Voltage spikes

[The Wanderer]

No it wasn't. That spec applies to the UK only.

Other parts of the EU started with a nominal voltage of 220v. A different spec applies in those parts of the EU.

What *everyone* keeps overlooking when pontificating about supply voltage and what it should be, when the harmonisation was brought in, the emphasis shifted to appliance manufacturers. An EU directive requires that all new appliances will operate across the range of voltages to be found in Europe.

I don't think so. What point would there be when the limits are (to all intents and purposes) permanently set at +10%?

I do wish people would check the facts before spouting half-thought-through ideas.

[Man at B&Q]

It's probably very good PR, however.

MBQ

[The Other Mike]

They will be individually addressable, not fully autonomous. Similar to radio switching of economy 7 loads. They might address on a block basis say 10% of demand which can be spread across the country, or they can do it by area to reduce the potential for overload on specific underground cables / overhead lines/ transformers

It's only an extension of what is done on many industrial supplies today to limit demand - that is actively managed on an individual supply basis and has been for a number of years. The only change is extending the intelligence from the 'meter' / to the appliance