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From: grr@cbmvax.cbm.UUCP (George Robbins)
Newsgroups: net.consumers,net.sci,net.audio,net.video,net.analog
Subject: Re: Line Voltage
Message-ID: <290@cbmvax.cbmvax.cbm.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 26-May-86 04:48:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbmvax.290
Posted: Mon May 26 04:48:05 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 27-May-86 07:42:43 EDT
References: <446@hropus.UUCP> <5436@alice.uUCp> <1039@kitty.UUCP> <2214@cae780.UUCP> <699@tekigm2.UUCP> <2054@hammer.UUCP>
Reply-To: grr@cbmvax.UUCP (George Robbins)
Organization: Commodore Technology, West Chester, PA
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Xref: watmath net.consumers:5355 net.sci:958 net.audio:8543 net.video:2539 net.analog:844

In article <2054@hammer.UUCP> tekecs!doghouse.TEK!snoopy (Snoopy) writes:
>After reading the previous article, I measured the line voltage in
>my house, and in my SO's apt.  Mine measured 125.6, my SO's measured
>122.3.  (I used a Fluke model 77 multimeter, not "true" RMS, but
>should be accurate, since line voltage is supposed to be sinusoidal.
>Hmmm... maybe I should drag a 'scope home and check that too?)
>
>PGE is getting a phone call from me later this morning.
>Anyone for a class-action suit?
>
>Snoopy tektronix!tekecs!doghouse.TEK!snoopy

Sorry, but the normal tolerance for line voltage is 110-130V, with anything
in 110,115,117,120 thrown in as the nominal value.  What you get basically
depends on the cascaded transformer/line losses between your location and
wherever they care to regulate the voltage.

Also, note that while high voltage is very rough on light bulbs (buy those
130V types!), low voltages are rough on motors like those in your refrigerator
and air-conditioner.

If you really think you have a problem, borrow a recording voltmeter and
leave it across the line for a few days.  If you have a lot of variation or
nasty spikes, look for a surplus SOLA type ferroresonant regulator to supply
your critical items.  Of course you have to put up with the noise and heat
(read effiency < 100% = $$$)...

Amusing Note:

	A friend tells me that an electric utility in the Chicago area still
supplies light bulbs as part of it's service.  I wonder if they are the same
quality as the kind you buy in the stores...
-- 
George Robbins - now working with,	uucp: {ihnp4|seismo|caip}!cbmvax!grr
but no way officially representing	arpa: cbmvax!grr@seismo.css.GOV
Commodore, Engineering Department	fone: 215-431-9255 (only by moonlite)