Despite all the fuss about "harmonised voltages" between UK an Europe, virtually nothing has changed!

The "old" UK standard was 240 V ±6% (225.6–254.4 V)

The european standard was 230V - don't know the tolerance.

When the voltages were "harmonised", all they did was changed the tolerances. So it became 230 V+10%-6% (216.2–253 V), and is proposed to widen further to +-10% (207-253 V)

But all that changed was the paperwork. The power companies haven't changed anything. UK voltage is still typically around 240V, continental around 230. Both are within the tolerance of the new spec.

In many areas, your mains voltage, as measured at the socket, can vary by several percent throughout the day.

Most equipment doesn't care about exact volatges - especially switchmode supplies, which are generally fine on anything from 90-300.

The exception is light bulbs. A bulb which is nominally 230V, when put on a 240V supply, will run about 7% hotter and brighter, and will burn out more quickly. Beware when buying lamps for stage lights from european suppliers - most of the big names will manufacture 230V and 240V variants.

Bruce.