7 Sep
2007
7 Sep
'07
12:01 a.m.
On 6 Sep 2007 at 17:09, Richard wrote:
So I'm looking for a device (I'm fairly
certain I've seen these
before) that I plug into a wall outlet and it keeps a log of voltage
sags, brownouts and outages. Then I can use this to build a
reliability profile of my power company as raw data to compete with
their b.s. line that its never their fault when my power constantly
sucks.
And then what? You don't expect them to do anything about it, do
you? It's funny--20 years ago, I could call the telco and have them
adjust the EQ on the line gratis. Now their standard is "hear and be
heard" and "can we sell you wireless service or Dish TV?". Of
course, 20 years ago, the installation tech would come back a few
days after hookup and ask how things were operating.
It took almost 6 months before my power company would come out and
adjust the taps on the distribution transformer. Mains voltage was
about 135/270 volts most of the time. Incandescent bulbs didn't last
long. Now it measures (let's see here) about 123/246. Close enough.
Get a UPS if outages are a problem (generator if they last more than
an hour or so) or a line conditioner if it's just sags and brownouts.
I've got all three and they get used at least once per year.
Complaining (unless you're a commercial customer with big bills) will
generally only get you a bad case of hypertension.
Cheers,
Chuck