A Few Words About Hum and Noise
Audible hum, or a discernable low frequency noise, is one of the most common problems in audio/video systems. This hum, which may be present even when the volume is at a low level, is usually caused by a problem known as “ground loops”. A ground loop occurs when there is a difference in ground voltages between two or more components that are connected electrically. This, in turn, creates multiple current paths and causes the
The growing sophistication and complexity of home audio/video systems, and the increased number of compo- nents used to create these systems has dramatically increased the potential for the possibility of ground loops. While it is natural to suspect that the components in your system are the cause of the hum, in many cases the cause may be due to other conditions. In particular, cable TV connections from outside the house have become a major source of hum.
In most cases, one of the following suggestions should help you to solve a hum problem in your system. Please try these steps in the sequence shown, proceeding from one step to the next if the prior suggestion does not eliminate the problem.
Potential Ground Loops in a Complex A/V System
Suggestion #1:
To determine if a cable TV connection is responsible for the hum, first turn all components off. Disconnect the cable TV feed to your system at the first place where it connects to your components. Alternatively, disconnect the cable TV wire where it is connected at the wall outlet. Turn your system back on, and listen if the hum has disappeared. If removing the cable TV feed has eliminated the hum, you will need to insert a Ground Loop Isolator before reconnecting the cable TV feed, or contact your cable TV operator to see if they can better isolate your cable feed.
Suggestion #2:
Turn off all components in your system, and then disconnect the input cables at the amplifier. Turn the amplifier back on, and see if the hum is still present. If the hum disappears, the fault may be in the input cables used. Try replacing them with cables that have better shielding, and make certain that the input cables are not running on top of any AC power cords. Change the cables one at a time to determine if one, or all cables is responsive. If the hum disappears when the input cables are disconnected, but returns after the cables are changed and the system
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Suggestion #3:
Ground loop problems may also be caused by poor grounding of the electrical system in your home, particularly when there are multiple components with three prong, grounded, power cords. Try unplugging these components one at a time, and see if one or all of them is causing the problem. The ultimate solution to this type of problem is to
WARNING: If you suspect that the grounding system in your home’s electrical wiring is causing the hum problem, it is important that you do not make any changes to the wiring yourself. Only a licensed electrician should make any changes to household wiring, and they must be made in full compliance with all local building, safety and electrical codes.
Suggestion #4:
Hum may also be caused by faulty earth grounds in your home’s electrical system. In the past, cold water pipes were often used for the earth ground, so it is important to make sure that your ground connection is still valid and has not become loose or corroded. The cold water pipe method may no longer be valid in some locations due to requirements that the water meter be isolated from the water mains with a length of PVC pipe, thus interrupting the ground circuit. The safest, and most reliable, approach may be to provide your own ground. This can be accomplished by having a licensed electrician drive at least five feet of
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