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Equi=Core Hum & Other Issues

I’ve owned a Core Power Tech Equi=Core 1800 for 6 months. Recently the transformer has started to hum inside the chassis. It happens when components are on and also when sources are powered down. The transformer hum is intermittent. It ranges from multiple times per day to 3 or 4 days without any hum. I never had DC on my dedicated lines before, so I picked up a Klein Tools AC/DC tester... https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/electrical-testers/electronic-acdc-voltage-tester-12-240v-ac-15-2...
and when plugged into wall receptacles it indicated overload. Line voltage is steady at 122VAC and always has been.
What am I doing wrong, and how should I test for DC on the power line?

I discovered another problem when testing the Equi=Core duplex receptacles; they indicate inverted polarity. All house outlets measure correct polarity.
I’m looking for some assistance in diagnosing this hum. I’m not sure if it’s due to DC offset or if the torroid itself is vibrating in its mounting.

I know this is becoming a long thread, but I must mention that the Equi=Core now trips the breaker at the panel when powered on. It trips several times in a row, eventually allowing power-up. This is a 20A dedicated line from a subpanel which I’ve had for years.
Any advice is much appreciated.


128x128lowrider57
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
Seems unlikely?
Thank you @cleeds .
That's potentially hazardous. Your electric utility should install a new meter and/or meter pan, as needed.
I know. Unfortunately, the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the meter pan and meter drop onto the property.
There's a water leak in the conduit from my roof down to the meter and the seal into the pan has worn away. The estimate from an electrical contractor is $2000 and money is tight right now. I need to get some more estimates.


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cleeds
5,986 posts
 
lowrider57
Unfortunately, the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the meter pan and meter drop onto the property. There’s a water leak in the conduit from my roof down to the meter and the seal into the pan has worn away.
Wow, I am really sorry and surprised to hear that you have to pay for that. Is your utility not willing to share the expense with you? Perhaps they are blaming the maintenance for the whole problem, but that does not really seem fair to me. Its equipment should be able to withstand weather.

Are you in the US? If so, you may want to consider filing a complaint with your state’s Board of Public Utilities (or whatever its equivalent is) to recover some or all of your costs. It might be worth the effort.

I know from experience that my electric utility is responsible for the meter and the meter pan. I do have underground electric service, so that may explain the difference.

With an aerial drop, I think the utility might be able to claim that its responsibility ends at the drop, not the meter. In that event, maybe your homeowner's insurance might provide some coverage?
jea48
4,486 posts
 
.
There’s a water leak in the conduit from my roof down to the meter and the seal into the pan has worn away.
Is the meter socket on the outside of the house?
Is the meter socket surface mounted on the outside of the house?
OR Is the meter socket recessed into the out wall of the structure?
If the house was built back in the 1950s or earlier is the meter socket mounted in the basement?

Looking up at the electrical service drop service entrance weather head on the roof.
How is the utility company’s triplex cable supported at your house?
Eye bolt in the structure?
Mast clamp on the steel rigid pipe that drops down to the meter socket?
At the point of attachment of the powers company’s triplex cable how far would you guess it is below the weather head where the your service drop wires come out of the weather head?
Example,....
Above the weather head? Below 6", 12", 18"?
Pictures.
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=7GqgXu_YLML5tAaFkabwBA&q=electrical+weather+head+...


Jim


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lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
@jea48  Jim, thanks for responding.
I'll answer as many questions as I can...
Philly rowhome built in 1939, new electric inside. Since I kept you in the loop during my upgrade, I know it's all up to code.

Meter socket is on the outside of the house flush against the wall.
There is an overhang above the meter (extension of the kitchen) so meter always stays dry.

All houses are attached with flat roofs. The pole feeds the first house on the block, then 
power line runs along each structure close to roof with small transformers mounted on side wall.

The drop attaches from this to my weather head which looks like a square box bolted to wall. Conduit runs downward mounted with U-clamps. Only the drop wire is exposed. 

Conduit travels 25' down then turns under the kitchen overhang into top of meter. Outside of meter is in good condition, corrosion is on wiring and contacts inside, one leg only.

Meter has heavy cable travel through exterior wall directly to service panel. This cable in good condition.

Electrician says the water leak starts at the top after the drop.

Appreciate the help Jim.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
@cleeds 
It's clearly spelled out; the power company's responsibility ends at the drop.
They are responsible for the meter and not the pan.

I appreciate your help and empathy.

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