Voltage

Transformer outside our flat

BOOM!!!  We just heard two sequential explosions: transformers exploding on telephone poles.  This has not been an uncommon occurrence but these were close enough we saw the flash and we jumped!  Instantly our power was out.  Usually this is short-lived (an hour or two) but this time we'll see.

The wall outlet voltage here in Bangladesh is 250V, but the grid is not exactly stable; voltage surges as high as 600V are occasionally documented.  Anything with delicate electronics needs both a voltage stabilizer and a surge protector.

'Privately installed' electric lines 

The other morning we woke to a warm refrigerator.  The eggs and butter were salvageable, but most other food was not.  A couple of technicians pulled the control board, showed me the fried capacitor and managed to make me understand that though we had purchased a voltage stabilizer, it was not of high enough quality.  They disappeared for an hour with the control board then brought it back with a new capacitor soldered in place, and we were back in business.

Just another day in Dhaka.   BOOM!!  I really hope the fridge and other things survived this time.