ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades Non standard voltages

The last World Radio TV Handbook I have, which is mid 80's I think, mentions India having DC mains. In this day and age I find that impossible to believe, but I would be fascinated to know what sort of things are being run off it, if it really does still exist. It would be more believable if it was an industrial supply only and not for residential consumers.
Sydney had DC mains up until 1988 or thereabouts; 480V centretapped. BUT it was only in part of the CBD and by 1988 was only being used for lift motors. The general consumer mains in this area had been connected to AC in the 1950's.
Those charts showing world voltages and TV standards often have mistakes; I can recall Fiji having 220V 60 cycles and NTSC televsion in one of them. Nothing could be further from the truth; it's 240V 50c/s & PAL..I know I've been there...even the electrical fittings are Australian. Some travel websites are incredibly innacurate for this sort of information.

Some of them are of dubious value, to put it mildly, although in their defense it seems to be surprisingly difficult to obtain reliable information about some of the more out-of-the-way places. I know that our very own C-H has had difficulties in that respect.

In fact I just checked his site and he has Fiji listed as 240V 50Hz, but NTSC TV standard. Perhaps a correction is in order?




[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 02-18-2006).]

I used to work in a mine in the UK. The equipment was from UK, USA and South Africa. Voltages used were 6.6kV for distribution, 3.3kV for Heliminers and 1100V for other mining machinery.



[This message has been edited by TeesdaleSparkUK (edited 02-18-2006).]

Paul,

Also many of those lists are extremely out of date. Many countries have standardised on 220-230V 50Hz or 110-120V 60Hz while they're still listed as using odd obsolete systems e.g. 127V 50Hz.

If you're using EU or US setup you've got access to a vast array of appliances. If you're on something weird, you're kinda limited.

Although, that being said, I'm sure there are still one or two far flung places with odd voltages out there.

127V 50/60Hz can cause damage to some US appliances and 250V 50Hz can damage some EU appliances.

If travelling to far flung non-listed type places, it's worth buying a cheap plug in voltage/freq meter and checking the local conditions before plugging anything valuable in!

If you're travelling to W. Europe or N. America, Aus/NZ, most of S.E asia etc you'll be fine. You'll get what it says on the tin. I'd check in parts of Africa, south america, less developed parts of asia and definitley on small island-nations where older systems could still be in existance.

It's often far better to ask for local advice, e.g. the local electrical retailer, than relying on these guides.

Also, I'd suggest wiring a trailing socket (of your choice) to an IEC plug. Then you can bring a US plug and an EU plug.. and any other types can be easily purchased and connected locally... just buy (local plug) to IEC cable.. standard PC lead. It's a very workable sollution if you're ever backpacking across S.E asia etc

[This message has been edited by djk (edited 02-19-2006).]

Have a look under " photo's for discussion"
PUHOI drill 1 & 2.

There are some piccies from the drill as well as some of the transformers and nameplate details.

Like the 1050 Volts AC.

Regards Ray

Links to Photos:

Puhoi Drill No. 1

Puhoi Drill No. 2

Ahh thanks guys,
I'd forgotten to put that link in.
Time has been at a premium lately.

Rodalco, I saw the Puhoi tunnel on the news the other night and there was footage of the big main drill in action. Awesome !

kiwi
Cool!! what a pity, I missed it.
But ? ? it did trip the Waiwera feeder.
Auchh !

Kiwi,
What channel was it on?.
I'm seeing if I can find some video on it.