asked the Minister for Transport and Power the minimum voltage requirements for the efficient operation of household electrical appliances in County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrical Appliances: Minimum Voltage.
12.
Electrical appliances are designed to operate at a particular voltage or over a stated range of voltage normally indicated on the appliance. The voltage for electricity supply for domestic purposes in this country is 220 volts and domestic electrical appliances on sale here are normally designed to operate at 220 volts with in some cases a stated range of voltage going above or below 220.
It is not possible to indicate in general terms the extent of the voltage drop which will cause appliances to operate inefficiently; the tolerable voltage drop will vary for different appliances, some being more susceptible than others to voltage fluctuation.
The ESB aim to maintain the voltage at 220 plus or minus six per cent. I am, however, aware that in several parts of suburban Dublin, the ESB are at present finding it difficult to prevent voltage from falling, at times, below the lower limit due to abnormal growth in demand. The ESB have assured me that they are taking all possible steps to meet these circumstances by a very extensive and costly programme of strengthening the distribution mains and installing new transformer stations in the areas concerned.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary, if a person can prove conclusively that motors burnt out as a result of low voltage, will the ESB replace these free of cost?
That is a separate question.
That is a 64 mark question.
There is no problem there.
Then, if the voltage is not high enough—I can prove it is 160 in a particular area——
This seems to be a speech not a question.
——surely the Board in those circumstances should take steps to remedy the situation?
The Board endeavour to anticipate to the best of their ability what the demand will be on a specific line, but they have no control over the amount of load that will subsequently be put on that line. In reply to the Deputy's original question about compensation, one of the conditions in the ordinary contract of supply says that, while every effort will be made to maintain the voltage at the stated figure, the Board will not be responsible for any damage consequential or otherwise arising from any failure to maintain the voltage.
Question No. 13.
Just one more question. In two houses I know, if the electric cooker is plugged in, you may not plug in the electric kettle. It is impossible to get Bunny Carr.
Question No. 13.