Connor1a
Active Member
Hi Y’all
I have a head scratcher (at least for me)…
Each time I switch on the light in my hall, I’d hear a buzzing “snap” in my main speakers.
The switch involved is a single gang, neutral switch (no ground). It connects to a high intensity LED which I believe are known for their RFI. The “snap” occurs right at the top of the switch just as it’s making connection with the power lead. Once the connection is established, there’s no further interference from the speakers (that I hear). I can hold the switch just at that partially complete connection and make the interference occur for as long as I keep the switch there.
The troubleshoot the issue, I tried changing out the LED fixture for an incandescent light. It significantly reduced the “snap” volume, but it was still just barely perceptible. I then tried a different device, a fan, on another (grounded) circuit. Again, I could recreate the “snap” sound through the main speakers.
This didn’t start to happen until I had a new HVAC system installed in the house. I live in a circa 1940s house. They had to install a new 20A breaker for the A/C unit. About half of the house is grounded, the other half is not. Meanwhile, as I knew the electrical of this house was dodgy, I have a fairly expensive Panamax power conditioner on the circuit feeding my stereo equipment. For as much as I paid for that, I shouldn’t hear a humming bird fart in the midst of an EMP pulse. Seriously… I’m not sure why the speakers are picking up the static. Final note, the “snap” does not occur when the stereo is powered down.
Could really use some ideas. I’ll call the HVAC guys back in, but not until I have an idea of what could be going on. 1) I don’t want to blame them even if this appears to have started immediately after their arrival and 2) They’ll likely say they did nothing wrong and expect to be paid for any involvement.
Thanks in advance guys.
I have a head scratcher (at least for me)…
Each time I switch on the light in my hall, I’d hear a buzzing “snap” in my main speakers.
The switch involved is a single gang, neutral switch (no ground). It connects to a high intensity LED which I believe are known for their RFI. The “snap” occurs right at the top of the switch just as it’s making connection with the power lead. Once the connection is established, there’s no further interference from the speakers (that I hear). I can hold the switch just at that partially complete connection and make the interference occur for as long as I keep the switch there.
The troubleshoot the issue, I tried changing out the LED fixture for an incandescent light. It significantly reduced the “snap” volume, but it was still just barely perceptible. I then tried a different device, a fan, on another (grounded) circuit. Again, I could recreate the “snap” sound through the main speakers.
This didn’t start to happen until I had a new HVAC system installed in the house. I live in a circa 1940s house. They had to install a new 20A breaker for the A/C unit. About half of the house is grounded, the other half is not. Meanwhile, as I knew the electrical of this house was dodgy, I have a fairly expensive Panamax power conditioner on the circuit feeding my stereo equipment. For as much as I paid for that, I shouldn’t hear a humming bird fart in the midst of an EMP pulse. Seriously… I’m not sure why the speakers are picking up the static. Final note, the “snap” does not occur when the stereo is powered down.
Could really use some ideas. I’ll call the HVAC guys back in, but not until I have an idea of what could be going on. 1) I don’t want to blame them even if this appears to have started immediately after their arrival and 2) They’ll likely say they did nothing wrong and expect to be paid for any involvement.
Thanks in advance guys.
