Using a shore power isolation transformer at home?

I've looked at them a couple times but have never purchased. Remember one brand that advertised a 3.6 KVA unit at nearly half the weight of their 3.8. Never been quite sure if they are shielded (more noise rejection) and the plastic enclosure would retain more heat, although not significantly compared to a potted unit. More importantly, they've always been more expensive.

Transformers must be grounded continuously. Input, output and shield to chasis. Usually center-tapped secondaries to ground in balanced configuration as well.

Just attach both grounds together with the shield wire, if it has one. In the case where primary and secondary are on opposite sides of a transformer, both grounds screw down to the casing on either side. If it's metal encapsulated, that should be attached to ground as well. Continuous ground.

Ground and neutral are not, technically, the same. That's why they are different wires.

1) If you're using a 480/240-240/120 step-down transformer, such as the encapsulated Acme or Hevi-Duty, you must use 240V in. Cheap on Ebay - industrial recyclers. Can be more expensive for shipping.

Topaz/ Xentech/ Phoenix are available in 240/120 and 120/120V models. The former can be used with either voltage in. Surplus distributors, Ebay occasionally. More expensive than general purpose, industrial step-downs.

If you have dedicated circuits and you're hard wiring, 240V has some minor advantages. However, minimum code in many areas for 240V wiring is 12/3 with a 20A rating (12 gauge, 2 insulated hot, 1 insulated neutral, 1 naked ground which is not counted as a conductor. That's even if the neutral isn't utilized). If you're splitting that up before the transformer, that can lead to phase issues. If you already have dedicated lines, chances are they're 12/2 and not suitable for 240V. Locating the transformer near the distribution panel solves that issue as well as mechanical hum, if the panel is in an unoccupied area.

For either type, the maximum draw (aside from momentary start-up spikes) must not exceed 80% of the transformer rating. For audio, I prefer closer to 50%.

2) Usually a bad idea. Been discussed a few times on these forums. Even if they're bonded together, which is a must, there might be issues if they are not in close proximity. An additional ground rod for assurance, within a foot away from the original, should be fine, if you know what else is buried there. Of course, I'm just guessing. I'm not an electrician but I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.

Except for the dedicated lines, not really.

http://www.contractorsav.com/article/2006/11/07/ac-power

I point out this article with the caveat of who it's written by, what they sell, and when it was written. It's sincere but an obvious bias in the tone.

In the regulation section, the last type is also known as "tap switching" and they have limits too. Also doesn't mention reaction speed and the resulting stepped sine wave.

Regenerators have gotten more efficient with SMPS but they're still expensive.

Tried a ferro-resonant 1000W Sola MCR that I got off Ebay for $20 (3% regulation along with substantial noise reduction) for the TV and they are noisy. Sola HD has an interesting online FAQ section that's informational.

Not entirely clear why you think you need regulation. Within specs required. Seen a lot worse.

Transformer vibration can be from any number of reasons, from a loose bolt to DC offset (caused internally to your house or external) or a defective transformer. Would like to narrow down the problem before throwing too much money at it. Maybe take it to a technician. Try a PS Audio Humbuster I think they have a trial period ;)

BTW, an isolation transformer will not pass DC to the component transformer but that also means that the problem MIGHT just get relocated.

There are other methods of regulation but "servo" just means some kind of feedback and not sure what that means here. A household thermostat can be called a servo.

And not all tap switching implies a stepped sine wave, if it's done at half cycle.

Seriously, mechanical? How Victorian. A modern classic. Hope you like cleaning and replacing brushes. Do you have to grease it or just refill the whale oil?