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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
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Take a look at the ExactPower website for an interesting-looking solution that's not as monstrous as the big Power Plants, and won't add a transformer's resistance to the line. Never heard this product in action myself, though. Best of luck! :-(
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.
buckingham OP
333 posts
 
Hey guys, thanks for the tips. Does most equiment have something in the power supply to compensate for low/high voltage? Is there some way to implement this externally?
buckingham OP
333 posts
 
Glen, we are actually in the middle of a heat wave, which might explain the low voltage in the area. This problem only started happening when it started getting hot here in Toronto. I'm guessng it's because of the A/C usage in the area. Do you think the power company will look into this even in the middle of a heat wave? I'll give it a try.
buckingham OP
333 posts
 
I found this product for super cheap. It does voltage regulation, surge protection and some conditioning.
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