If there's a solid model or reasoning for using only 1 AC leg that is based on math I'd love to see it.
Fremer's Single-leg panel is absolute tweak bs
So a few months ago a video appears on Youtube with Michael Fremer and some electrical contractors installing a custom electrical service and extravagant ground rod array.
OK, but the one thing about it that’s absolute unnecessary tweaky BS is the idea of running a single leg to a sub panel, as well as only using one leg for the audio equipment in it. Who ever thought this was a good idea? It isn’t.
If you really want to get as high-end tweaky as you can this is the absolute wrong way. Run 6 gauge or larger to a sub pane. In that sub panel you locate a 220V to 120V step down transformer and keep everything balanced all the way to the outlets. That is the best of all worlds. High noise rejection, meets code, balanced current draw from both legs and extremely low voltage drop from the utility pole to the outlets.
Another good alternative is to run 220V to a wall outlet, and use a high quality step down transformer there. A 220V/30A circuit becomes 60A at 120V output. Running high voltage as close to the outlets as possible doubles your wire gauge effectiveness.
Showing 8 responses by erik_squires
@jea48 My mistake then, I thought there were a number ( > 2 ) of rods in the field. |
Extravagant is the difference between what the NEC would require (minimum 2) and what was installed. As in many cases, the NEC often specifies the minimum requirements, not the maximum. You can be NEC code compliant and extravagant at the same time. But really, that entire post above should be memorialized.
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I looked up the numbers. If you run a 10 gauge wire to a 220V outlet, and then use a step-down, balanced transformer that 10 gauge wire will perform almost like 7 gauge. That in combination with the noise rejection of balanced power transformers is a huge win. The common mode (both legs) noise rejection is huge, and the additional R and L in the transformers will offer additional (differential) noise rejection as well as some voltage sag protection. |
Thanks for the clarification, @jea48 So, we can't use an in-panel balanced power/symmetrical power provider, but we CAN use a step down balanced power converter so long as it's plugged in. Is that how you read it? Best,
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By using this strategy, you maintain a balanced line from the power pole all the way to your outlet AND you cut the voltage crop across the house wiring by half. Whatever you run, if you ran 10 gauge to 120V, by going to 220V you'll draw half the current, and therefore your 10 gauge wiring will act as if it was doubled.
Several of these are good solutions:
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