2. tech-talk
  3. 1046223682

Please help I have a strange grounding problem

I recently bought a FIM 880 outlet and installed it myself. I plugged in my amp and cdp but I'm getting a fairly loud "humming" when I play my tuner only. I don't have dedicated outlets( I'm in the process of making this my next project)so I have my tuner plugged into a Monster Cable 2000 outlet which is in another outlet on the same wall.Both outlets are on the same line as when I shut off the breaker there is no power on this wall. The strange thing is when I unplug the cdp, the hum goes away completely.It only comes back when I plug the cdp back into the same outlet as my amp. Another weird thing is when the hum is there and I get closer to my amp, the hum increases in volume as if my body is acting as an antenna. I'm not a technical guy,but it appears to me that there is some kind of a loop and by unplugging the cdp the loop is taken out. I would surely like some advice on this new and strange situation. Thanks for your help and advice.
sherod

Showing 2 responses by stehno

stehno
1,453 posts
 
Since you installed the FIM 880 yourself, you can float the ground yourself by simply tripping the circuit, disconnect the ground from the FIM outlet, and then test.

Also, make certain that the house wiring to the FIM outlet are connected properly i.e. hot to brass or darker screws and neutral to the silver colored screws.

-IMO
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Glad to hear you've determined the ground loop hum issue. With regard to the AC filters, I'd like to suggest you consider the Foundation Research LC-1 and LC-2 in-line power conditiners.

Though not inexpensive, the LC's begin to look inexpensive when you consider they come with their own power cables and then compare their costs to other excellent quality power conditioners along with high-priced power cables.

Not to mention, with the Foundation Research in-line power conditioners, you are able to take full advantage of all your dedicated lines since you would use one LC per component.

-IMO
More to discover