Light bulbs are constanly burning out

Jea48 and/or Almarg,

Can I check the voltage myself with a multimeter? If so how?

Abucktwoeighty,
To save money the construction company simply didn't supply any lighting fixtures at all!

Al,

I measure 124.5 volts, and the measurement between each vertical slot and the ground read 124.5 and 3v.

124.5 is within the +/- 5% range suggested by jea48.

What now? The reading is on the high-end. Will the voltage change during the course of the day. I took the readings in the early afternoon, this not exactly peak hours.

Al and Jeff,

Sorry, I went a bit awol this week, it was crazy at the office.

I did find the time to contact the utility company. They said exaclty what Jeff recommended. Call an electrician and if he finds a problem on the utility's end then they will reimburse the cost of the electrician.

They also suggested to contact other neighbhours (not my fellow condo dwellers). To see if they have similar problems with bulbs.

So there it is.. Thank you guys for your helpful feedback it is truely appreciated.

One final note, I placed an order today for a new pair of Quicksilver Mid-mono monoblocks. So I hope I can resolve this issue before I take delivery.

Cheers and thanks again!

Nick

Al, (Jea48 I answer you below)

Here are the readings from throughout the day:
1pm: 124.5v
6pm: 123.0v
10pm: 120.0v
12am: 124.0v
5am: 125.3v
9am: 124.3v

Given the above, it would reasonable to expect that the voltage could reach above 126v.

Jea48,

...if any incandescent light bulbs suddenly get brighter than normal...

The only time the lights dim is when my wife switches on the kettle. The kettle is plugged into the same breaker as the plug that the lights in the main living area are connected to.

If I take a reading on that plug the voltage drop is from 123.8 to 110. (measured across both vertical slots). However, if I measure from the short vertical to the ground then it reads 116v. If I turn off the kettle the reading goes back to the 123.8.

In regards, to other big consumers, I have regular fridge a wine fridge, dishwaser etc... I have never noticed a diming or brightning of the lights as these appliance switch on of off. I live in open concept condo, so I can hear when these appliance switch on and off.

Breaking News!!! As i am writing this, my surge protector just tripped, I measured the voltage and it is at 126.5v.

I guess I should contact my utility company!

One last point regarding my fellow tennants, the bulbs in the hallway are constantly burning out. I have not explicitly raised this issue with any of the neighbours but I will bring it up in our next condo meeting. I am quite sure that this is shared problem.

Thanks for the help it is greatly appreciated!

Nick -- How many watts does the kettle consume? That should be indicated on a label somewhere on it.

1500 watts