Apparently using a hospital / industrial grade isolation transformer is considered by many to be the best *cost effective* device for your AC. For those in the know, what brand, specs, etc. are recommended?
I saw a big thread somewhere not long ago but I could never figure out what to buy
I don't know which forum to post this in so I figured this was probably the best
I saw a big thread somewhere not long ago but I could never figure out what to buy
I don't know which forum to post this in so I figured this was probably the best
Specs depend on what you want to power with it. All of your system, or only part of it? You'll have to add up the watt requirements of each component connected to the isolator and size the isolator appropriately. 1000W is ~$200 on ebay.
1000W is more than adequate. The question I have for you is, what should I buy off Ebay? Can you give me some examples or specs at least?
Most equipment has power transformers (rectified 60Hz and switchmode) that provide the isolation. The added isolation transformer would just be redundant.
Hospital grade isolation transformers have reduced leakage currents compared to the standard types, the medical grade isolation transformer has to comply with the International EN60601-1 standard.
Are you planning to use your equipment in a hospital, if not I don't see the point.
Are you planning to use your equipment in a hospital, if not I don't see the point.
Isolation transformers are used to remove noise from mains to protect expensive medical and industrial equipment.
Unless you have some very expensive equipment to protect, simply use MOVs, Transient Voltage Suppressors, R-C networks, and very good grounding , individually on each piece of equipment you need to protect.
Unless you have some very expensive equipment to protect, simply use MOVs, Transient Voltage Suppressors, R-C networks, and very good grounding , individually on each piece of equipment you need to protect.
If AC means Air Conditioner, don't bother, just use a similar circuit from a computer SMPS to filter noise from the control circuit.
If it is an inverter type, the isolation transformer must have 20% or more capacity in VA than the AC rating.
But if it is a good brand, not needed.
Who told you it was needed?
If it is an inverter type, the isolation transformer must have 20% or more capacity in VA than the AC rating.
But if it is a good brand, not needed.
Who told you it was needed?
An isolation transformer wont make your system sound better. The reason they are used in hospital environments is nothing to do with noise filtering, it is safety isolation, a relatively small amount of voltage leakage could be fatal when you are talking about a patient hooked up with electrodes or possibly things inserted through the skin such as cannulas
If you have mains noise in an audio system, check the wall sockets and mains cord, try using another wall socket to cross check., use an extension if needed.
An isolation transformer is overkill unless you have recording studio quality equipment and acoustics.
An isolation transformer is overkill unless you have recording studio quality equipment and acoustics.
Isolation transformers are important additions to the vintage equipment test bench. Especially important when working on the two-prong tube amplifier and radio equipment incorporating "death" capacitors attached to the "hot chassis". Variacs are not isolation transformers, but I have seen a few that have isolation transformers built into the unit, but most do not and require a separate isolation transformer in line.
As a electrophysiology medical professional, I have sought out medical devices for our transdermal electrode systems that guarantee patient safety. Not necessary for audio per se, but they do work. The manufacturer liability and certification paperwork of the medical grade units come at a significant price tag. I have seen medical units costing THOUSANDS of dollars.
As a electrophysiology medical professional, I have sought out medical devices for our transdermal electrode systems that guarantee patient safety. Not necessary for audio per se, but they do work. The manufacturer liability and certification paperwork of the medical grade units come at a significant price tag. I have seen medical units costing THOUSANDS of dollars.
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You may want to take a look at this thread:
Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
Topaz Low-Capacitance Isolation Transformers - for Affordably Clean Power | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org