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Hey Electricians - Please help

First I would like to admit I am very weak in understanding the terminology or the science of electricity, but I am learning some things, so let's just leave it at that.

My question is this. My current system is hooked up to a Richard Gray's Power Company RGPC 400Pro. I am also using a PS Audio Humbuster to kill the DC noise in my lines (this caused torroidal hum in my amp). Everything in my system is dead quiet, so I am very pleased. However, when I turn the overhead light on and off I can hear a click through my speakers when everything is turned on. The light is a florescent light, btw. I know that the light and the consent that my gear is running through are on separate circuits, because I recently upgraded my socket and even after I turned the breaker off for the socket the overhead light remained functional. The click that I mentioned doesn't affect the sound of my system, so long as I do not turn it on or off when listening, but it annoys me just the same. Perhaps if I understand what is going on here I can either do something to fix it or simply resolve not to be annoyed by it anymore.
Please let me know if this is something you understand and can explain it to me.
Thanks!
snackeyp
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
You might have the ballast in the flourescent light replaced with a modern one.
That may solve your issue.
Flourescent lights use a big ugly lump of a device to stabilise the light. They get old and start making problems. Replace it, (cost is cheap, at any hardware store $20 or less)
They are usually just in the A/c line with wire nuts. easy to replace, (I have done it) but get a friend who is handy with stuff to do it. (No need for an electrician, any person decent with a few tools can swap the ballast)
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
Even though the breaker that the light's wiring is on, is different from the breaker your system's sockets are on; they may still be on the same phase of your incoming AC. That puts them in the same, "circuit."
glenfihi
525 posts
 
As I recall some audio gear and florescent lighting does not mate well. It may cause recordings made on analog decks too become noisy etc. You may want to change your light fixture to another type if it gets on your nerves too badly. At any rate it may be more cost effective and even more attractive then "fixing" your gear. Just a thought, let us know how you make out.
mrderrick
291 posts
 
What you are hearing is the "arc" across the switch contacts when it is closed.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Added thought:. Try changing the switch at the wall first.. As a different (new)one may arc less.
For an even cheaper.. just try tightening the wires to the switch, they nmay be loose.
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