Your opinion on power line filters on IEC mains connector?

[Joost]

I need to select an IEC power entry connector. I have two laying around. A standard screw terminal IEC connector, or a solder terminal IEC connector with power filter (see image).

Which would you use? Why? Thanks!

[img:200:200]http://www.alliedelec.com/Images/Produc ... 1-0394.jpg[/img]

[XgamerGt03]

I don't use screw terminals for anything unless I absolutely have to so I would go with the solder terminals. I've had wires break off of screw terminals too easy at work to spend time on them in something I would have to open up to get to.

I also like having the IEC filter on my amps due to the number of products that I own that don't have an IEC filter on their inputs. A lot of the sample products I get from work have no IEC filter and some of them are pretty hefty battery chargers, so I've got some pretty dirty power.

[HTH]

I installed a filtered IEC inlet in an amp that had a fixed mains cord and noticed no improvement in mains hum. I wouldn't bother in a guitar amp, but thats my experience.

[Joost]

I don't use screw terminals for anything unless I absolutely have to so I would go with the solder terminals. I've had wires break off of screw terminals too easy at work to spend time on them in something I would have to open up to get to.

I also like having the IEC filter on my amps due to the number of products that I own that don't have an IEC filter on their inputs. A lot of the sample products I get from work have no IEC filter and some of them are pretty hefty battery chargers, so I've got some pretty dirty power.

That's exactly my thought. I don't like the screw terminals, so the IEC filter then

[paulster]

You won't get a hum reduction but you'll make the amp less susceptible to RF and other mains-borne noise, and if you're looking to get CE compliance (probably not) then you'll reduce the emissions back onto the mains from the amp.

[Structo]

The only problem with those IEC filters is the length of the unit.
When I tried to use one in the past there was not room in the amp for the unit and it's extra length.
If it fits, great! It can only help things sound better.

[Cliff Schecht]

I've got at least 50 of those things, someone gave me a bunch last summer. If I can fit them I will use them. You don't notice a reduction in hum as others said but they do help suppress other crap from getting in your signal path (like when the AC kicks on and makes your amp pop). They are nice in the studio where you definitely don't want pops coming through in the mix..

[Joost]

Thanks guys. Yeah the size is problematic which was one of the two problems that made me doubt using it.

[jjman]

Anyone know exactly how this "filter" works? Is it a ferrite thing or capacitor(s)? Both? A "death cap" in disguise?

[Cliff Schecht]

They are big LC filters (series L's, shunt C's) to eliminate RF crap from your AC signal.

[ToneMerc]

Anyone know exactly how this "filter" works? Is it a ferrite thing or capacitor(s)? Both? A "death cap" in disguise?

Basically, it's a fancy snubber network for your AC input. I never bothered to take it to this level, but I do put MOV's on all my builds though.


http://www.kmitl.ac.th/emc/vuttipon/My% ... ers_LG.pdf

[mumford]

I used one in an amp and didn't see any difference.

What it has me wondering is if it would take care of the interference I pick up from my cell phone through my stereo. any thoughts on that?

[ToneMerc]

I used one in an amp and didn't see any difference.

What it has me wondering is if it would take care of the interference I pick up from my cell phone through my stereo. any thoughts on that?

I'm thinking it most likely won't as the RFI ingress point is almost certainly post the AC main input.

TM