AC Power Line Conditioners

Power Conditioners provide effective and reliable protection against not only voltage fluctuations and line disturbances, but also less common electrical noise. In essence a Power Conditioner delivers what is commonly referred to as a ‘CLEAN’ supply.

The term Power Conditioner / Power Conditioning is widely misunderstood and misquoted.  It is all too easy to ask for, or be told you need, a Power Conditioner (AKA Line Conditioner / Power Line Conditioner) when in fact, a less costly Voltage Stabiliser/ Regulator will normally be more than adequate for your needs.

So, to determine whether you actually need a Power Conditioner, you should really try to understand the utility supply problems you are experiencing. If your problem is simply voltage fluctuations and spikes, then a Voltage Stabiliser is your best and the most cost-efficient solution. However, if in addition, you are experiencing the less common problem of electrical noise coming down the line a Power Conditioner will indeed be the most appropriate solution.

Voltage Stabilisation is typically derived from either an inbuilt Static Electronic or Servo Electronic / Electro-Mechanic Voltage Stabiliser. Filters usually provide electrical noise protection on the smaller low-cost single-phase systems. For larger single and three-phase systems, the defence is derived by including an inbuilt isolation transformer, which also delivers enhanced protection against transient voltage and spikes.

For home audio/theatre applications, electrical noise on the incoming supply can often result in an annoying hum or buzz being heard. For the inexperienced ear, this would probably be virtually inaudible; however, it could prove highly irritating to a true audiophile.

Before one anticipates a solution to this problem, one should perhaps first carry out a simple test of measuring the supply volts at different times of the day as low frequency ‘hum’ (50/60Hz) can often be cured by ensuring that the audio amplifier is receiving the correct voltage from the mains supply. In days gone by, audio amplifier manufacturers were perhaps more aware of these problems and would often incorporate a voltage selector switch in the back of the amplifier.

A Power Conditioner would undoubtedly be a possible answer to the problem, especially if you are also suffering from a low or high utility mains voltage, but if the problem is basically electrical noise, then a quality Power Bar Filtered Strip could prove to be a far more cost-efficient solution and would probably be more readily available from the major online general retailers.