Morning All,
I’ve got a well-used main panel in my basement. I am DIY finishing the basement. Already have concrete walls framed and insulated, studs pre-drilled and boxes (both electrical and low-voltage) nailed up. Will be running 14/3 for 15-A circuits. I’ve got an electrical box every 8′ and then some (went beyond code and applied ‘my’ conveneince needs).
Existing main panel is fairly well-populated. Thinking about running sub-panel to isolate my work from whomever did the original work. Running general-purpose circuits (outlets, lighting, etc.) isn’t a concern, but I will have a need for a couple of special circuits for audio-video equipment (DIY home theater). I am trying to isolate those audio-video special circuits from any path that would lead to ground-loops, 60-Hz feedbacks, and other noise-generateing devices.
I was told to keep my AV equipment circuits off of phases that are occupied by motorized devices (dishwasher, clothes dryer, frig, AC fans/compressors, etc.), but the main panel has motorized devices on both phases (both sides of the panel). Is there a sub-panel product, or component for feeding a sub-panel off the main, that features isolation properties (much like an isolation transformer)?
Replies
the guys I know ,...other electricians,, use line conditioners that are in the same cabinet as all of the A/V stuff. I also saw a new product that the mfr. claims will prevent surges, from entering through the GROUND at the service,.....from transients due to lightning strikes nearby, but I have not installed any.
If you want I will try to find the Link for ya'
Panamax is a name I recall for A / V component line conditioning / filtering
here is the edit : some of these conditioners come with insurance towards any damage to equipment that is plugged into them (there is a $$$limit ) , but keep the "clean" power close to the components you want to protect.
Edited 9/19/2005 9:10 am ET by maddog3
There are some indusrial panels made for the kind of application you are thinking of. Usually the line filtering is for lightning, security, or EMI (electromagnetic interference). Your application is the latter. I have seen filters up to the 1000 amps size. Get ready to pay some $$$ becuase this is not a common application.
Erich
Maddog3, your edit said 'here is is' but I'm not seeing a link. lol I know, it's a Monday.
Agatized, I would need anywhere near that kind of current! Heck, I would be surprised if I could use more than 20-30A in 'real' use during any home theater activity. Do you have a link to what you found?
I'd rather pay for function over form, or Trademark name. I always thought of transformers as being a simple device, but isolation transformers are not cheap.
Check out Furman. http://www.furmansound.com
They make a WIDE variety of power conditioning products specifically for audio. From fancy overvoltage protection to full out generation of superclean power without any noise, they got it if you got it ($ that is). You could find other makers from an audio equpment seller like fullcompass.com
eric
Nuke ,
here is the link,http://www.9corp.com/applications.htmlthe GTT it will not cleanup your power ... just add protection from voltage entering your system thru the Ground"Edited 9/19/2005 11:58 am ET by maddog3
Edited 9/19/2005 12:02 pm ET by maddog3