AC line voltage, what's normal?

disneyjoe7

What's the normal line voltage if you would stick a meter in the wall outlet?


I have a strange problem in the mornings that causes my UPS of my stereo system to trip off for 40 + mins at times. So I broke out a meter and was a little shock to see 128.7 maybe higher at times. Right now reads like 125.6 or so, I was thinking something like 122 or so for 120vac.

But not sure..

Frank Z

Call your local utility company and have them check the service comming into your home. could be a transformer problem. Most electrical appliances are designed to handle a +/- 10% deviation without any problems.

goingganzo

they say 112 but it is more like 120-125

amulford

Steve, your getting some decent fluctuations. Call the power company, your electronics do not like it. If they won't do anything, I'd recommend you get a voltage stabilizer.

dorokusai

Power fluctuates due to many variables, you'll never have accurate/rated power from a line source.

The issue you are experiencing isn't uncommon. The UPS you are using most likely has a tighter tolerance than the line is providing.

Drop the UPS unless it's a surge arrestor type, and if the stereo is affected audibly, then look into a voltage stabilizer as mentioned above. Otherwise, don't worry about it.

Electronics are made to work in a wide range of enviroments.

amulford

Electronics are made to work in a wide range of enviroments.

Someone, I don't remember who or maybe I read it, once told me electronics do not like power fluctuations. they was joshin' me??

disneyjoe7

Originally posted by dorokusai
Power fluctuates due to many variables, you'll never have accurate/rated power from a line source.

The issue you are experiencing isn't uncommon. The UPS you are using most likely has a tighter tolerance than the line is providing.

Drop the UPS unless it's a surge arrestor type, and if the stereo is affected audibly, then look into a voltage stabilizer as mentioned above. Otherwise, don't worry about it.

Electronics are made to work in a wide range of enviroments.

Well when my UPS is happy / not working because the AC is down / brown / or high, it's normal AC voltage is 127vac. When the UPS is pissed it's working because the line is out / or too high it works for 40mins that is to much time. So when it's pissed I think is over 129 130 131 132 ? I work 7 miles from home I check the line there and I got 119.3vac. I never see my AC line that low at my house.

So I think I need to call my Electrical Power people.

therockman

It is 116 VAC in my neighborhood.

disneyjoe7

I call the Electric Company, I know they checked (Pulled meter when at work) but I haven't heard anything back as of yet.