2. analog
  3. 1138595037

hum from nearby high-tension wires?

Hi,

I live about 100 feet or so from a high-tension electrical transmission setup that carries power to a local university. There is also a large transformer station of some kind about 200 feet away.

I have been having pernicious hum problems that do not respond to any of the recommended treatments, and I'm wondering if they could be due to the transmission line or power station. And if they are, what can I do about it?

I would appreciate any comments/suggestions
steverw
steverw OP
30 posts
 
Dreadhead: well, consider that I live in an earthquake zone and commute some 75 mi per day; these are probably my biggest risks. And just being 49 years old has its risks - bell-curve-wise, many of me are already dead. I don't smoke, but I like wine; my cholesterol is moderate, but on the high side (along with my weight). And I drink tap water. EM from the power lines ranks below these other things on my list of threats to life.

At least I want to enjoy music while the radiation crisps my genetic material.

(Please note that I'm attempting to make light of the situation, I hope no one is offended by these off-hand remarks. All of us have had loved ones who have been affected by various unpleasant health issues, and I mean no disrepect, I'm just being flippant to put some emotional distance between me and the consequences of taking risks.)
steverw OP
30 posts
 
Update: it may be due to poor grounding of the house. I found the ground spike, connections to it are corroded. Plus I found a degenerate cable connection that was not in use. Oddly, disconnecting this hidden cable connection actually made the hum louder. I need to get an expert in here to asses the house grounding.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Steverw...Please do the portable radio check. This would probably set some people's minds at ease about radiated EMF.
aball
2,016 posts
 
Just as I figured. You'd be amazed how many houses have bad grounds. Keep us posted on the repair.
jea48
4,416 posts
 
I agree with Aball. If you have a metallic main incoming water line that should be your main earth grounding electrode. Call an electrical contractor and have him check all the earth ground connections, both ends.

Be careful messing with the earth ground connections. Sometimes a difference of potential, voltage, can exist between the ground wire/s, (grounding electrode conductor/s), and the earth ground/s, (grounding electrode/s).
===========

01-31-06: Steverw
>>"Jea48: maybe 80 feet high. Insulator about the height of a large owl or hawk (maybe a foot?) (I often see them sitting on the line)."<<
>>>>>>>>

Sure sounds like 69KV. No Kite flying near those lines.
=====
More to discover