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Low Voltage on Circuit

Just tested the Voltage coming out of my wall and it was 112.7 V. This is obviously too low to feed my 120V tube monoblocs and my tubed pre amp. For about a week when I turned on my equipment it would shut off after about 30 seconds of play. I stumbled for a few days trying to isolate the problem but kept running in circles. I then took a trip to get a multimeter and tested the juice from the wall. Please let me know how to fix this, preferably with an inexpensive step up transformer or other solution that can be done DIY for under $100. My associated equipment all on the same circuit is:

Rogue Audio Magnum M120 Monoblocs (120Watts)
DIY pre amp using 2 6SN7 tubes
EAD Ultradisk 2000 CDP

buckingham

Showing 3 responses by glen

glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Being that you live in Canada I can't say for sure what to do. A simple call to the power company couldn't hurt for starters. During a heat wave demand goes up and voltage goes down. I'd check it again when it's cooler, try late at night if it cools off.

Good luck
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
117 volts is an exceptable voltage.

If you have all your gear plugged into one circuit this may cause the voltage to drop to an unexceptable level.

Try running three dedicated 20 amp circuits to your gear. Plug the amps into their own circuits. everything else into the remaining circuit.

You can test this theory by running extension cords from other rooms (Other circuits) over to your gear. Grab a circuit in the kitchen and one where you plug in your washing machine. Use these two circuits for your amps. Plug everything else into the wall outlet behind your gear. If everything stays on you need more dedicated power at your gear.
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
OK, Now your talking, 115v is unexceptable. Call the power company and have them come out and take a reading. (This is free by the way) Tell them what your experiencing. Are the lights dimming or acting funny? You may need a new main service. If you have a cheep tester you may not be getting an acurate reading either.

If it is in fact 115v at the meter and you are not currently experiencing heat wave conditions, than they will take care of it. Most Power companies pride themselves at keeping the power right at 120/240. Or at least that is the case here in CA.
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