Regulator to Lower Incoming High Voltage?

[TYR]

Here on the property where we are working (not a campground but a dormant paper mill), we are again having issues with high-voltage power coming onto the property.

The outlet we are plugged into was perfect at 120 when installed. We get surges and, when the high-voltage issue rears its head as it has been doing for the past week, our surge protector indicates 130 on both lines during some cycles. Of course, above 130 and it shuts down our rig is it is designed to do.

Last year during one of these episodes, our refrigerator stopped working. Come to find out a component had been "fried," quite probably due to incoming electrical surges. Surge protectors are good, but they don't stop 100% of the surges. At times the lights will get brighter for a while and then return to normal, etc.

Yes, I have been in touch with the local utility company, in the past and now yet once again. They are supposedly looking into the problem. It was fine for a while, but for the past week we are getting incoming voltage so high overnight that our surge protector box shuts us down.

So yes, we have the Progressive Industries surge protector big black box.

My question is this. I have seen voltage regulators addressing low voltage issues, but what about one for bringing down the voltage when it is too high?

Anyone know of this kind of gadget? If I could find a viable one, I bet the company we are contracted to would get it for our rig.

Thanks!

[Ozz]

I am of the thought that a surge protector does stop distructive surges, I have one on my Casa, and one on the Montana. I have had to change both the one on the house, and the one on the trailer, they both did the job, don't know what they are set on, have to check.

[Ozz]

Here is some info about power surging from State Farm:





Facts About Power Surges


Provided by our friends at State Farm Insurance

What Are Power (Voltage) Surges?

A power surge is one form of electrical power disturbance. There are four main types of power disturbances:
#9632;Voltage dips (also called "sags" or "brownouts")
#9632;Electromagnetic interference
#9632;Radio frequency interference
#9632;Power surges (also referred to as "voltage surges" or "transient voltages")

Power surges are generally considered to be the most destructive of the four types of electrical power disturbances.

Power surges are spikes in voltage.

They are very brief, usually lasting millionths of a second. Power surges can vary in duration and magnitude, varying from a few hundred volts to several thousand volts.

No matter where you live, your home experiences power surges.

How Does a Power Surge Cause Damage?

In the United States, most homes use electrical power in the form of 120-volt, 60 Hz, single phase, alternating current. Contrary to what most people think, the voltage is not delivered at a constant 120-volts. With alternating current the voltage rises and falls in a predetermined rhythm. The voltage oscillates from 0 to a peak voltage of 169 volts. Most appliances and electronics used in the United States are designed to be powered by this form of generated electricity.


However, during a power surge, the voltage exceeds the peak voltage of 169 volts as seen in the graphic below...

(Oops graphic didn't come with the text..Ozz)

A spike in voltage can be harmful to appliances and electrical devices in your home. An increase in voltage above an appliance's normal operating voltage can cause an arc of electrical current within the appliance. The heat generated in the arc causes damage to the electronic circuit boards and other electrical components.

Smaller, repeated power surges may slowly damage your electronic equipment. Your computer or stereo may continue to function after small surges occur until the integrity of the electronic components finally erode and your satellite system, cordless phone, or answering machine mysteriously stops working. Repeated, small power surges shorten the life of appliances and electronics.

Where Do Power Surges Come From?

There are several sources of power surges. They can originate from the electric utility company during power grid switching. A common cause of power surges, especially the most powerful ones, is lightning. Power surges can originate inside a home when large appliances like air conditioners and refrigerator motors turn on and off.

There are over 20 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes detected per year in the 48 contiguous states of the US.

Power surges can enter a home through several paths. In the case of lightning, it can take the path of the cable TV or satellite dish cable, through the incoming telephone lines, or through the incoming electrical service line.

Protecting Your Home From Power Surges

Knowing that power surges can take several paths and do not have to enter through the electrical panel indicates a good surge protection system should include:
#9632;Protection of the incoming electrical service
#9632; Some type of protection of phone lines and cable TV lines
#9632; Point-of-use surge protectors at sensitive and expensive appliances

When deciding on what type of and how much surge protection is needed, each house and its contents should be assessed individually. An electrician knowledgeable about power surge protection systems and the history of problems in your area is a valuable resource.



State Farm® believes the information contained in this article is reliable and accurate. We cannot, however, guarantee the performance of all items demonstrated or described in all situations. Always consult an experienced contractor or other expert to determine the best application of these ideas or products in your home.

[TYR]

Ozz, interesting. Yes, we do have surges as I mentioned, in addition to the incoming high voltage.

[mhs4771]

Betty, they do make such a thing. We used them at the Company I worked for. We made large Military Communications Systems and used them to vary the power to the system to check operation on both high and low voltage situations. Don't recall the exact name or where you would get one, but it would give you the options of reducing high voltage or boosting a low voltage situation.
Just googled the name that I thought of and here's the link: http://variac.com/
Again, I have no idea of prices, but might help in your situation.