Sorry, I did not know.
Balanced Power Technology BPT3.5 running very hot
Hi, I just bought a used Balanced Power Technology BPT3.5 isolation transformer, and it runs very hot. The case has no air vents on the body, just a metal case. When I touch the side, it is hot but I can stay touching it. But if I put my hand on the case right on top of the toroidal transformer, it is so hot that I can only touch it for maybe 10 seconds. It gets hot even it is on idle, meaning I am not listening to music. It is the “regular” model, not Signature, with a 20A transformer.
To other BPT users, is this normal? Does your unit get this hot while idling?
Is this safe to use? My second question, since it gets so hot, does it mean it is drawing power even there is no load?
Thanks.
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@curiousjim Yes, but unfortunately, this company no longer exist, and I tried to find the contact of the designer but no luck. |
@gte357s No, it is not normal. I didn't say that because everyone else had. I wonder why you need both the BTE and the PP? the PP should be all you need. Jerry |
@carlsbad2 my Power Plant Premier doesn’t have a watt meter, unfortunately. I did the test today. I didn’t have anything plug in, and after 10 hrs, it becomes too hot to touch. The heat is build up gradually. At about 5 hrs, it gets quite warm but I can still place my hand on it. But now, I cannot touch it for more than 5s. And once again, there is no load on it, no equipment is plugged in. I don’t have a IR thermometer, but I search on the internet, it says 60 C is normally too hot to touch. Given I can still lay my hand for 5s or so, I estimate it to be not much higher than 60 C. Maybe 60-70 C? I think based on all the reply and what I read on the internet, this is still not normal, right? |
Don’t think it is the power plant. My guess is that you have a short or a mis-wire pulling high current all the time. The good news is that your power plant has a wattmeter built into it (at least my previous generation one does). So look at the load on the PP with nothing on. If you have a significant load, your transformer has a problem.
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@gte357s I own a balanced transformer from a different manufacturer (Equitech). In is powered up 24/7 and is cool to the touch always. I can tell you they specifically say not to put a power conditioner downline of the unit. My understanding is the PP is redundant anyway if the BPT is doing it's job. Easy test is remove the PP from the chain and see it that makes a difference with the heat issue. If yes, you have your answer. If no, you have a problem. Cheers. |
@charles1dad thanks for the reply, although not a very good news for me.
I will do a test, I wonder if it is because of the PS Audio Power Plant. My set up is this: wall outlet -> BPT 3.5 -> PS Audio PPP -> my equipment. my PPP also remains on all the time. So, I wonder if the PPP is drawing power that make it so hot …. The output voltage of the BPT is ok, stable at 121V. There is also no smell or hum. Music also sounds good from it. so, everything seems working properly except it is very hot.
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No, this is not normal for this unit. In December 2008 I purchased a new BPT 3,5 Signature +. It has been in continuous 24/7 use all of these years without a single problem or issue. It doesn’t even get warm to the touch. So yes, something is amiss with your particular unit. This excellent balanced AC isolation transformer/conditioner has been one of my best purchases ever!! Charles |