Ya well since 2 separate things happen to be giving a similar problem, you have to look at what they have in common: the AC power.

Yes I'm searching for an answer, because there is no obvious reason why this should be acting like it is. I do have a good knowledge of how electricity works, i built 250,000 volt tesla coil for fun a few years ago, and electronics are a general hobby of mine.. hence already owning a multimeter.

Of course I'm going to exchange the UTH tomorrow... but i bet you it will do the same thing since its not only the UTH giving problems. Time will tell i guess. but i need a warm snake, and i'm out of ideas if getting a new product doesn't fix it.

-Brian