2. tech-talk
  3. 1364316383

How much AC is too much.

Has anyone had any issues with high AC levels at home? I am receiving 123 to 126 volts at my home at times. What level is too much and could cause damage to equipment?

I heard that a lot of the power companies are no longer regulating the outside grid like they use to do. To save money they are not regulating the voltage level at some of the transformers. If you live near a transformer that is not regulated you could have issues.

Any recommendations on the best way to correct incomming voltage ... Variac , AC regenerator (PS Audio) ?
timo62
6 responses Add your response
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
To make it even more ugly, some of the new gear out of china is designed to work at a voltage lower than 120 - not sure why.

I had a Chinese built tube amp and had to get it fixed because it destroyed a set of tubes in 6 months.

Run that at 127 volts and the filaments burning through could cause lots of very serious damage.
timo62 OP
280 posts
 
Thanks for the input everyone.
I contacted the local power utility company and was told the same measurement of plus or minus 5% 114V to 126V. I just wanted to make sure that I was not causing any damage to my equipment when the AC level was at 125-126V.
gbart
290 posts
 
The North American electrical standard is +_5% (114V-126V). This should only present a problem with older tube gear.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Looking at the bias level LEDs on my tube amp tells the story...they are all over the place at different times of day and I try to ignore them...I've checked these with a meter and clearly the neighborhood has juice issues. The amp seems to handle it fine.
puerto
372 posts
 
I have the same problem, voltage shooting up to 130 on occasion. To correct it I purchased an APC battery back-up unit. You can set the voltage parameters so that if the incoming voltage exceeds the limits (up or down) it will sound an alarm and go to battery back-up. Hasn't failed me yet.
bigshutterbug
381 posts
 
I have the same issues here, with similar voltage. It is not a problem with modern gear, but if it goes up and down during the day like mine, it may throw your bias off a bit on your tube amps if they are manual bias units. I would not suggest using a variac if it is a problem. Most cause sonic degradation or current limiting. Regenerators would be a better answer. It was only an issue for me when I was using a 40 year old tube amp that was designed for 115 volts or below.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Focal Chora
80x80
RSX MUSIC SERVER RSX MUSIC SERVER
80x80
Ayon Audio S-10IIxs