... limited TO 0.5mA ...
Balanced vs standard power
Searching for an Isolation Transformer 10 or 15kva. I have the budget for Equitech but I'm sold only on the benefits of isolation and not "yet" on the benefits of balanced power unless one is recording live musicians. My rationale is that most if not all audio components are not designed with balanced power so they may be optimal performers with standard power and lesser performers with balanced power. Until someone does a side by side comparing isolated balanced to isolated standard power we may never know.
I have read the various threads regarding isolation transformers from Equitech 10wq, MGE Topaz etc, and the Euqitech stereophile review. For larger non-balanced options there is Ultra K 600 with K factor correction and triple shielding from the Controlled Power Company. They range from 5 to 25 kva.
I think supersizing Isolation transformers for audio is not well recognized yet because no one has done the necessary review/ comparisons to determine the performance curve of Isolation Transformer size to Audio Performance. Although Isoclean advocates the use of two of their Isolation Transformers for each piece of equipment. Maybe they're trying to tell us something or just sell more transformers. 10 KVA is "plenty" for my system according to Martin at Equitech, but "plenty" is not quantified enough to convince me, so I 'm leaning toward the 15kva on the Ultra K 600 from Controlled Power about $4000 vs Equitech 15 kVA at upwards of $14000.
I have read the various threads regarding isolation transformers from Equitech 10wq, MGE Topaz etc, and the Euqitech stereophile review. For larger non-balanced options there is Ultra K 600 with K factor correction and triple shielding from the Controlled Power Company. They range from 5 to 25 kva.
I think supersizing Isolation transformers for audio is not well recognized yet because no one has done the necessary review/ comparisons to determine the performance curve of Isolation Transformer size to Audio Performance. Although Isoclean advocates the use of two of their Isolation Transformers for each piece of equipment. Maybe they're trying to tell us something or just sell more transformers. 10 KVA is "plenty" for my system according to Martin at Equitech, but "plenty" is not quantified enough to convince me, so I 'm leaning toward the 15kva on the Ultra K 600 from Controlled Power about $4000 vs Equitech 15 kVA at upwards of $14000.
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- 59 posts total
While I see the benefits of having one large primary isolation transformer for separating your main audio line from the rest of the house and regional power. but, you still have noise generated and kicked back into the line by individual audio components, especially those with switching power supplies. So, you may want to isolate individual components from each other. Obviously, amps need much larger transformers than sources. I bought six surplus commercial/industrial Topaz 2.4kVA Ultra-Isolator Transformers. It was actually a 240V, 3-phase, setup that I simply separated into individual units and re-wired for balanced power operation. Anyway, it is amazing how much line noise you don't notice until it is gone. |
11-07-11: Ngjockey Ngjockey, Big difference between 5ma and 0.5ma! So much for my memory concerning UL standards. IEC 60335-1 Standards. . |
Somewhere between a decimal place and half a heart attack. LOL, though actually 5ma of AC current passing through the heart will not kill or cause heart damage. At least NEC code doesn't think so. 5ma is the maximum amount of leakage current,("consisting of possible resistive and capacitive leakage currents"), for the audible alarm to sound for a Line Isolation Monitor for an AC Power Isolation System found in Health Care facilities in; OR, Cath Labs, and ER rooms where electrical monitoring equipment and such may be connected to a patient. (Also required ma meter. Green light for normal, red light for alarm condition.) 2011 NEC 517.160 (B) (1) (2) (3) Notice I said alarm, the power is not interrupted. Though I would assume the doctor or techs in the room would disconnect the medical equipment from the patient in a timely manner or at least monitor the milliamp meter.... Don't know the answer to that one... Also per NEC a GFCI is supposed to trip open around 5ma of current when detected between the hot to earth ground/earth grounded object. (GFCI senses more than just the hot to earth ground for its operation). The problem with UL they only test new appliances as far as I know of. New at normal operating temperatures. Not necessary the case in the real world. As you know heat will degrade the insulting resistive covering the conductors of motors and transformer windings. Over heating, excessive overheating, caused from ambient temperatures or over working of the appliance can cause a break down of the insulation and result in more leakage or worse case a short. http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2000/JackHsu.shtml |
- 59 posts total