Household voltage

[MrMojo]

Suggestions requested for voltage regulation and power conditioning. I do not know what my house voltage is (new house), but am reasonably sure it is more than 115v, and would not be surprised if it is above 120v. Not playing the vintage stuff until I can address this.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

The outlets in HIWATT Valley are typically between 124 and 126vac. I don't have any problems running Vintage HIWATTs set to 115v.

a simple cheap variac will bring it down to 115v. if you insist.

[MrMojo]

That's good to know. I think ours in the same neighborhood.

[mhuss]

Yes. Unlike many vintage amps, the Hiwatts have very a high voltage capacitance bank, and 10-15% overvoltage does not hurt anything.

Running the tube heaters at over 6.3 volts will decrease their life a little, but nothing significant.

--mark

[MrMojo]

Nothing like a quality amp. This is great information. Probably everyone has high voltage these days since there is no new generating capacity being built.

[MrMojo]

Everyone have a happy thanksgiving.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

[marwatt]

no one use a voltage regulator?

[mhuss]

Real variable mains voltage regulators are relatively expensive, and hence uncommon.

I like to use the old GEOFEX vintage voltage approach. I documented this on Instructables:
http://www.instructables.com/id/VIntage ... Equipment/

--mark

[MrMojo]

I bought a decent voltage meter, and found that I run 119 to 120v, so I should be fine. I'll see what I have in the summer. Thanks everyone.