2. tech-talk
  3. 1230050616

Running dedicated AC mains .... need advice ....

I'm running two new 30ft dedicated lines of 12 ga Romex, and one 15ft line. The two longer lines will be one for digital sources and one for analogue sources, with the shorter line going to my subwoofer. I'm NOT going to standard AC wall recepticles, but am going to just bring the Romex straight in to the two PS Audio power conditioners using standard IEC connectors. I'm also taking the Romex straight to the sub itself ... bypassing the need for wall recepticles and AC power cables. The system is NOT moving from where it is at, so I see no need to add extra breaks in the lines at the walls.
Here then is my question : Should I use 3 copper ground rods driven in to the ground ? One for EACH Romex line ? This would keep the grounds separated and as short as possible.
Or should I use the Romex's own grounds back to the electrical panel, and ground at ONE place below the AC panel ? This would be MUCH longer ground runs, and seems that it would make for an inferior grounding scheme ?
Obviously, I need good advice.
Thanks
timtim

Showing 2 responses by hevac1

hevac1
812 posts
 
timtim
A word of caution.
What you are doing may not be legal. You must bond all grounds. Even in isolated outlets you still bond the all ground wires, thats why there are 4 wires for isolated outlets and not 3 wires like standard house wiring. You will not be able to that the way you are doing it. You could have issues with the insurance company if your house gets set on fire from those electriacal feeds. You may be able to cut the end off a cord and terminate it in the wall. Electical romex feeds are not meant to go diractly to any source equipment.
Check local electrical codes, because what you can do in one city or state does not mean you can't do it in another.
hevac1
812 posts
 
Timtim,

I am thinking of using an input line reactor to a seperate sub panal I have planned for my audio room.
I use them alot in my trade to stop unwanted electrical issues too and from VFD's. I do not think anyone in audio has tried this but I think it will help with power and noise issues.
I will tell you how it go's later.
Has anyone tried this?
More to discover