Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: Fred B, Location: Upstate, NY
Asked on: Friday, May 28, 2021 at 7:48 am EDT
Answered on: Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 10:55 am EDT
Question: I've got a large residential building, very old house, some old rag wire no grounds, that is creating so much RF interference that circuit tracer can't even be heard. I've had this on occasion that was usually related to just a couple of circuits, but this one I've got so much interference that it is on every panel (home has 4 panels) and a couple of rooms can actually pick it up in the middle of the room. Now question is what would be the source? POCO? Some sort of equipment? How would I track it down, or can anything actually be done? Is it dangerous to equipment or wiring? This house is getting a change that may initiate the installation of AFCI on some of the circuits, will this level of RF be an issue with them?
Potential Sources of RF Interference
Power lines
High-voltage power lines outside the house can emit RF interference.
Electrical equipment
Appliances, motors, and electronic devices can generate RF noise.
Fluorescent lights
Older fluorescent lights can emit significant RF interference.
Medical equipment
Some medical devices, such as MRI machines, emit RF energy.
Wireless devices
Cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and Bluetooth speakers can contribute to RF noise.
Adjacent buildings
RF interference can penetrate walls and floors from neighboring properties.
Tracking Down the Source
1.
Identify the affected circuits
Determine which panels and rooms are experiencing the highest levels of RF interference.2.
Inspect wiring
Check for old or damaged wires, especially rag wire, which lacks proper grounding.3.
Disconnect appliances and electronics
Turn off or unplug all electrical devices one by one to isolate the source of interference.4.
Use a spectrum analyzer
A spectrum analyzer can detect and measure RF interference. Use it to identify the frequency and strength of the noise.5.
Check outside sources
Walk around the exterior of the house and look for potential sources of interference, such as power lines or substations.
Addressing the Interference
Grounding
Ensure that all electrical wires are properly grounded.
Shielding
Wrap affected wires with EMI shielding to minimize interference.
Surge protectors
Install surge protectors on electrical panels to suppress RF noise.
Power filters
Use power filters on outlets to block RF interference.*
Contact POCO
If external power lines are suspected as the source, contact the local power company to investigate.
Impact on AFCIs
High levels of RF interference can affect AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) devices. AFCIs rely on detecting certain electrical patterns to trip and prevent electrical fires. Excessive RF noise can trigger false tripping or prevent AFCIs from functioning properly.
Safety Concerns:
RF interference at high levels can potentially damage electrical wiring and equipment over time. It is not considered a direct health hazard to occupants, but can cause discomfort and disruption to electronic devices. Flag for review