protecting appliances from low voltage

[FLBiker]

We had a power outage the other day, and when it came back on I noticed that the voltage was really low (101V).  We're in Canada, so it should be 120V.  After 24 hours, we're typically sitting around 110-115.  However, around dinner time (presumably as heaters kick up and ovens are turned on), I've noticed a dip to 106-108.  I'm also afraid that we'll dip to this range on colder days (it's been warmish the past couple of days, just a few degrees below freezing).

I've talked to my neighbors (we're on a loop of ~35 houses) and everyone we've spoken to has similar issues.  We've also had several conversations with Nova Scotia Power and they've basically said that we're on an old branch of the network.  Supposedly, they're going to re-do our area in two years, although a group of us are planning to advocate for doing this sooner.  We'll see.

In the meantime, I'm wondering what steps I should take (if any) to protect my appliances.  We've got a UPS on our pellet stove, which would protect against these dips, but on everything else we just have surge protectors.  I was looking on Amazon and I found outlets that cut off at low voltage (like this: https://www.amazon.ca/BSEED-Appliance-Protector-Refrigerators-2400Watts/dp/B0969P6N8G?th=1).  Are these worthwhile?  If so, which appliances would be a priority?  In addition to the usual kitchen ones, we have a water heater, an air exchanger and a heat pump, plus various household electronics.

We haven't had a lot of issues with our appliances.  The main thing I notice is that one of the indicator lights on our stove (to show a particular burner is on) doesn't light up when we're below 113V or so.  We've also lost a few appliances over the past few years, but they were all 7-10 years old.  In other words, I mostly suspect "old" age, but if there are inexpensive steps I can take to proactively prevent wear and tear, I'm certainly open to it.

Thanks for your help, and if you have any questions please just ask.

[GilesMM]

Whole house UPS would do nicely.

[FLBiker]

Whole house UPS would do nicely.

Hmm.  Based on what I'm seeing for prices on these, this feels like overkill.  I'm typically seeing power around 110-112.  I'd like to protect a couple of key appliances (e.g. the fridge) and I'm wondering if those cut-off outlets are a good solution.  Again, we haven't had any issues yet, so I don't want to spend a ton of money on this.  Thanks!

[GuitarStv]

Overvoltage is always an issue for damage with electronics (has a tendency to let the magic black smoke out of components).  I've had enough stuff fried from this that I'm pretty careful about always running (and replacing older) surge protectors on stuff.

Undervoltage typically leads to poor performance (weird flickering on displays (or just a failure to show anything at all) and stuff that runs erratically or not at all when powered.  I've never had problems with undervoltage like a surge, and have lived in plenty of places with regular brownouts.  In our current home, we average somewhere around 10-15 brownouts a month (lasting less than a minute usually, but enough to have to reset all the clocks in the house regularly).

[CowboyAndIndian]

Watch out for brownouts. These cause electric motor failures.

When voltage drops during a brownout, motors draw more current to compensate, which can lead to overheating and potential damage to the motor windings if the low voltage persists for a significant period of time; devices with electric motors, like refrigerators, air conditioners, and fans, are particularly vulnerable to brownouts.

Turn off larger devices such as refridgerators and AC's during this time.

[FLBiker]

Watch out for brownouts. These cause electric motor failures.

When voltage drops during a brownout, motors draw more current to compensate, which can lead to overheating and potential damage to the motor windings if the low voltage persists for a significant period of time; devices with electric motors, like refrigerators, air conditioners, and fans, are particularly vulnerable to brownouts.

Turn off larger devices such as refridgerators and AC's during this time.

Thanks!  I'd read similar.  We have never had a brownout (knock wood) and I'm starting to think that until we get to that point (say below 106V for a period of time) it isn't really an issue.  We've got a cold spell forecast in 10 days or so, so we'll see what happens then.  It's clear that things with electric motors are the priority.  Thanks!

[CowboyAndIndian]

Also, you do not have to worry about devices such as resistance heaters (e.g a small space heater) which will not be impacted by lower voltage.

Also, most electronics will not be impacted by low voltages as modern power supplies are very good at regulating even with a wide range of input voltages. I've taken my CPAP to countries with 240 V and the same brick can handle 100-250 volts. These are more impacted by surges (studden spikes), a good surge protector is very helpful here.

[FLBiker]

Also, you do not have to worry about devices such as resistance heaters (e.g a small space heater) which will not be impacted by lower voltage.

Also, most electronics will not be impacted by low voltages as modern power supplies are very good at regulating even with a wide range of input voltages. I've taken my CPAP to countries with 240 V and the same brick can handle 100-250 volts. These are more impacted by surges (studden spikes), a good surge protector is very helpful here.

Thanks!  We used our resistance heaters (as opposed to the heat pump or pellet stove) when the voltage was very low (~101V).

[EnzoSharp]

To protect your appliances from the low voltage issue, consider installing voltage cutoff devices like the one you found for critical appliances, especially the heat pump, air exchanger, and kitchen appliances, as these are more sensitive to voltage fluctuations. A whole-home voltage regulator or automatic voltage stabilizer could also be a worthwhile investment if dips are frequent. Surge protectors alone won't guard against sustained low voltage, which can strain motors and electronics over time. Advocate with Nova Scotia Power to prioritize your area's upgrades, as prolonged low voltage can reduce appliance lifespan and efficiency.

[FLBiker]

To protect your appliances from the low voltage issue, consider installing voltage cutoff devices like the one you found for critical appliances, especially the heat pump, air exchanger, and kitchen appliances, as these are more sensitive to voltage fluctuations. A whole-home voltage regulator or automatic voltage stabilizer could also be a worthwhile investment if dips are frequent. Surge protectors alone won't guard against sustained low voltage, which can strain motors and electronics over time. Advocate with Nova Scotia Power to prioritize your area's upgrades, as prolonged low voltage can reduce appliance lifespan and efficiency.

Excellent, that's what I was thinking.  Thanks!

[Just Joe]

See if your neighbors are seeing the same voltages.

One of our relatives had all sorts of random power problems at a house years ago. Turns out that their house electrical panel had serious problems that were just manifesting in different ways. It's a wonder they didn't have a major fire. I remember them having appliances fail prematurely. I remember the house grounded through the cable TV cable once b/c the house ground was not functional.

If the neighbors aren't noticing anything, seek to have your house electrical inspected.

Here at work I see a variety of voltages over the course of a day. Early in the morning the voltages are lower than in the afternoon.