Experimental Assessment of the Impact of Sustained Supply Voltage Magnitude on Consumer Appliance Lifespan

The proliferation of electronic devices which comprise household appliances potentially increases susceptibility to sustained higher voltage magnitudes. Thus understanding how supply voltage magnitude affects appliance lifetime and performance is crucial for ensuring energy efficiency, reliability, and safety. This study presents an experimental methodology implemented in a laboratory setting to investigate the impact of sustained supply voltage magnitudes on electrical parameters and lifetime of household appliances. The experimental work in this research was separated into two distinct studies: long-term and accelerated life testing. The long-term experiments utilise a wide range of appliances from different categories, including audio-visual, information technology, refrigeration, lighting, motor, heating, and cooling, tested under normal operating conditions. For the accelerated life testing, switched mode power supply circuits of appliances are studied under increased ambient temperature in order to analyse their reliability over a shorter period than their intended real-world use. The importance of setting a suitable nominal voltage and ensuring appropriate voltage regulation in low voltage residential electrical systems is evidenced through appliance performance and impact on lifespan.