[CQ-Contest] LINE VOLTAGE & YOUR AMP??

[Gary A. Nieborsky PE]

Huh?!

124V is within the range of normal but 5% over that is way high.

ANSI C84.1:

Utilization Voltage at Customers Equipment

Range A

Nominal     Min         Max
120/240   114/228   126/252

Range B

Nominal     Min         Max
120/240   106/212   127/254

Range A is what you normally expect to see at your outlet given normal
wiring and loads and normal system conditions.

Range B is what you might see during times when the local utility is having
some problems system-wise.  This should be very infrequently.  Notice that
the Min goes way down but the Max stays about the same. High system voltage
is something that rarely happens when the transmission and distribution
system is falling apart.

PS....this is the type of data you need to have handy to have a really
fruitful discussion with your local utility.  Engineering and Operations
can get things done when they can go to upper management and say that
customers are complaining about things that are directly tied to recognized
standards.  These are the types of standards that when violated tend to get
the attention of the Public Utility Commission and (as a last resort) the
legal system.

Please remember to be polite when you're talking with your local utility. 
The folks at the front desk and the E&O folks have limited authority
(empowerment) to solve some of the issues you might raise.  In the current
deregulation mania gripping the utility industry there is a terrible
disconnect happening between the concept of customer service and the zen of
cost effectiveness.  Many of the people chanting least cost
operation/highest profit have no concept of what it really means to run a
utility.  They have no idea how much of a societal impact electricity has. 
To them it is a commodity no different than pork bellies or soy futures. 
Most are investment gurus looking for a rate of return/price to earnings
fix to keep them in their Armani suites and BMWs.

73 Gary K7FR

----------
> From: Robert W5AJ <w5robert at blkbox.com>
> To: CQ-Contest at contesting.com
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] LINE VOLTAGE & YOUR AMP??
> Date: Monday, April 06, 1998 19:28 PM
> 
> 
> Had a conversation with the local power company.  (soon to be yours also,
> but that's another subject)
> 
> They stated that line voltage is   124VAC or  248VAC line to line and
> operates -/+ 5%.    I find that a bit on the high side but is that
correct?
> 
> I'll be checking my IEEE books and manuals for data but anyone have good
> place to start looking.
> 
> 73  Robert W5AJ
> 
> 
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