Help! Installed new lights - Stereo plays static?

CH2500
CH2500 Posts: 7
edited April 2009 in Troubleshooting
I need some help resolving an interference problem with my audio system. I have a reconditioned Onkyo TX-8255 stereo receiver connected to a pair of Polk R150 speakers. I’ve had this setup in my garage for the last 3 weeks with no problems.

My garage had only one 4ft. fluorescent strip light in it, so I decided to add two more 4ft. fluorescent lights so that I could actually work in there at night.

The installation went smooth until I turned the circuit breaker back on and then turned on the stereo. I’m getting mostly static out of it unless I turn off the lights, then it plays just fine.

All the connections were made in the original light fixture. It had a switch wire coming from the switch and a power wire coming from the receptacle. I simply tied a new power wire in to feed my new lights.

So, what’s my problem? Ground loop maybe? Something else?

Any help is appreciated!
Post edited by CH2500 on
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Comments

  • tcrossma
    tcrossma Posts: 1,301
    edited April 2009
    What source are you using? Tuner? CD?
    Speakers: Polk LSi15
    Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
    Amp: Pass Labs X-150
    CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
    Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
    Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
    TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
    Cartridge:Denon DL-160
    Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH
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  • CH2500
    CH2500 Posts: 7
    edited April 2009
    I'm using the reciever's tuner. It's a new setup and I haven't yet added any outside playback options.
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  • dracoskeeper
    dracoskeeper Posts: 142
    edited April 2009
    Make sure of your polarity and make sure your fixtures with ballasts have a good ground. When ever possible I like to use electronic ballasts near any audio equipment. I've also seen all kinds of noise problems when prior work was done by stab-n-jab terminations on outlets on the same circuit. I was trained to always strip conductor's and wrap at least 95% of the termination screw. It sounds like a more through investigation of the circuit may be needed.:confused:;)
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  • jimsvm
    jimsvm Posts: 307
    edited April 2009
    recheck all conections on the lights, most likly a loose neutral.
    Rec rm vm30 micro pro 3000 akai 2 channel. ht anthem MTX 5 channel anthem P2 statement anthem 325, 8 channel Martin Logan power amp for 4 ceiling ls900 2 and outdoor polks, 2 JL 110’s subs panasonic 65" plasma lsim 705’s , 706c, L200 and Control 4 garage rig monitor 10s crossovers by VR3, dynamat, RDO-194's, new drivers. psw 111 Pioneer 9040 BDP53fd 100 " screen Nakamichi HD projector, and Panasonic 65” plasma.
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  • wizzy
    wizzy Posts: 867
    edited April 2009
    I know with my GE Super Radio (running on batteries!) all I have to do is get it near a fluorescent to hear it in the tuner.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited April 2009
    CH2500 wrote: »
    So, what’s my problem?
    The ballasts are introducing noise into the system. I hate to say it but replacing the lights with either incandescents, LED's or halogen will get rid of your issue. Basically, you need to lose the ballasts. Fluorescent lights and audio don't mix very well.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited April 2009
    AM or FM ??? If AM, there's no escaping flourescent static. I have 8 fixtures in my my shop ( all old and mis-matched) and FM works fine. The audio & lighting are fed by different breakers, maybe that's why I don't have any problems. An outdoor antenna for AM recep. might allow you to use lights and tuner at the same time. :)
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  • Hillbilly61
    Hillbilly61 Posts: 702
    edited April 2009
    Definitely the ballasts.

    A. Either cheaply built or defective. Internally, they ramp up some serious voltage and will generate radio waves. Probably caused by a bad capacitor or the coil (most of the weight) are not properly shielded.

    B. As others stated here, a bad ground/neutral connecition could cause radio noise. The design may shunt the generated radio waves to the ground via it.
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