How To Do You Measure the Quality of Your AC Power?

Lots of good advice here save the link to the ASR clowns. Anyway, there are meters available (Entech, for example) which can measure a degree of noise in your home. My wife and I flip homes and do a majority of any electrical work in the renovations. Prior to buying, I measure the mains noise with an Entech meter and a Stetzerizer. Some readings come in low (<100) while other peg the meters out- these mostly in high rise condos- I avoid investing in these places. As JEA48 pointed out, often the problem can be from loose breaker terminals in the electric panel, especially in newer homes. FWIW, I am an electrical systems technician and can say that most service calls I go on have a common denominator- bad connections- by the prior service tech, of course!

If your power source is questionable you can install a line conditioner.  A good line conditioner will filter out noise in your power signal.  Often used in industrial control applications to feed clean power to the control system.  This power source should also be supplied from a panel dedicated to sensitive equipment.

If you really want the cleanest power you can get a dedicated panel installed for your AV equipment.  Professional recording studios do this.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that replied. There is a lot of good information here and I’ve got some good paths to go down. Will definitely call my utility and follow up on that.

Hi mkgus,

Twenty years ago, when we and the bank purchased our home, the lights dimmed when the fridge and furnace powered up.  A phone call to the Central Maine Power Company brought them out immediately to test.  The following Sunday at 10am, they installed a new pole, transformer and lovely ground outside of our house.  I later learned that on weekends, stand-by crews will often do the odd job, keeping them busy.

My supportive Master Electrician (who works Nuclear Submarine Panels, at nearby Bath Iron Works,) later isolated the two dedicated studio lines on our electric panel, away from the big power draws.  Over time, I've upgraded to a Furutech outlet w/cover plate, along with a replacement male Furutech plug for my hardwired Panamax M4300-PM line conditioner.  I suppose it's obvious by now that after 45 years of hi-fi, I consider isolated power and good wire no less essential to great sound than equipment choices.  For me, our hobby is a process, each improvement freshening our collections and triggering our passions. 

Now, let the eyerolls begin.  My most recent system addition is the Furutech NCF Clear Line AC power line optimizer.  In a small studio, I am always looking to add depth and MUSICAL micros to my soundstage.  It accomplishes that.  A caveat; I have no affiliation to Furutech and elect to  buy their products from The Cable Company, keeping away from black market concerns.  I'm always happy to pay full price in support of premium products.  

Thassaabboutit!  More Peace, Pin