Where to put the....beer fridge?

So not really a typical question, but it relates to power and its impact on my 2chnl rig.

My HT is separate from my dedicated 2chnl space in basement, but is adjacent. However, I have one of those smallish refreshment fridges in my HT space and every time the compressor or whatever it is turns on, my TV picture either flickers or goes completely out - like blacks out for about 20 seconds then comes back on.

1. What's causing this and what do I do to resolve the TV blackout (iso transformer)? The TV is not in the same receptacle as fridge. All the HT components are on a decent power strip on a different receptacle than the fridge.
   
   
2. I'm all about 2chnl and that's my passion so my main "concern" is what, if any, ill effects the fridge is having on my 2chnl? I haven't noticed any when listening and I suppose its no different than the fridge in the kitchen upstairs, but just looking for any advice.
   
   
3. If its best to move the fridge to say the laundry room, that's where my network rack and server are located to feed the 2chnl room (running fiber to listening room) and so what problems will that inflict on those network components.

Would a Isolation transformer for just the fridge help so that I could keep it in the HT area?

 

Go offline, and you can make Maggie’s
Coolest Cooler

 

Your powerstrip maybe seeing the fridge startup as a surge??Don't move it too far though...precious contentsan extension cord makes for a quick experiment.

 

This sounds like the fridge is causing a voltage drop. I suggest you contact your utility to find out what the voltage is coming in. It sounds like it may be at the bottom of spec so when a motor starts up, with its high initial load, the voltage drops below what the TV can handle.

When I had problems like that (several of my UPSs in my server room were tripping multiple times a day), my utility put a recorder on the line and discovered, in the end, that there was some faulty equipment in the substation. Once they fixed that, the problem went away.

 

I believe an electrician should be able to install a capacitor for this kick-on draw. Not sure what the code requires for indoor installations but pretty sure that's the fix.

 

Since you don't seem to be having trouble with anything else, I'd have an electrician check the fridge electrical installation. It should be grounded and be on a circuit where it can draw current without sharing with your theater. I had a small fridge by my couch in my listening room years ago and I never had any sort of trouble with interference.
-Bill

 

You could get a power conditioner (one with voltage regulation) for your hi fi components, but it will be costly.

Maybe enlist an electrician to put your power outlets to your hifi and HT onto a seperate circuit?

 

That should be part of the fridge itself. It could be bad. But yeah, he needs to have the fridge and its power connections checked out.
-Bill

 

Power conditioning is not the cure for instantaneous voltage drops in most cases. It sounds like you might have a wiring issue inside of your house, and that when the fridge kicks on it is drawing too much current from the circuit. The solution is to have you fridge running on a separate circuit from your HT setup.

 

Yup, separate circuit is certainly the best option.

 

Someone must have hacked your OP photo because what's showing now is a teensy weensy mini (mini) bar cooler and not a beer fridge!

Where's its Mom?!



Jeff

 

I’ve spotted your problem: there’s Bud Light in that fridge!!

 

...and Schlitz?

 

I think that’s Shiner Light Blonde?
Looks like we might need a good beer intervention.

 

I think you're to add the Sprite to it to give it some flavor.



Jeff

 

Apologies to the OP. Comes here for advice and has to endure our beverage critiques!
I don’t have much to offer. I don’t think a mini fridge should produce the results mentioned. A vacuum cleaner or mixer, maybe. At least the 2-channel system is on a dedicated circuit which *should* prevent any intrusion. I say call in a sparky and have them check those circuits. A good one will know what to look for.
Good luck!

 

lol, I was only expecting 1 or 2 responses, so thanks for the info. The odd thing is that this is new'ish behavior (sorry should have mentioned that). When I purchased the fridge I thought nothing of it and over time noticed the TV behavior.

FWIW The pic is a stock photo

 

I put mine on a timer so it doesn't run when I am using the system.

 

That is a relief! Beer selection aside, I was concerned that your beer fridge was 2/3 taken up by fully stocked and faced Pepsi and Sprite.

 

I had just assumed that there was a 1.75L of Jim Beam Black in the cabinet next to it...
-Bill

 

I keep mine next to all the other paint thinners and strippers in my shop.



Jeff

 

Any shop with Jim Beam Black and strippers is isn't gonna make Jack a dull boy...
-Bill

 

Uh huh... A likely story....

 

in the most convenient place where you can find the space!

 

Maker’s Mark guy here, but my concern was really more with the picture-perfect facing of the cans. That’s borderline serial killer behavior...