Low Voltage problem What type PLC use?


Hi,

I am living in Hong Kong where it's 220V. However, my house only got 208V. The soundstage from my hifi collapse and it lacks of power and focus all the time.

Pls kindly advise what type of power line product should be used to solve this problem? A power plant, isolated transformer, or power line conditioner?

Thanks a lot.
Eric
128x128cykeric
Thanks for everyone advice.

Hi, Minorl, it's not only low voltage problem happens in my house, but also the voltage will fluctuate very much sometime. Last night (~10pm), I measure the voltage and it keeps swing among 208V-212V-218V-206V-212V..... it rises and drops, and then rises and drops..... it is really unstable.

I already write to the local utility abt this unstable and low voltage problem, and they are carrying out on-site inspection. They also apply a "voltage recorder" device to my house to record the voltage data for a week, but they haven't given me any result found. So, I think they are still in investigations. After 1 or 2 more weeks later, if I still get any reply, I will write to them again.

In the meantime, I try Stavol transformer (made in Japan), which is also a stablizer and able to keep 220V output. I measure the output from Stavol and it's 222V-223V. The soundstage focus improves and the sound is more lively, like a person in good spirit!! I also try Equi=tech Q1 (not sure the model name but the smallest model in the toppest grade) before, and I got the same result. However, I find that the sound, is somewhat "artificial" (not natural enough). I don't know how to describe it. Compared with plugging directly to powerbar or wall sockets, the "step-up" transformer will make the sound not natural enough. Plugging into powerbar or wall socket gives me a kind of "relax" feeling.
Cykeric; It sounds to me as if the local utility has jumped on the problem, is investigating it and will fix it with the solutions I mentioned earlier or something else. they know that low voltage can cause all sorts of damage to very expensive equipment and typically, when people complain in writing, they investigate and fix the problem. I'm sure they will fix it and I hope things work out for you.

enjoy
Thanks Minorl. I am not sure if they are still investigating or not. People usually tends to be lazy, and need someone to push or pressure to get the good job done.

The very worst outcome may be, they just say the voltage swing & low is due to highly use of home appliances (eg. air cond in summer), and it's unavoidable, because it's still in +-10V range. Anyway, I will check up with them abt the current status.