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I use a Tripplite Isolator for the TV, converter box, DVD player and cable box in my home system rack, to separate them from the hi-fi components. The Tripplite has a mechanical buzz, which was at a level that could be heard only if you were listening for it in a quiet room. It has gotten louder recently. The noise is still at a relatively low level, but can be heard throughout the living room and is annoying. I opened it up and tried tightening the fastenings inside. They were all secure. Any suggestions for lowering the noise level from this device?
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I had buzzing sound from a Tripp Lite isobar 240V product while I was staying in a 240V country.In the US, I have one 8-outlet Tripp Lite Isobar, and two 2-outlet Isobars. None of them makes buzzing sound.
I think it is not worth spending time to repair it yourself. It would also void warranty. I would return it to seller for refund, or contact Tripp Lite to obtain an RMA.
Edits: 01/31/16
Today I opened it up to try a couple of fixes. The unit uses two big 120/120 V toroidal transformers stacked with a large bolt holding it together. It seems to me that only one of the TXs is humming, but it is hard to tell for sure. I unbolted the TXs and put some window sealing foam between the bottom TX and the case, and some window putty between the two TXs. I stacked the TXs and tightened the bolt. I then put a DC filter between the on/off switch and the TXs. I put the cover back on and put some dense foam on the bottom of the case. Doesn't seem to be any quieter. Will listen more carefully tonight after the ambient noise decreases. Oh, well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Any other suggestions are always appreciated.
It's ironic that a device intended to reduce electrical noise can of itself produce a level of mechanical noise. The cause of the buzz is due to a magnetic property called magnetostriction, which is natural and not caused by a defective product. Positioning the isolation transformer behind the rack or elsewhere that blocks the mechanical sound may be beneficial. A simple vibration control device placed on top of the enclosure can substantially reduce the buzzing sound. However, I once used an isolation transformer in a small room that enhanced the volume of the mechanical buzzing sound, and had to resort to an extreme if not unsafe method of vibration control by positioning a half gallon plastic jug filled with water on top of the isolation transformer enclosure before the sound was dampened enough to be barely audible. That solution seemed too unsafe in theory if not practice, so I discontinued its use. Another isolation transformer application only required a single Eichmann Topper aluminum resonance dampening device placed on top of the enclosure to eliminate a low-level buzzing sound.
One way to reduce noise from this source is to remove any steel upper top which is close to the transformer. On occasions I had simply cut a circular hole or replace the top with an aluminium shield.
Isolating the transformer mechanically rarely works.
In 50Hz countries, US made transformers are often poor whilst Japanese source ones are almost always fine. It is down to the design.
It could be from DC on the line. DC causes transformers to mechanically hum.
A vanAlstine hum dinger will solve this problem. I use one before a 60lb toroid and it eliminates what slight hum it was making.
Edits: 02/10/16
I know some people who sand filled the enclosure of their balanced transformers! Noise killed!
Yes
Throw it away and get a new one. Either it saw a spike or a failed electronic piece inside.
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