Plugging plasma tv into outlet causes other equipment to hum/buzz

[g_georgi]

I noticed my subwoofer was humming today... I seldom turn it on as I live in an apartment building and don't want to annoy the neighbors too much.

I unplugged everything except the subwoofer and proceeded to plug in one component at a time. As soon as I plugged in my Pioneer 5010FD plasma tv, my subwoofer started to hum. I tried a seperate circuit used only by my amplifer and as soon as I plugged in the tv, the amplifier started humming as well.

The hum is there even when the tv is plugged in but powered off with all its inputs disconnected.

I did some searching on ground loops and could find any cases that were similar to mine. I don't subscribe to cable or satellite service. I strictly use this system for bluray/dvd movies and music.

Anybody have any suggestions?

[Masterlu]

Do you have a ground lifter? otherwise known as a 3 to 2 adapter. There are lots of gadgets that could isolate your TV, but it is always better to identify the real reason for the hum.

[jdandy]

g georgi.......Try one of these ground lift adapters and the plasma or the subwoofer.

[g_georgi]

Both the sub (Rel B3) and the tv use IEC C13 power cables (i.e. 3 prong cables that you'd used on a desktop computer system).

I don't have any ground lift switch on either device. As for the cheater plug, its been said that they can be dangerous (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheater_plug)

Masterlu, what sort of gadgets would you suggest?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by g_georgi

Both the sub (Rel B3) and the tv use IEC C13 power cables (i.e. 3 prong cables that you'd used on a desktop computer system).

I don't have any ground lift switch on either device. As for the cheater plug, its been said that they can be dangerous (Cheater plug - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Masterlu, what sort of gadgets would you suggest?

First try the cheater plug, they are UL approved. Let us know the results.

[g_georgi]

I'll look for one and try it briefly to see what happens. Don't think I can use one over the long term as they seem to be banned in Canada.

3 prong adapter plugs banned for sale in Nova Scotia
Electrical Safety | Department of Labour and Advanced Education | Government of Nova Scotia

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by g_georgi

I'll look for one and try it briefly to see what happens. Don't think I can use one over the long term as they seem to be banned in Canada.

3 prong adapter plugs banned for sale in Nova Scotia
Electrical Safety | Department of Labour and Advanced Education | Government of Nova Scotia

That's interesting, if it solves the problem the fix may be an isolation or AC regenerator; which is far more costly.

[W9TR]

Sorry I'm a late seeing this thread. Do you have cable TV line hooked to your plasma? if so, pull the cable line to see if the problem goes away. If it does, you can get a cable isolator that will solve the issue permanently. I have seen over 60 volts from cable shield to equipment common.