I think I have power issues

[Willow]

To start I cannot run a dedicated plug to my HT.
I bought a panamax 1000+ of Madmax. (works great) my issues are:
-right now the power seems to be at around 115-120. Not that big of deal as currently there is nothing else on that power line. The heat is right around the corner, we will be installing a window AC, the plug that is near the window AC is shared by the HT. Over the weekend I pluged the vaccum in that plug and watched the panamax drop below 115 without the HT on. How will this affect my HT when running the AC? Will it really Eff things up.
Don't know what to do.

thanks

[steveinaz]

I'd have a dedicated circuit run for the AC. I know it'll be a little spendy, but what other option do you have?

[Willow]

And how hard is that to have done? if they can't access the basement as it is finished ?

[I-SIG]

Seems to me that from a utility's perspective you have good voltage. I'd get a dedicated HT or A/C circuit ran and oversize the wire to help reduce voltage drop and flicker.

Wes

[GATOR3000]

Willow,
I thought you live in an apartment. Did you move? Dedicated 15amp line for sure. But if the ceiling in the basement is closed here is what you do:

When it is hot and humid as it was last week get yourself a case of beer, crank that HK and Rti's way up, forget about AC and enjoy!!! :D :D

Gator::) :)

[Willow]

No we live in a Garden Home it's a 2 level house with our bedrooms in the basement. I can't re-run cables. I'm going to have to figure something out.
I don't know at what point the panamax shuts down my HT.

[I-SIG]

I'd be willing to bet that it would shut it down at around 105VAC as that is ~5% less than the 110VAC that is considered acceptable at the fartherest outlet from the meter base and 5% voltage drop is considered the extreme.

Wes

[Refefer]

Heh, only run one at a time: HT or A/C. Besides, do you want the background noise to interrupt your tunes? I don't know how much current newer window a/cs draw, but if it's anything my older one that I have running you might be in trouble.

Another solution might be to run the A/C while not using HT, and then run a couple of small fans to cool yourself through convection. My 2 cents.

[tonyb]

How about a good old fashioned extension cord to an outlet on a different line than your HT? Possible?

[bknauss]

To start I cannot run a dedicated plug to my HT.
I bought a panamax 1000+ of Madmax. (works great) my issues are:
-right now the power seems to be at around 115-120. Not that big of deal as currently there is nothing else on that power line. The heat is right around the corner, we will be installing a window AC, the plug that is near the window AC is shared by the HT. Over the weekend I pluged the vaccum in that plug and watched the panamax drop below 115 without the HT on. How will this affect my HT when running the AC? Will it really Eff things up.
Don't know what to do.

thanks

How much below 115 was it? Vacuums usually do odd things to the power. I think just about every house I've been in, as soon as it is turned on, the lights start dimming a bit. Most likely due to a crappy power supply in the vacuum that sends back a distorted AC signal through the power lines in the house.

Solution: don't vacuum :)

[Skynut]

Try the vaccume while listening, You might be supprised, the panamax will probaby keep the power clean.
Here is some info I found.

Panamax Max 1000+



FEATURES
Protect all incoming signal paths
AC plus antenna or cable TV coaxial protection.
Prevent gradual system degradation
Max 1000+ prevents sensitive microelectronic components from being weakened by small spikes and surges.
EMI/RFI Noise Filtration
Eliminates up to 99.7% of signal line noise, allowing audio/video equipment to deliver the highest quality performance.
Automatic over/undervoltage power monitoring
When voltage drops below 90v or rises above 134v, the unit will automatically turn off power to your equipment, automatically restoring power when voltage has returned to a safe level.
Dedicated outlets for flexibility
Eight outlets, two of which are always on, allow connection of programmable VCR's and TV's. All other outlets are switched.
Diagnostic lights for your safety
Front panel LED voltage monitor, along with Ground OK, Line Fault, Power, and Over/Undervoltage LED's keep you informed.

[Willow]

Try the vaccume while listening, You might be supprised, the panamax will probaby keep the power clean.
Here is some info I found.

Thanks Skynut. I'll have to test it out this weekend.

[bknauss]

I understand the Panamax shutting off at 134V, but why as low as 90V?? The standard for the US is 120V +/- 10%, which comes out to 108V to 132V, and should really be closer to +/-5%. Maybe its also built for 100V countries? Some of your electronics might either shut down or act really funny much before hitting that 90V mark.

[Skynut]

My Panamax has some head room in it and when the power browns out it keeps all my equipment working cleanly until the voltage drops below it's limits then it just drops out.
I have had brownouts that only lasted 1 or 2 seconds and my equipment stayed on like nothing happened.