Is Your Toaster’s Lifespan at Risk from High Voltage?

Have you ever wondered why your toaster suddenly stops working or why your TV dies out sooner than expected? You might be blaming cheap manufacturing, but the real culprit could be high voltage in your home. Energy experts suggest that overly high electricity voltage could be taking years off your appliances’ lives, leading to increased costs for new devices and much more.

For nearly a century, Australia set its voltage standard at 240 volts, with a tolerance range of 6%. In 2000, the standard was officially lowered to 230 volts to align with international standards. The issue, though, is that many regions across the country still operate closer to the old 240V mark. In fact, a study commissioned by the now-closed Energy Security Board (ESB) in 2020 revealed that about 95% of voltage readings in the national electricity market (NEM) exceeded the current standard of 230V. Over time, this overvoltage may be damaging household appliances and inflating electricity bills.

At the University of Wollongong (UoW), researchers are exploring how fluctuating voltage levels affect different appliances. Led by PhD student Dinidu Jeewandara, the project simulates the wear and tear of various household devices to assess how voltage impacts their longevity. Early results suggest what many had suspected: higher-than-normal voltage shortens the lifespan of appliances. For instance, vacuum cleaners and lightbulbs are among the first to fail under excessive voltage conditions, showing that a mere 5% increase can drastically reduce a device’s lifespan.

It’s not just your appliances that suffer from high voltage—your wallet and the environment do too. Ty Christopher, a former chief engineer at Endeavour Energy, estimates that overvoltage costs Australian households $317 million annually in lost appliance life, with each household spending an extra $35. Lowering the voltage by just 5% could reduce energy consumption by 4% to 5%, leading to a savings of $1 billion across NEM customers and preventing over 3 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Additionally, reducing the strain on the grid would decrease peak demand by as much as 1.5GW—comparable to retiring a coal-fired power station.

High voltage isn’t just bad news for appliances—it also hampers the potential of rooftop solar power. Solar panels can actually raise voltage levels when they send surplus energy back into the grid. If voltage exceeds 253 volts, solar inverters automatically shut down to prevent damage. This means that if voltage levels were brought down to the standard 230V, there would be more room for solar energy exports, giving a big boost to Australia’s renewable energy goals. In fact, a Victorian government study found that voltage tends to spike at night when solar panels are not operational, further indicating that solar panels aren’t the primary cause of high voltage.

While some states are slow to act, Victoria is taking steps to better manage voltage and help consumers save. The state has introduced advanced voltage management systems and mandates electricity distributors to publish voltage data annually. These measures have already saved Victorians $13 million per year. But while Victoria moves forward, other states and the federal government are waiting on a cost-benefit analysis from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) before implementing similar changes.

While the government works through these voltage issues, you can take control of your energy consumption with EServices4U. From energy procurement to bill audits and solar panel consultations, we provide expert advice and services to help you reduce waste and lower your energy costs. Whether you're a homeowner or a business, EServices4U is ready to guide you toward more sustainable energy practices. Visit us at www.eservices4u.com.au and let us help you make smarter energy choices today.