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electrical phase

1- I see many recommendations for dedicated power lines that they be wired out of phase from the rest of the home.
2- I also see posts touting the benefits of correct electrical phase at the component.

- is correct elec. phase truly important
- is wiring audio lines opposite of the rest of home cuurent important?

if both, then what should one do? wire the audio lines in proper phase and the rest in opposite phase? can running electrical lines out of phase cause damage to gear or appliances?

thanks,
KP
killerpiglet

Showing 2 responses by stehno

stehno
1,453 posts
 
I've been informed (don't know if it's true) that you/we only have one 'phase' coming into our houses on two seperate 'legs', not 'phases'.

Is this correct, Glen?

I had mentioned in several postings that by moving the amp's circuit breaker to the opposing 'leg' where the other audio circuit breakers reside, I had elminated a fairly audible transformer hum coming from my amp. That is a true statement.

However, I had no idea that affect would occur. I originally moved the amp's circuit to the opposing 'leg' just to see if I would gain any sonic benefits as I had heard that tip from audioasylum or audiogon forums.

I did not notice any sonic improvements.

-IMO
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Glen, you union guys crack me up. :)

Just kidding,

Actually, I think I feel more secure with my own work than my professional electrician friend's work who installed my first dedicated line a few years ago.

A few months afterward, I went to change the wall outlet but first shut off the 20 amp circuit breaker and then as an added safety messure checked the outlet for power. Sure enough, it still had juice.

Turns out the electrician had switched lines by connecting the 12 gauge romex and 20 amp outlet to the 15 amp circuit breaker and vice versa for the 20 amp circuit breaker.

Had I not performed that extra safety messure, my toes would have caught fire.

Honest mistake, but I don't think electricians can afford to make too many mistakes without serious repercussions.
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