can we measure noise on power lines?


Can we get meaningful measurements of power line noise? Is the noise too low-level to measure without exorbitantly expensive equipment?  What equipment is required?  Outside of laboratories, who has it?

We buy all sorts of devices to clean up power. Why can't we measure the noise that's there and target it

128x128lloydc
Fluke Instruments published a white paper on the effects of the 5th harmonic on the power line about 25 years ago.

The effects of the 5th harmonic can be increased power transformer noise, increased diode radiation and it can cause synchronous motors to have a counter-rotational force. These are all things audiophiles should be concerned about.

There are very few audiophile power conditioners that can filter this harmonics (300Hz in the US). Essentially, if you can pick up your 'conditioner' with one hand then it won't touch this issue.

Elgar made some excellent power conditioners (not offered to audiophiles; they were commercial/industrial) that trounce anything offered in the audiophile world so far. They can filter this harmonic with ease.

Thanks, Al and Hew.  back to trial and error, I suppose.

I've used a pair of Noisetrapper isolation transformers since the '90's (no longer made), and wondered if there was any way to determine if it's really necessary to seek further improvement.   The noise level in my apartment is so high (primarily fountain pumps and a/c units, and traffic), there is little point in seeking the legendary "black background"

Hi Lloyd,

See my several posts dated 3-19-2014 and 3-20-2014 in this thread.  The bottom line being that such measurements may be less useful than might be expected.

Regards,
-- Al