Forums > Specific Focus > Technical Mexico

Don R

Oct 20, 2005, 10:33 AM

Post #1 of 4 (4391 views)

Shortcut

Voltage regulators

Can't Post | Private Reply

We're moving SOB very soon and have been concerned about the voltage situation. I wouldn't want to put my electronics in too much danger so I've been looking for a Voltage Regulator in addition to a surge protector and battery backup.
I've run across the Furman 15A AR1215 which accepts 97v to 141v and spits an 120v. It's pricey at almost $400. http://www.furmansound.com/...cts/pro/reg/reg1.php It seems like overkill since we won't need that kind of amperage, but I cannot locate anything more suitable. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Don R

johnv

Oct 20, 2005, 1:01 PM

Post #2 of 4 (4375 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Don R] Voltage regulators

Can't Post | Private Reply

I bought one in México for about US$30 from Telmex. I am running a 31"TV, a 14"TV, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a printer-scanner-copier-fax, 2 cordless phones, a vcr, a satellite receiver, a stereo receiver, a cd player, a turntable, and an audio cassette deck off of it. Although I am not using all of those items at once, of course. I wired four rooms of the house by running 4 wires out, from each of the receptacles on the voltage regulator, to the roof, then back into each room. I'll have to say it is a very Méxican wiring job, but it has been working for over 3 years with no problems. Total cost US$30 + wires.

Adrian

Oct 20, 2005, 1:58 PM

Post #3 of 4 (4370 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Don R] Voltage regulators

Can't Post | Private Reply

In Reply To

We're moving SOB very soon and have been concerned about the voltage situation. I wouldn't want to put my electronics in too much danger

Don
Check the rating plates on your appliances and think about what you are bringing - Mexican built appliances are built to run at Mexican voltages. Most TV's (including PC's and their monitors) use switch-mode power supplies and these are remarkably tolerant to being over-volted, generally without adjustment.

Audio and non-TV video gear, if brought from NOB, may need regulation but the unit you are looking at is WAAAAAAAYYYY over the top - being built to protect professional grade stage & studio gear costing many thousands of dollars per item. A standard Telmex or Walmart unit brought down here is usually sufficient but, again ,be sure to check the rating plate and observe the tolerances. I note that your suggested Furman unit has an output tolerance of 5% - making the effective voltage output range 114 - 126 volts and this may be of concern to you.

Adrian

S & C

Oct 24, 2005, 12:41 PM

Post #4 of 4 (4309 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Don R] Voltage regulators

Can't Post | Private Reply

Don, Tripp-Lite has voltage regulators that vary in size.
I have a 5 amp model I use for my refrigerator. (5" square?)
It has 4 receptacle spots so you could use one for your computer, printer etc.
I think I bought it for around $80 in the states and took it down in my suitcase.

Tripp-Lite are the same people that make UPS' for electronics and such.
Stan