Grouding for dedicatied lines?

Addendum to my previous post, please note: It is necessary that ALL ground wires are ultimately grounded at one, and only one, main grounding electrode. Due to the difference in electrical potiential of the two grounding points, failure to do this could result in damaged equipment, or even electrocution. This is a code required life safety issue!

Hi, I just installed a dedicated power supply. From main breaker box from a 50 amp breaker I ran 6 awg romex to sub main box.Sub main box (8 breaker type) I used 4 20 amp breaker that were connected to same phase at this box which is important for best results.I ran seperate ground wire to sub main box to 10 foot ground rod (make sure electrician installs this seperate ground rod & doesn't tie into existing ground rod because this really lowers the noise.Note the 6 awg 3 wire romex between main & sub box the ground wire is connected from sub box to main box & seperate ground to outside rod is connected to sub box.I then installed 4 seperate dual gang (2 outlet) outlets. This made a big difference with quieter background, better bass and no annoying pops when ac unit or refrigerator cycles.Also I have great results using a Chang Lightspeed CLS 9600 ISO power conditioner everthing except amp is plugged direct to outlet for best results. Hope this helps it worked great for my ststem.

Although I agree that a separate ground wire and grounding rod to the sub-main box MAY lower noise, electrical code strictly prohibits this for the aforementioned safety reasons. You won't pass inspection if you do this. It doesn't sound like the original poster has the understanding to do some post-inspection reworking. Stay within code and just have the electrician upgrade your current main ground.

Thanks Metaphysics, for helping me make that point again. It seems some (well meaning no doubt) audiophiles just do not have a good understanding of the dangers involved with multiple grounding points. And as you've stated (and I as well), it is against National Electrical Code to do so.

DIYer's beware, your quest for better sound could cost you more than a few bucks. BTW, for reference, I am a licensed electrician and commercial contractor.

I just don't want to see anyone fry their gear, or themselves!

I'm using a single 20 amp circuit that uses an isolated ground outlet (ugly orange) and 12-3 BX back to main panel. Grounded to main buss bar. Got great (no noise) results and pretty cost effective. Red wire wrapped in green tape to designate ground. Maybe Gbeard can comment as to whether BX or conduit is over kill compared to romex (will certainly increase cost) and add a simple definition of "Star Ground".

Some schools of thought recommend monoblock amps be connected on opposite sides of main (common noise cancellation). General consensus in non-monoblock situations is to keep all lines on same side of main. May also be some benefit to locating potentially noisy house lines (those with motors, dimmers, computers, etc) on the opposite side of the main. My computer for example has it's own 15A (14-3)iso grd circuit on opposite mains side.

If you still have noise issues after a code compliant install look for the source by switching off suspect items. Deal with not generating the noise rather than floating the ground and risk floating to heaven.