Equi=Core Hum & Other Issues


I’ve owned a Core Power Tech Equi=Core 1800 for 6 months. Recently the transformer has started to hum inside the chassis. It happens when components are on and also when sources are powered down. The transformer hum is intermittent. It ranges from multiple times per day to 3 or 4 days without any hum. I never had DC on my dedicated lines before, so I picked up a Klein Tools AC/DC tester... https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/electrical-testers/electronic-acdc-voltage-tester-12-240v-ac-15-2...
and when plugged into wall receptacles it indicated overload. Line voltage is steady at 122VAC and always has been.
What am I doing wrong, and how should I test for DC on the power line?

I discovered another problem when testing the Equi=Core duplex receptacles; they indicate inverted polarity. All house outlets measure correct polarity.
I’m looking for some assistance in diagnosing this hum. I’m not sure if it’s due to DC offset or if the torroid itself is vibrating in its mounting.

I know this is becoming a long thread, but I must mention that the Equi=Core now trips the breaker at the panel when powered on. It trips several times in a row, eventually allowing power-up. This is a 20A dedicated line from a subpanel which I’ve had for years.
Any advice is much appreciated.


128x128lowrider57

Showing 4 responses by uberwaltz

That sucks for lowrider.
I guess my part of Florida not so bad after all then... lol.
JEA is responsible for everything from the incoming side of my breaker box.
Upkeep and any work required unless I was somehow to deliberately damage something.
If I was then still alive......
Am I missing something here?
Surely all of this should be on the electric company provider to make good and safe?
Here if I was even to look at anything on the incoming side of my main panel JEA would likely have me hung, drawn and quartered!
Jim
I would say the 20a breaker is toast, although that has already been stated.
However working in large industrial application electronics and electrical installations we get plenty of breaker trip issues ( sub contractor bad wiring, incorrect wiring, shorted cables etc).
Generally we replace ANY breaker once it has tripped 3 times in rapid succession.
Not advocating that as any sort of "golden rule" but have seen plenty of 20a breakers( we use a lot of that size in our heating panels) trip with just 15a of load after a number of rapid fire trips.
Pays to be prudent especially when the customer has just dropped 3 to 5 million on his latest toy and expects trouble free production... lol.
Jim
Is this the unit you bought from myself back in May last year?
Sorry to hear you are having issues with it.
Talk to Wally, he is a true gentleman IME.
Good luck sir!