Does an isolation transformer improve a power cable?
Jafreeman, Thanks for the clarification on the grounding of the Richard Gray RM PRO Unit. The RM PRO is more than just an isolation transformer. Richard Gray RM PRO . . Here is a white paper from EXACTPOWER. (PDF). You may find it interesting reading. . |
Jim, thanks for that in-depth manual from Exact Power. This should be enough info for anyone who wants to improve power to a system. I'm still not sure where this leaves us on the question of a separately derived power source or an isolated ground. I know the primary winding is grounded to my house via the supplied cord--not sure what the secondary winding can claim when there is an iron core to aid in the induction of the stepped down voltage made available at the six outlets on the back. I can only say that, having gone up the chain from several 400s, to the Substation to the RM PRO, improvements have been dramatic. The 400s are meant for front-end pieces only, not amps. The 1200 is the best item for an entire front end. There is a guy who occasionally runs an ad for a new 1200, sells them for around $950, sez he can't give the warranty, but guarantees it will work. He's the real deal--I have two from him--guy named William Loni. |
The secondary of the isolation transformer of the Richard Gray RM PRO unit is a separately derived system. The RM PRO unit also provides surge protection on the line side of the primary winding. Here is just a snippet from a book written by Henry Ott. Quote. "Basically, in the case of a separately derived system, we start all over again, as if it was the main service entrance panel and we create a new single point neutral to ground bond." End of quote. 3.1.6 Separately Derived Systems, by Henry Ott. >>>>>>>>>>> What a shielded isolation transformer does. >>>>>>>> EXACTPOWER, PDF Page 10 Quote. "| "Residential Power Distribution & Grounding - The Truth In residential installations, a dedicated electrostatically shielded isolation transformer will act as a buffer between the utility company electrical system and the protected electronics systems such as AV equipment, home theater electronics, automation systems, and data devices. These isolation transformers must be hard-wired by a licensed electrician. This transformer, when correctly installed, is an effective sink for the collective ground leakage current of multiple switch-mode power supplies found in almost all modern equipment. The AV and control system will benefit from the improved power quality, greatly reducing the effects of ground loops through having a single point source for power and grounding. An isolation transformer is a device that prevents power quality problems by galvanically isolating the load from the power source, and incorporates a new neutral conductor that is bonded to a newly derived system ground. This newly derived neutral to ground bond eliminates common-mode voltages at that point, which are usually the main cause of unreliable system operation, equipment failure and service calls." End of quote. I suggest you start reading from page 8. >>>>>>>>>>
What are you plugging the 1200 into? The RM PRO unit? >>>>>>>>> As for an isolated ground not sure what you are referring to. If you mean an isolated ground for bonding the new neutral of the secondary of an isolation transformer that is a No No. The neutral must bond, connect, to the main electrical service grounding system of your home. The neutral bond, connection, in your case is made through the safety equipment grounding conductor of your 10-2 with ground branch circuit wiring that feeds the isolation transformer. Another good reason you used #10 wire for the branch circuit. . |
Thanks for posting page 10. It seems to lean toward "...a newly derived system ground." At any rate, I am very pleased with this product, and yes, the 1200C is plugged into the RM PRO. This is what Richard Gray calls their IsoGray configuration, which provides even more isolation to the front end. I have only my Wadia 861 CDP/pre-amp plugged into my 1200C. The Wadia is babied with an ideal power source in this way. The 1200C could easily support separate CDP/transport/turntable/pre-amp. I have another one in another room for my plasma TV and Blu-ray player and a pre-amp, and I plug that one directly into the wall, which also works for the 1200C. A small stereo amp is plugged into the wall. But yes, the best set up is the IsoGray. A lot of people don't like RGPC, citing bad results, e.g., stifled dynamics, but others have found them to be very good. Whether Torus Power or RGPC or another, best to have the 240V/120V models so you have a lot of clean power right up next to your gear. Then, it is only a short run with a great AC cord, and this is, in my recent experience, a breakthrough finding. Best Regards, Joe |
