Equi=Core Hum & Other Issues


I’ve owned a Core Power Tech Equi=Core 1800 for 6 months. Recently the transformer has started to hum inside the chassis. It happens when components are on and also when sources are powered down. The transformer hum is intermittent. It ranges from multiple times per day to 3 or 4 days without any hum. I never had DC on my dedicated lines before, so I picked up a Klein Tools AC/DC tester... https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/electrical-testers/electronic-acdc-voltage-tester-12-240v-ac-15-2...
and when plugged into wall receptacles it indicated overload. Line voltage is steady at 122VAC and always has been.
What am I doing wrong, and how should I test for DC on the power line?

I discovered another problem when testing the Equi=Core duplex receptacles; they indicate inverted polarity. All house outlets measure correct polarity.
I’m looking for some assistance in diagnosing this hum. I’m not sure if it’s due to DC offset or if the torroid itself is vibrating in its mounting.

I know this is becoming a long thread, but I must mention that the Equi=Core now trips the breaker at the panel when powered on. It trips several times in a row, eventually allowing power-up. This is a 20A dedicated line from a subpanel which I’ve had for years.
Any advice is much appreciated.


128x128lowrider57

Showing 1 response by millercarbon

You need to hire an electrician to have the 20 amp breaker in the electrical panel replaced. That is a must!... Repeated tripping and resetting of the breaker has damaged the thermomagnetic trip unit in the breaker. In many cases the breaker just gets weaker, will trip with less of a connected load than the 20 amps it is rated for and or will not be able to handle inrush current that the breaker used to be able to handle before the repeated tripping and resetting of the breaker.

Worse case that could, can, happen now if it trips due to a high inrush current or a short circuit event of the Equi=Core unit the 20 amp breaker in the electrical panel will not trip when you try to reset it again and the breaker may explode causing major damage to the electrical panel but may also explode outward through the front of the breaker casing burning your fingers, hand, arm, and possibly your face and eyes.
Yes a defective 20 amp breaker could, can, do that........

You should never face,look, at a circuit breaker when resetting a tripped breaker. Always turn your face away from the breaker and electrical panel when pushing the breaker handle back to the ON position. In fact your body should not be in front of the electrical panel. You should be off to the side with your arm and hand extended.

So look, what I want to know is, today is February 25th. If I cut and paste and save this, and then post it on April 1st, will that be long enough?