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 This standard may be superseded in total or in part by the terms of a contract between the individual network user and the DNO.