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Isolated ground for 20 amp

Hello,

I am planning to have three 20 amp circuits run from my panels into my music room which is right next to the basement where I got two 200 amp breaker boxes. 

To add an separate breaker box directly from the transformer, I was told it would be very expensive and it would make it commercial.

The electrician said, he can make a separate 100 amp panel and run 3 20 amp circuits. But the ground from the separated breaker box will be connected to the ground of one of the main panels. If the grounds are finally connected to the main panel, what is the point of having a separate 100 amp panel? I have quite a few 20 amp slots available in the main panels.

I am also reading about isolated ground. What does it exactly mean? I also read that, it is dangerous to have isolated ground and regular ground next to each other, as each can have a different potential and it can kill people when touched simultaneously.

I also read that, all grounds have to be connected to each other as a safety code. If that is the case, how does isolated ground actually isolate?

Also, I want to connect my components directly to the three 20 amp lines, so I can save cost on conditioners. How do conditioners work? some say they impair sound.

My components are: Reed Muse 3c, Ypsilon MC26L SUT, Ypsilon VPS100, Cary SLP05, Cary DMS600, Cary CAD 211FE monoblocks, KEF Blades

Sorry, any guidance is hugely appreciated.
kanchi647

Showing 8 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
Arc fault are the state of the art fire prevention.  GFCI is great when you are around water.

Standard breakers are more reliable, in that they'll trip less. Not sure what the NEC or local codes require these days.  Last time I looked, arc fault was only needed for bedrooms.  Always follow local requriements. :)
erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
Hi @nanda

I've only been around similar ideas of balanced transformers and I am a big fan.  Others who have used them like but I don't have personal experience with the brand.

Torus, if you are listening, I'll do a review if you ship me a unit. :)
erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
Sorry @slaw

I missed the noise issue you asked about.

If you mean mechanical hum, that’s rare, and usually has to do with having DC in your line. If a balanced transformer is used however it can eliminate it, but in some cases, if the DC is severe enough may physically vibrate.  Personally I think the common mode noise elimination is worth that risk.

I have a voltage regulator, and yes, it hums, but I have to be 6" away from it to hear it. Then again I don’t use the VR unless my voltage displays tell me my power is being funky.
erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
slaw

Well, the PS Audio regenerators, Furman LiFT and PurePower units are all active which work really well. 

Best,

E


erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
If you can run 240V, you may want to use a combination step down and balanced power conditioner. The 240V will reduce voltage dropping, and the balanced power part will reduce noise. You’ll have balanced power all the way from the transformer to your units.

You can get pretty fancy. :)

https://www.toruspower.com/na-all-in-one/


BTW:  I don't consider Torus snake oil.  Their prices are justified with their build quality and component costs.
erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
Hello @kanchi647

@erik_squires can you please recommend a few power conditioners. I am also looking into power distributors. Pros and Cons?

I go over this mostly in my blog post, but as you may know, I like to stay with less expensive brands, as I believe that the most expensive tend to devolve into snake-oil and placebo salesmanship, not to mention end up not having the appropriate UL rating as surge protectors.

The best performing I know of are Zero Surge and Brick Wall. However, as much as I like them they are limited in features.

I use the Furman line with SMP and LiFT which seems to work well for noise reduction and have a great number of features, like multiple banks, triggered outlets, etc.

You can find links to both here:

https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2019/04/power-management-for-frugal-audiophiles.html
erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
Running dedicated lines and power conditioners is not at all the same thing.

Dedicated lines don't remove noise once it's at the pole and don't provide surge protection. I never suggest a $10k power conditioner, my suggestions were much more modest.

As some one else pointed out, the one thing they do is limit the voltage drop which other devices may cause on the same line.

Best,

E
erik_squires
16,678 posts
 
All grounds in a home must be bonded together and come to the neutral at exactly one point.  Everything else is a danger to life and property.

However, you can run a ground rod loop. That is, you can put in more ground rods near your listening location, and loop them in.  Totally fine so long as the above remains true.

The only thing dedicated lines will do is reduce the noise you might get from other in-home sources.  However, it's 50/50.  The better your wiring, the closer you are to the transformer, the more outside noise you can bring in.

I wrote about the need for conditioners extensively here:

https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2019/04/power-management-for-frugal-audiophiles.html

Best,

Erik
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