Has anyone every done a job where they needed line conditioning at many locations. I'm not talking crappy type Panamax or Monster line conditoning (which isnt true conditioning) but actually 120v +-1% output whether incoming voltage is 110v or 132v. It would need to be like Richard Greys's unit. I am thinging of buying a hospital grade conditioner and feeding a small 8 space loadcenter (Not subpanel Larry, haha) This would in turn feed all the AV and computer gear throughout the house. Any thoughts

Here are a few to start with:

[Link: elect-spec.com]

[Link: kepcopower.com]

[Link: ustpower.com]

[Link: poweredmarket.com]

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

I have an old Sorensen piece I'd like to use for this some day when I find time to work on my own place. Said to have been worth a couple grand when it was new. Know anything about them?

This message was edited by HDTVJunkie on 08/01/04 00:05.

I wouldn't refer to that as line conditioning, I would refer to it as AC voltage regulation. You can find a wide range of pro audio devices here >

[Link: furmansound.com]

Oex,

You are actually referring to voltage stabilization products and not line conditioners. I have to respectfully disagree that Panamax is a crappy product though. They make a fantastic product that works as advertised, and does so reliably. Even their $89 Max8coax does a pretty decent job of reducing EMI and RFI. Check out a max 5510 sometime, it might change your opinion panamax. Lastly, I agree with you about Monster Power being crap, it does the job, but I've had to replace so many of them that I'll never use one again.

My .03

Just curious why you need such tight regulation? Any properly designed electronics can handle a decent voltage swing without any problem. I'm not aware of the Richard Grey piece providing any voltage regulation either. I also don't think you can connect a corded device inline to a load panel. larry, care to comment? A hard wired device providing regulation and conditioning for the ten to twenty amps minimum that you would need is going to be pretty pricey.

This message was edited by Ted Wetzel on 08/02/04 17:54.

irregularities (Larry - is that a word) in power causes the most damage to electronics. Sags and spikes happen on a daily basis and work like a hammer chipping away at circuitry. Ever notice a slight flicker in the lights when the AC unit turns on?
Anyway, i was wondering if anyone has done this. This concept works just like a Richard Grey substation (Almost)and allows for multiple equipment locations.

Additionally, I never ment to imply Panamax was junk. They don't however do an damn thing about minor voltage fluctuations.

I haven't read the web site in at least a year but after this I decided to check up on Richard Grey's sub station. It does not do any voltage regulation. It's a simple balanced isolation transformer. Useles for the type of regulation you are asking for. I don't know what type of problems you are having but most of my equipment failure can be traced to poor design or major hits. I also don't see any mention of UL listing for Mr. Grey's product.

power fluctuations do NOT cause the most damage to electronics. Ever seen a circuit board after a lightning hit?

...and then said...


That's the term I'd choose.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Hmmm Voltage fluctuation on a grand scale?

The electrical analog of poor impulse control.

Thanks guys. I feel the love. You know that I meant that the minor fluctuations of voltage over the coarse of a day do not have any real effect on most electronics. Certainly voltage regulation is nice but complete overkill for most situations. the pulse effect can cause damage but a good surge protector will take care of that. You certainly don't need to go to the cost of regulation for that.

For $400 you can put in a SURGEX that is UL listed for safety and UL tested for performance. And can be properly hardwired to the panel for a full protected 20 Amp circuit. The Richard Grey piece is three times that and has had zero safety or performance testing. If you want an isolation transformer then go to your local supply house and buy one from Square D for a lot less money & UL listing.

I would highly recommend the line conditioner made by Exact Power (spin off of Jensen Transformers). Bill Whitlock is the inventor of this product, and I tell you straight up this man is a REAL genius. I took one of his classes at CEDIA a few years ago (safe grounding and interfacing for A/V systems) and as far as knowing how to get clean power or get rid of a ground hum, he's the man. I love Xantech gear all and all, but the Jensen Transfomers products all in all put Xantech to shame, as far as ground isolators. Open up your wallet though, his stuff ain't cheap, but it really works well.

Ted Wetzel,

Your post about Richard Gray Products not being UL listed got my curiosity going. So I emailed the Richard Gray folks and this is what the president of the company (Richard McCarthy) had to say:

"Our products are manufactured in a UL approved manufacturing plant and are in process for getting listed. Our construction and design comply with UL criteria; unfortunately you will find that UL is unbelievably slow and are revamping their entire procedure for approvals. There are many companies who back door UL with local listings, but this is not something we want to do. With over 19,000 units in use we have had none returned for warranty repairs for any malfunction other than a couple of the indicator lamps needing replacement. Hope this answers your questions."

I am honoring his request to spread the word on this issue.

I've seen all the adds for Monster power conditioning, but does anybody really need anything more than a surge supressor? I mean as soon as AC hits your gear it's rectified, run across a large capacitor and clamped to 12VDC. Wouldn't that tend to smooth out any sags or ripples?