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In the red; insufficient power

I use a Panamax Maxx 1500 line conditioner for my source components (My power amp is plugged directly to the wall outlet). The Panamax has a row of LEDs across the faceplate, running right to left, red to green. Most of the day the Panamax reads down into the reds (danger; insufficient power). The LEDs are also marked to approximate the AC voltage, from 95 up to 115. It is only during the early morning or evening hours that the Panamax indicates sufficient power. I am guessing I need to hire an electrician to run a dedicated line to my listening room. Any other advice or observations? Thanks.
klipschking
klipschking OP
83 posts
 
Measured the power at the outlet with a multi-meter. 108.5 v. Is this voltage low enough to degrade the sound or cause long-term damage to my components? Many thanks!
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
It is only during the early morning or evening hours that the Panamax indicates sufficient power.
you mean "insufficient VOLTAGE (not power!)....
klipschking OP
83 posts
 
Bombaywalla, you obviously have too much time on your hands.
lacee
811 posts
 
The problem is with your local electric company.

They will be hesitant to do anything if you tell them the low power is affecting the sound of your stereo.

They will be more apt to respond if you tell them that the low voltage could possibly destroy several costly items in your household, like the central AC or fridges and freezer.
Most anything electric with large motors suffer and works too hard, then burns out.

Years ago I sent a couple of new Meitner mono blocks back to ED because they shut off.

He checked them out, and no flaw with the amps.The protection circuitry was tripped due to low voltage.

The local electrical company scoffed that my Rat Shack volt meter was giving a true reading, but they obliged when I played the destructive low voltage card and did a voltage check over the weekend.

They were quite surprised after a weekend's worth of data, that the two readings, their pro one and the rat shack, were very close.

What they did was to install a new transformer outside on the power pole in place of an ancient one, that was well past it's prime.

That old transformer was good enough in the 1950's, but the sub division had a lot of new homes, like mine, that came with all the bells and whistles, and the need for constant correct voltage.

I am sure that most electrical companies share the same mindset.
Leave well enough alone, and if no one complains, keep the status quo, even if that is based on 1950's needs.
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