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  3. 1324664001

Hey Electricians - Please help

First I would like to admit I am very weak in understanding the terminology or the science of electricity, but I am learning some things, so let's just leave it at that.

My question is this. My current system is hooked up to a Richard Gray's Power Company RGPC 400Pro. I am also using a PS Audio Humbuster to kill the DC noise in my lines (this caused torroidal hum in my amp). Everything in my system is dead quiet, so I am very pleased. However, when I turn the overhead light on and off I can hear a click through my speakers when everything is turned on. The light is a florescent light, btw. I know that the light and the consent that my gear is running through are on separate circuits, because I recently upgraded my socket and even after I turned the breaker off for the socket the overhead light remained functional. The click that I mentioned doesn't affect the sound of my system, so long as I do not turn it on or off when listening, but it annoys me just the same. Perhaps if I understand what is going on here I can either do something to fix it or simply resolve not to be annoyed by it anymore.
Please let me know if this is something you understand and can explain it to me.
Thanks!
snackeyp

Showing 1 response by hifihvn

hifihvn
943 posts
 
This is a common problem. All home light switches arc inside them. An inductive load causes a larger spark, in most cases. Some florescent lights are worse yet. I have to change some new Leviton Decora switches (20 amp switches with just lights) with a different brand. These arc so bad everyone is afraid of them, since you could see it (flash) along the edges of it. They probably could put a capacitor inside them to lesson it, but maybe the average person doesn't care, or know the difference.

It does cause some interference through the line (shares the same neutral and secondary in utility transformer), and RF through air. Also, a little spike depending on what it's switching. I think the first wireless radio transmissions were done with a arc or spark jumping across a gap. Even the small power supply for my laptop gives a good visible arc when unplugged, and causes interference on the TV, that's on a separate phase leg. Like Almarg mentioned above, you'll probably pick it up with an AM portable radio.

I guess it's something not worth the worry in most cases. Even less of a problem, on a separate circuit. Living close to a substation like the one in this video that switches the load would probable be more annoying, at least for myself. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG7PQOQEFmg&feature=related]
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