[sdiy] Mains interference

[Oakley Sound]

OK, this isn't specifically to do with Synth-DIY but it shows itself on 
my music gear more than on other things so I thought I'd ask.

What is it about certain properties that make audio gear within that 
property more susceptible to clicks and pops from other electrical items 
in the same property?

Since moving house some seven years ago I've noticed far more clicks and 
pops from fridges and central heating systems than any other house I've 
had. Now I have three socket ring mains around the house, but all three 
show the same problem. For example, in my office/workshop the soldering 
iron's thermostat will trigger the scope and produce a burst of signal 
on anything the probe is connected to. It will also produce an audible 
click on the computer's audio output. In my little music corner, 
switching a active monitor off will make the USB midi interface lose 
connection with the connected computer, cause another computer in 
another room to crash, and produce pops on the living room hi-fi.

Now I live in the middle of nowhere and the transformer sub-station is 
up a pole just six metres from my back garden fence. The single phase 
cables then travel overhead for about 30m to a pole in my front garden 
and then via underground cable to the house. The earth connection 
appears to be made from the neutral feed prior the 100A fuse - but it's 
difficult to tell for sure since it's all covered in tape. The rest of 
the hamlet share the same 240V electricity supply but the clicks and 
pops seem to be related to stuff in my house only.

Any pointers you can give would be very much appreciated.

Tony

www.oakleysound.com