GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: It’s mad, mad, mad... electricity.

Post Subject: French ground noise problemsPosted by PurePower on: 1/2/2011

LX_'s ground noise needs to be addressed - he should not have to put up with refrigerators and air conditioners interfering with his listening. However, it is important to understand that the solution to ground issues will have to be found in the house AC ground wiring, not in the PurePower 2000. The 2000 produces a completely new 230 volt AC sine wave that is absolutely isolated from the utility input power. No sag, surge, transient, distortion or noise present in the utility AC will appear in the PurePower output. But the safety ground is continuous from the house ground through the ground in every component, signal interconnect ground and grounded component case. Lifting the ground at the utility receptacle may clean up common mode noise, but the risk of electrocuting grandchildren is an unacceptable trade off. We never, ever, support that solution even if it can be difficult to find the faulty wiring that is causing the ground noise to start with.

It is worth it to take the time and effort to ensure all ground circuits are properly bonded and correctly made., especially at the service entrance. Sometimes it is relatively easy to resolve. Using a separate "isolated ground circuit" often is enough, but if the problem is severe, it won't be enough. Some European grounding systems are quite different than North American schemes, but we would be happy to offer some advice and support on that and any other PurePower issues, including dealer support. Just email me.

p.s. All of Romy's musings and tests on the relation between the electrical characteristics of PurePower units and his objective and subjective sonic impressions are not applicable to the PurePower 230 volt models. The difference in operating voltage makes a significant difference in electrical performance characteristics even though the technology is essentially identical.

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