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Using a voltage regulator

Background: I live in Mexico. We suffer from a highly fluctuating voltage system. I have put voltage regulators on all sensitive electronic equipment (refrigerator, microwave, washer, dryer, computers, modems, routers, etc.) but use an S 15 APC surge protector on the stereo system.

Question: Since the APC a surge protector but NOT a voltage regulator would it be wise to put a voltage regulator between the wall outlet and the APC? Currently I have to set the high end of the APC to 135 volts to prevent it from constantly sounding the alarm and going to battery back-up.

We also suffer from brownouts which can be just as deadly to equipment.
puerto
puerto OP
372 posts
 
Mceljo: What you have is what I need. That is exactly how my other regulators work on the computers, etc. Going back to my original thought - if a voltage regulator reduced the high voltage spikes back to 110V BEFORE sending the power on to the APC would this in some way be harmful to the APC or SQ?
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
I can't imagine how. It might limit current and that can have a negative effect on sound quality, but it won't damage anything.
puerto OP
372 posts
 
That's what I was thinking also. Anybody else?
puerto OP
372 posts
 
OK! The verdict is in! I hooked up one of my voltage regulators in between the wall and the APC. According to the APC it is putting out a steady 118-119V to the APC. SQ you ask? Can't tell the difference. My peace of mind? Much better.

I have left the APC alarm setting at 134V as a "just in case".

Thanks for your input.
puerto OP
372 posts
 
One last thought for those that are wondering - the monoblock amps are NOT running through the APC (hence the voltage regulator). I think they can handle the higher voltages - to a point.

Any further thoughts are welcome.
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