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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.

 

 

erik_squires

Showing 3 responses by mikelavigne

mikelavigne
2,144 posts
 

i will invite 'Rex' who is a local friend, and also the consultant to Michael Fremer who appears in the video, to join this conversation. i'm not qualified to debate these issues, i just listen. but he is for sure.

mikelavigne
2,144 posts
 

Quote:
"60/120V Symmetrical (Balanced) Power Systems Per NEC 647.1 (2008) the use of a separately derived 120 volt, single phase, 3-wire system with 60 volts between each of the two ungrounded conductors and ground is permitted for the purpose of reducing objectionable noise in sensitive equipment locations, providing the following conditions are met:


1. The system is installed only in commercial or industrial occupancies


2. The system‟s use is restricted to areas under close supervision by qualified personnel.


3. All other requirements in NEC 647.4 through 647.8 are met.

@jea48

i use an Equi=tech 10WQ Wall Panel System which does use balanced power. my electrical contractor was fine installing it since it was in a separate building, for a dedicated room "only" resembling a commercial installation. i called it my ’studio’ to my contractor.

no water in the room, or children in the room. it was a purpose built room. which met the code. only my system gets plugged into that panel.

as far as system performance, i have dirty power outlets around the room and it’s easy to compare them to my Equi=tech balanced outlets, and it’s quite a bit better sounding both for sources and amps. i’ve had a few manufacturers bring gear skeptical about my isolation transformer or balanced power. they left no longer skeptical. why my separate isolation transformer sounds better is a fair question. i have my own transformer at the street, and am in a newer development in the mountains. so you would think my regular power would be pretty good.

mikelavigne
2,144 posts
 

@jea48

hi Jim,

i do not recall talking to you. but i might have posted on the subject and you might have had a recommendation. or over the years we might have crossed paths about it. many have asked me about my Equi=tech.

added note; after thinking more about it, my recollection is that you and i did discuss either on line or in a PM about the issue of permitting after the fact. i did not get a permit for various reasons, but my contractor said he did not see any issue getting one if we had chosen to do so.

my room project was in 2004, at that time my room designer spec’d an Equi=tech Wall Panel System, but my budget did not allow for it, so i had a conventional 70amp panel installed as a place holder with the ground rod and 125 feet of copper in ground conduit from my main panel in my garage from my house.

my designer was Chris Huston, who had been designing mastering and recording pro studio installations for years.

then in 2010 i was able to have the 10WQ Wall Panel system installed and hooked up to my in place grid. it was a big jump up.

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