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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
jea48
4,484 posts
 
uberwaltz11,178 posts

05-04-2020
7:18pm

Am I missing something here?
Surely all of this should be on the electric company provider to make good and safe?
Here if I was even to look at anything on the incoming side of my main panel JEA would likely have me hung, drawn and quartered!
@uberwaltz

It depends where you live who owns what and who is responsible for what. In lowrider57 case he owns, is responsible for, the service drop, meter socket, and service entrance wiring from the meter socket to his electrical service panel. He is also responsible for the system grounding as well, (grounding electrode system).


cleeds2,926 posts

04-22-2020
9:47am

lowrider57
... the corrosion in my meter box is causing distortion in the mains.
That’s potentially hazardous. Your electric utility should install a new meter and/or meter pan, as needed.
Does anybody know if a toroidal transformer can be damaged due to longterm hum from harmonic distortion?
That seems unlikely.



lowrider57 OP3,684 posts

04-22-2020
10:26am

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.

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
That sucks for lowrider.
I guess my part of Florida not so bad after all then... lol.
JEA is responsible for everything from the incoming side of my breaker box.
Upkeep and any work required unless I was somehow to deliberately damage something.
If I was then still alive......
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
 @uberwaltz , power company owns only the meter. Homeowner is responsible for service drop and wiring to the meter box. That means I own the box, they own the meter.

Things have changed a lot for homeowners in this city.
Philly also decided they're no longer responsible for trees in front of house on city property. We have to pay for pruning or removal. I could go on.
Some work requires permits like roofing and an addition to house.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
JEA is responsible for everything from the incoming side of my breaker box.
Upkeep and any work required unless I was somehow to deliberately damage something.

At least the gas company is still responsible for all lines outside and inside. Homeowner's responsibility is for the appliances unless purchased from the gas company, eg, hot water heater.
I think this may be universal.



lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
I really appreciate your interest and advise @jea48 .


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