Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

Okay, I'll admit I'm confused. I'm no expert on this AC power stuff.
My studio is powered by an equipotential AC supply consisting of 2 10
kilowatt transformers in series which converts the incoming power, in
this case 240 VAC into 2 phase AC with each phase being 60 volts
referenced to ground 180 degrees out of phase with each other. Any
properly wired device sees this as 120 VAC. Ground is tied to the
earth ground for the building through a heavy conductor, 2 gage I
think.
Anyway power is distributed through a modified breaker panel with the
ground and the neutral which isn't really neutral any more isolated
from each other. This goes out in a star configuration with only one
outlet conected to each breaker. I use a lot of Furman power
distribution boxes next. Most equipment is plugged into the Furmans
but in some cases I do have surge protected outlet strips plugged into
the Furmans. In one area because of the heavy concentration of synths
and rack gear I have a number of outlet strips in series, exactly what
Paul says I shouldn't do.
Hum and noise is so low as to be unmeasurable and the balanced line
supply also seems to be immune from surges possibly due to the heavy
iron of the transformers. Although I live in a lighning prone area
about 2000 feet from the highest point in the county, and have lost
VCRs, and other equipment to surges (even with a good surge protector
by the way,) I have never had any damage to any gear in the studio.
I don't know enough about the MOVs in the surge protectors or the
Furmans, or about MOVs in general, but I'd certainly like someone to
explain this to me so I can change my hookup if there is really any
danger, or possibly just disconnect the MOVs in the outlet strips.
Help!!!?
Thanks in advance,
Paul Haneberg