Unstable voltage is often caused by cables that are not suitable for the power capacity, loose cable connections, or a suboptimal grounding system. Ensure that all connections are tight and that the cables have a cross-sectional area suitable for the electrical load used. If you are inexperienced, it is best to use the services of a professional electrician to carry out inspections and repairs to ensure safety and compliance with standards.

2. Reduce the Electrical Load

The electrical voltage can drop if too many electronic devices are turned on at the same time, especially high-power appliances such as air conditioners, water heaters, or washing machines. Arrange to use these appliances alternately to prevent overload. If your home's electricity demand continues to increase, consider increasing your PLN power so that the electrical system can work more stably without overload.

3. Use a Stabilizer or Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

A stabilizer or AVR serves to stabilize the electrical voltage entering electronic equipment. This device is very useful, especially for protecting sensitive devices such as computers, TVs, refrigerators, and audio equipment. By using the right stabilizer, the electrical voltage can remain stable even if the PLN network experiences fluctuations.

4. Replace Cables with Better Quality

Low-quality cables are often the cause of voltage instability because their electrical conductivity is less than optimal. To ensure a stable and safe flow of electricity, use SNI-standard cables with pure copper conductors. Wilson Cables provides high-quality cables designed to conduct electricity efficiently, withstand heat, and last longer, making them suitable for both residential and industrial installations.

5. Contact PLN If the Problem Comes from the Grid

If the cause of unstable voltage comes from outside the home, such as from the PLN distribution network or substation, then the only solution is to contact PLN. Report the problem so that it can be followed up by official personnel. Do not try to repair the main network yourself as it is very dangerous and against the rules.

Conclusion

Unstable electrical voltage can stem from various factors, both internal, such as faulty home installations and excessive electrical loads, and external, such as PLN network disruptions or short circuits. If not handled properly, this condition can cause damage to electronic equipment, increase the risk of short circuits and fires, and cause electricity bills to skyrocket.

Recognize the signs of voltage instability early on and take appropriate corrective measures to keep your electrical system safe and efficient. Remember to always use high-quality electrical components, including SNI-standard electrical cables from Wilson Cables, to ensure stable, durable, and safe electrical flow for your home.