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Mains Frequnecy Variation

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  • 09-11-2010 2:49pm
    #1
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users Posts: 5,379 ✭✭✭


    Does anyone know how much the mains frequency vary throughout the day?

    I know the ESB will correct it so the average is 50.000Hz, what are the Min / max values we typically see?


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    #2
    M cebee
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭M cebee


    have you checked the website or anything

    i'm sure the tolerance is much tighter than the voltage


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    #3
    Mr Gumby
    Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭Mr Gumby


    I always thought that they used the frequency to assess the load, for instance if the load increases the frequency slows (power factor) and so they bring in more capacity until the frequency is restored.
    The old electric clocks used to rely on the mains frequency for their accuracy.


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    #4
    Davy
    Registered Users Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    I cant remember exact figures off the top of my head, but I know its taken very serious. I think it has to remain in 49.5Hz to 50.5Hz for most part, any more would be alarm bells.


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    #5
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    From 50.5 hertz down to 48 hertz i think is their specified limits, in practice its close to the 50 hertz most of the time.


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    #6
    Davy
    Registered Users Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    robbie7730 wrote: »
    From 50.5 hertz down to 48 hertz i think is their specified limits, in practice its close to the 50 hertz most of the time.

    Down to the 48Hz, isnt that only allowed for a few seconds though?


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    #7
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,591 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    No idea I would assume that would be at least as tight a tolerance as Davy suggests as the frequency will impact on motor synchronous speed, power factor correcting units, design currents etc....


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    #8
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    Well thats their specified limits i think, 1% over and 4% under, but the actual daily variance would be very close to the 50%.

    If everyone goes and puts on their kettle right now it might bring it down below that limit, and trip out a few under frequency relays. I cant remember any of it now.


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    #9
    GreySquirrel
    Registered Users Posts: 252 ✭✭GreySquirrel


    Mr Gumby wrote: »
    I always thought that they used the frequency to assess the load, for instance if the load increases the frequency slows (power factor) and so they bring in more capacity until the frequency is restored.
    The old electric clocks used to rely on the mains frequency for their accuracy.

    We have an electric clock over fifty years old that still keeps perfect time


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