Dirty Power!

GHoosdum

The power in the apartment that CB and I live in must be incredibly dirty! Once every few weeks, both of our UPS's go off at the same time, switching to battery backup because of a variance in the power line - it must be dirty power, because they both do it, and all the rest of the power is still on. We've also got a light socket that is so variant in power output that any ligthbulb placed in the socket blinks constantly.

Any suggestions?

Cyclonite

Just keep your UPSs between the wall and your computer. Not a whole lot you can do about it without getting an electrician out there. But that would surely cost a lot of money, and then you'd have to pay an arm and a leg for repairs. Probably not worth futzing with.

Jimborae

Hmm well I dont know how the elecetric supply is set up in States but I had a problem with my lights flickered like every once or twice an hour. I was very annoying but I solved the problem by removing the fuse in the lighting socket, cleaning the contacts and reseating it. Not had any probs since.

So it may be an idea to check the ring that your sockets are on & see if the fuse contacts need cleaning.

muddocktor

GH, if you feel like you can handle it, open up the breaker panel and with an insulated screwdriver (such as a Klein or other high quality screwdriver), carefully tighten the screws that hold the wires on the breakers and neutral bar. I've seen these get loose over time, making poor contact and giving power problems. This is especially true if your house/apartment is wired with aluminum wiring.

GHoosdum

Thanks, mudd. A friend of mine is an electrician - I'm sure he'll have a good insulated screwdriver. I'll try what you suggest.

primesuspect

Alas, poor GHoosdum, we hardly knew ye....

redoulent

post pics of your new electricly inspired FRO!