Mains Voltage (again)

[artoly]

What are peoples thoughts about mains voltage-regulating power conditioners? Are they a good idea if voltage is a bit high for the components?

NZ is supposedly 230V (like UK is also supposed to be) and I am measuring 235 to 244V in my wall outlets at different times. I know that should theoretically be within general tolerances, but; my DAC and Power Amp have just been repaired after failures from suspected over-voltage. (I can't be certain if that is just from these elevated voltages or from another power 'event'). The power amp is only rated for 220V (2004 C/J 350 solid state). The DAC has 220V and 230V written on the back in different places, so not sure about that.

I am a bit nervous about plugging that power amp back in, and am trying to decide on a system-wide voltage regulation/conditioning option, or a more basic isolating transformer designed to step the voltage down, say, 12V just for the boxes that might be more sensitive. It would be a shame to compromise the sound over this though.

It would appear that most conditioners don’t also regulate voltage, but I have read about the Furman SPR-16 E I (being expensive for me, and also requires changing the mains cable loom to suit the different outlet plug types). I have also been looking at AliExpress options like this one, which they may configure to order (T.B.C.).

 

[Mike Hanson]

Consider a custom isolation transformer. You would have to pop it into a box and add connectors, but it would be a fun and easy project. Much cheaper than an of the shelf product. You could order one from Tiger Toroid or James Transformer.

 

[Mike P]

Or build a suitable bucking transformer, which will allow you to use a smaller and less expensive transformer.

 

[IWC Doppel]

I really doubt 10-15V of over is a problem

 

[andyr]

What are people's thoughts about mains voltage-regulating power conditioners? Are they a good idea if voltage is a bit high for the components?

NZ is supposedly 230V (like UK is also supposed to be) and I am measuring 235 to 244V in my wall outlets at different times. I know that should theoretically be within general tolerances, but; my DAC and Power Amp have just been repaired after failures from suspected over-voltage. (I can't be certain if that is just from these elevated voltages or from another power 'event'). The power amp is only rated for 220V (2004 C/J 350 solid state). The DAC has 220V and 230V written on the back in different places, so not sure about that.

I am a bit nervous about plugging that power amp back in, and am trying to decide on a system-wide voltage regulation/conditioning option, or a more basic isolating transformer designed to step the voltage down, say, 12V just for the boxes that might be more sensitive. It would be a shame to compromise the sound over this though.

It would appear that most conditioners don’t also regulate voltage, but I have read about the Furman SPR-16 E I (being expensive for me, and also requires changing the mains cable loom to suit the different outlet plug types). I have also been looking at AliExpress options like this one, which they may configure to order (T.B.C.).

Mmmm - you certainly have had a wide variety of responses.

If you have bought 220v-rated gear (rather than, say 240v) ... then I would suggest you should buy a Power Conditioner such as a Thor (P10, I think). This copes with a varying input mains voltage to produce what you set it to - like 220v. As NZ power is the same as Oz power standards ... it should work 'across the ditch'.

 

[wwelly]

Mmmm - you certainly have had a wide variety of responses.

If you have bought 220v-rated gear (rather than, say 240v) ... then I would suggest you should buy a Power Conditioner such as a Thor (P10, I think). This copes with a varying input mains voltage to produce what you set it to - like 220v. As NZ power is the same as Oz power standards ... it should work 'across the ditch'.

What are peoples thoughts about mains voltage-regulating power conditioners? Are they a good idea if voltage is a bit high for the components?

NZ is supposedly 230V (like UK is also supposed to be) and I am measuring 235 to 244V in my wall outlets at different times. I know that should theoretically be within general tolerances, but; my DAC and Power Amp have just been repaired after failures from suspected over-voltage. (I can't be certain if that is just from these elevated voltages or from another power 'event'). The power amp is only rated for 220V (2004 C/J 350 solid state). The DAC has 220V and 230V written on the back in different places, so not sure about that.

I am a bit nervous about plugging that power amp back in, and am trying to decide on a system-wide voltage regulation/conditioning option, or a more basic isolating transformer designed to step the voltage down, say, 12V just for the boxes that might be more sensitive. It would be a shame to compromise the sound over this though.

It would appear that most conditioners don’t also regulate voltage, but I have read about the Furman SPR-16 E I (being expensive for me, and also requires changing the mains cable loom to suit the different outlet plug types). I have also been looking at AliExpress options like this one, which they may configure to order (T.B.C.).

Aus/NZ standard states that mains voltage is 230, with a tolerance of -6% TO +10%, Which equates to 216 to 253 volts, but the prefered variation is +6 to -2% (244 V–225 V). So, your measurements are within tolerance of the supply standard.

 

[Paraheadache]

That aliexpress link isn't working for me can you say what the model is,
Cheers

 

[MattSPL]

Get a double online conversion UPS. Set it to 230v.

 

[artoly]

Consider a custom isolation transformer. You would have to pop it into a box and add connectors, but it would be a fun and easy project. Much cheaper than an of the shelf product. You could order one from Tiger Toroid or James Transformer.

It hadn't occurred to me that I could build one, but I'll give it some thought.

If you have bought 220v-rated gear (rather than, say 240v) ... then I would suggest you should buy a Power Conditioner such as a Thor (P10, I think). This copes with a varying input mains voltage to produce what you set it to - like 220v. As NZ power is the same as Oz power standards ... it should work 'across the ditch'.

Thanks andyr. I'll look it up. It might even have the right plugs for me.

Aus/NZ standard states that mains voltage is 230, with a tolerance of -6% TO +10%, Which equates to 216 to 253 volts, but the prefered variation is +6 to -2% (244 V–225 V). So, your measurements are within tolerance of the supply standard.

Rightly or wrongly, I have at least one box that is rated 220V, so 10% takes it to 242V max, which my power has exceeded in a couple of off-peak readings.

That aliexpress link isn't working for me can you say what the model is,
Cheers

I haven't enquired about changing the voltages or AU/NZ plugs yet. Google might find it with these words, but some of the information was in Mandarin: Canada PLITRON 3000W 220V to 220V 100V ，220V to 110V Power Isolation Transformer, Decoder/Amplifier Power Purifier

Get a double online conversion UPS. Set it to 230v.

Thanks. I'll look those up as well after work.

 

[x21]

I once had the voltage hit 128 volts here in Canada. I checked out the allowed tolerances and found they were out. One call to the power company later, and they were out working on the transformer.

 

[Mike Hanson]

I once had the voltage hit 128 volts here in Canada. I checked out the allowed tolerances and found they were out. One call to the power company later, and they were out working on the transformer.

I regularly see mine (here in London, Canada) at 124VAC. I don't think it's been higher than that.

 

[x21]

I regularly see mine (here in London, Canada) at 124VAC. I don't think it's been higher than that.

If it ever goes over 125 they are out of CSA specifications and need to correct it.

EDIT: They are outside of normal operating ranges. 127 is considered extreme operating conditions. Refer to CAN3-235-83

 

[Mike Hanson]

If it ever goes over 125 they are out of CSA specifications and need to correct it.

EDIT: They are outside of normal operating ranges. 127 is considered extreme operating conditions. Refer to CAN3-235-83

It seems that maximum "normal" is 125VAC, and I've never seen it beyond 123.5. I'll monitor it, though.

 

[x21]

It seems that maximum "normal" is 125VAC, and I've never seen it beyond 123.5. I'll monitor it, though.

If it ever does, make sure to tell them, and I quote. "The current voltage is currently at extreme operating conditions as per the CSA specifications." They tend to move quicker that way.