Isolated ground for dedicated line

Hi Khaki8; A "water ground" usually refers to grounding to a cold water pipe. I can see where this may be the best or only option in an apartment building. Last summer I had four dedicated duplex outlets installed with a dedicated ground that went to three 6 ft. copper grounding rods driven into the ground about 10 ft. from the outlets-- but then I'm in a single family house. As I understand it, water pipe grounds are very common, especially in older installations, but I think a true earth ground is preferred. As to the outlets, it's hard to tell what your "orange jobs" are. I used Hubbell audiophile grade outlets from The Cable Co. in Penn.-- they were 2 for $25. An option often often used is hospital grade outlets which are of higher quality than regular old residential grade outlets. Wattgate are some pretty expensive outlets, and I don't know that you need to go that far. My dedicated sub-main box, outlets, and ground dramatically lowered noise floor, but my system then became too bright, and this was only corrected with high quality power cords on my four main components. I used Syn. Res. Master Couplers. Happy Tweaking. Craig.

I am unsure of what outlets you recieved but the PS Audio power plant a/c line generators (very highly regarded) use some sort of orange outlet and they (PS audio) claim it is the best outlet. I use Levitron out lets which some like more then hubbel but it's six on way a half a dozen the other the only way to find out is to try them your self, and considering the cost of outlets it is cheap compared to other tweeks. Best of Luck :)Tim The Tire Guy

The orange color you describe designates the AC socket as a "special grounded" outlet. I have often seen these in use in large electronic manufacturing companies like Texas Instruments. Your home in New York most likely has the type of electrical outlet boxes that are constructed of metal. These in turn are connected to metal conduit that houses the Romex power cable, that runs all the way back to the electrical service panel. The FIM outlets are grounded at the housing, therefore, if they are installed into your type of outlet box, there are TWO grounds. One is via the metal conduit, and one by the wire the electrician ran. This effectively ruins the effect of the dedicated ground, so your electrician was trying to avoid this situation. Hope this helps you understand. Although the FIM outlets are good, Hubbell is my first choice as well.