This European Standard defines, describes and specifies the main characteristics of the voltage
at a network user's supply terminals in public low voltage and medium voltage electricity
distribution networks under normal operating conditions. This standard describes the limits or
values within which the voltage characteristics can be expected to remain over the whole of the
public distribution network and does not describe the average situation usually experienced by
an individual network user.
NOTE 1 For the definitions of low and medium voltage see 3.7 and 3.8.
The European Standard does not apply under abnormal operating conditions including the
following:
– a temporary supply arrangement to keep the network users supplied during condition arising
as a result of a fault, maintenance and construction work or to minimize the extent and
duration of a loss of supply;
– in case of non-compliance of a network user's installation or equipment with the relevant
standards or with the technical requirements for connection, established either by the public
authorities or the distribution network operator (DNO) including the limits for the emission of
conducted disturbances;
NOTE 2 A network user’s installation may include load as well as generation.
– in exceptional situations, in particular,
– exceptional weather conditions and other natural disasters,
– third party interference,
– acts by public authorities,
– industrial actions (subject to legal requirements),
– force majeure,
– power shortages resulting from external events.
The voltage characteristics given in this standard are not intended to be used as
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) levels or user emission limits for conducted disturbances in
public distribution networks.
The voltage characteristics given in this standard are not intended to be used to specify
requirements in equipment product standards and in installation standards.
NOTE 3 The performance of equipment might be impaired if it is subjected to supply conditions which are not
specified in the equipment product standard.
This standard may be superseded in total or in part by the terms of a contract between the
individual network user and the DNO.
BS EN 50160:2010+A3:2019 history
2023BS EN 50160:2022 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks
1970BS EN 50160:2010+A3:2019 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks
2015BS EN 50160:2010+A1:2015 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks
2010BS EN 50160:2010 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks
2007BS EN 50160:2007 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks
2000BS EN 50160:2000 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution systems