Filtering power surges....

snedie · 5 Jan 2013 at 23:05

Wasn't sure which section to put this under given the nature, here seems good a any.

I have a mini fridge in my study, which seems to be throwing out power surges whenever the compressor turns on or off (not sure which). For the most part it doesn't affect any of my computer equipment, but recently I noticed something odd happening with my Saitek X52 flight controller. When the power surge occurs, or what I presume to be a surge or even a drop in voltage, the controller resets itself. I have also noted the same thing occurring with an external DVD writer.

I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on this. I was considering hooking a multi-meter to the mains to monitor for surges or voltage drops but given the fridge compressor turns on at random intervals it's a bit impractical to say the least. I do have a UPS which filters the mains power through a battery and inverter, however it's quite old and the power consumed keeping the battery charged would add 1/8 to my computers electricity usage.

Any info greatly appreciated. If it's of any use I use two Corsair 950 Watt TX PSU's in my rig. I get the same phenomenon when using a single PSU; I tested both individually, both exhibit the same result.

MeEsH BaKkA · 5 Jan 2013 at 23:50

Its the compressor (motor) in the fridge drawing a large load on startup, It shouldnt be noticeable but it could mean the fridge is on its way out.

snedie · 6 Jan 2013 at 00:21

MeEsH BaKkA said:
Its the compressor (motor) in the fridge drawing a large load on startup, It shouldnt be noticeable but it could mean the fridge is on its way out.

It's probably why it had 50% off in Asda. It's strange how it only seems to effect my USB peripherals though, makes me a bit worried that it is effecting other more sensitive components.

Phal · 6 Jan 2013 at 01:41

If the UPS was any good it should still feed a clean/stable power supply through to your PC regardless of what's going on with your fridge :/

RJC · 6 Jan 2013 at 09:26

The fridge on start up will pull a higher current, There could be a issue with the start capacitor on the compressor, but you really need to check with a amp clamp.

The other option is how overloaded is your ring main on your room, can try running the fridge on different socket or down stairs ring main.

snedie · 6 Jan 2013 at 10:55

Phal said:
If the UPS was any good it should still feed a clean/stable power supply through to your PC regardless of what's going on with your fridge :/

Sorry I may not have written that part as clearly as I could have. The UPS fixes the problem entirely, it was the first thing I tried before I figured out it was the fridge causing the problem.

snedie · 6 Jan 2013 at 11:02

RJC said:
The fridge on start up will pull a higher current, There could be a issue with the start capacitor on the compressor, but you really need to check with a amp clamp.

The other option is how overloaded is your ring main on your room, can try running the fridge on different socket or down stairs ring main.

Total draw at any time for the upstairs mains bus is around 1.5Kw to 2Kw if we have a fan or two on the go in the summer as well as the computers and the odd Xbox/PS3. Most of the time the load is just from me and doesn't edge much over 1Kw when in game; That includes power for PC, Monitors, Amps, Subs and fridge when on.

Unfortunately I don't know anyone with an amp clamp, and although I would love to have my hands on one I simply don't have the wonga to buy one. The most I could do is leave the plug open and attach a multi-meter direct, with obvious safety precautions taken so I don't wind up frying myself.

Soundood · 6 Jan 2013 at 11:03

the problem is you have it in the study, the fridge is sharing the same 'ring' as yout computer.

kitchens have a seperate ring, to isolate it from the rest of the house, to prevent this, and other issues occuring.

plug it into the wall socket in the kitchen, and it will stop

i assume your UK based

snedie · 6 Jan 2013 at 11:08

soundood said:
the problem is you have it in the study, the fridge is sharing the same 'ring' as yout computer.

kitchens have a seperate ring, to isolate it from the rest of the house, to prevent this, and other issues occuring.

plug it into the wall socket in the kitchen, and it will stop

i assume your UK based

Yep UK home and true.

I'll whack some cabling down through the floor seen as I'm quite literally above the "house fridge" and wire it into there. Thanks bud.

bitslice · 6 Jan 2013 at 12:07

soundood said:
the problem is you have it in the study, the fridge is sharing the same 'ring' as yout computer.
kitchens have a seperate ring, to isolate it from the rest of the house, to prevent this, and other issues occuring.
plug it into the wall socket in the kitchen, and it will stop

That is a very good first step, but it may not stop the problem entirely, it's just putting the problem further away. It might work, it might not.

If you have an electrician handy, check the earth resistance is OK,
Otherwise, to fix the source of the problem, add a contact suppressor and a mains rated varistor at the fridge's L-N, some fridges have a choc-block connection. (about £5 of components)
Get a competent person to do this.

Modern fridges don't clunk quite as much, yours could be on its way out.