How much home AC voltage variance is too much?


I have been measuring my AC voltage of my dedicated circuits for my audio system. During the past 24 hours, the voltage has ranged from 121.5 to 122.3 volts. Is this too much variance? Is this too much voltage, given our target is 120? What is an acceptable voltage variation for most high end amps and pre-amps?

I am also wondering whether or not to pursue an AC voltage regulator or regenerator. Additionally, I am considering a balanced power conditioner, such as the BPT 3.5.

Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.
banpuku

Showing 1 response by zargon

Banpuku,
There is some advantage to keeping the input voltage on tube equipment at or slightly below 120v, as the voltage on the tubes and to some extent their lifetime is proportional to it.

If you use an isolation transformer, many of these have selectable taps on the input side with allow you increase or decrease the output voltage by a few volts. The voltage here at lakeside is consistently 122-124, so I dropped the voltage by 4 volts to account for it.

If you don't use a voltage adjustable transformer, I wouldn't worry, as yours are small variations and they won't cause any harm.