TV flicker with light switches

[beanbag]

I have a bit of a problem with my TV picture flickering every time I turn the lights on and off in my house.

It never used to do this so I'm not sure why it's happening now but I'll explain my set-up and what I've done up to now to try and fix it.

I have a Yamaha RX-V1900 amp with the following plugged into it:

- Sky+HD box (sound output is optical to the amp and not by HDMI)
- Apple TV (4th Gen)

This is then plugged into my TV all by HDMI cable.

The whole system is controlled by a Logitech Harmony system, and the Sky HDMI output plugs into an HDMI splitter to Ethernet extender so I can view the picture upstairs in my bedroom where I have an Ethernet to HDMI receiver.

I've no idea why but every time I hit the light switch the TV picture flickers. I've tried removing and trying everything individually but it's seems to be the amp is the culprit.

I thought perhaps there was a dip in voltage when I hit the lights so I decided to purchase an APC Voltage Regulator (keeping in mind it's already plugged into a high quality APC surge protector).

Nothing. Same problem. Somebody has suggested using a filter of sorts but the question is where and what is happening? I'd like to know before I splash out more money on more equipment!

Ideas?

[beanbag]

anyone?

[beanbag]

Thanks for the replies.

I've had a play with my fuses and the lights appear to be on a different circuit to the plug sockets.

We also have a reverse air con unit that heats our home and the TV flickers when this comes on too, however since installing the voltage regulator, it has improved somewhat but it still occasionally happens.

Good point regarding the kettle. I'll try that tonight.

I've tried removing the amp from the surge protector and plugging it into the new voltage regulator, but not removed it entirely from any protective devices yet. I could try that tonight but I'm very hesitant to do that. It should be fine but going by what's happening now, I'm just cautious.

Regarding the bulbs in the house. They're all 230v LED spot bulbs. We've had them for well over a year now and until now, never caused a problem.

Also, on another point, I reduced the voltage regulator output to 220v. It was originally at 230v but I thought I could try a lower voltage as all my devices support this. (According to labels on the back).

I also tried 240v but the regulator reported a low voltage so we're at 220-230 in my home.

I've also been told to try a filter but not sure what this is....or could it even help? I've already got £120 of protection equipment!!!!

Cheers!

[beanbag]

megaphone said:

Why do you think you need a surge protector in the first place? Have you had issues in the past with dodgy power?

It's 100% needed. We get a lot of lightning storms and last big storm we had just over a year ago took out my amp so it had to be sent in for repairs.

I've had it on a surge protector since....

[beanbag]

Watchman said:

Does your surge protection keep a log? Would be interesting to see the size of the spike. You could then test switching things off and on all over the house without risking your AV kit.

I had a relatively cheap APC UPS once (£100) that you could download software for and keep an eye on things. It was quite interesting to see the mains voltage shift up and down from time to time.

Nope, it's very basic stuff I have.

I have this voltage regulator:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/APC-LE1200I-Automatic-Volt...

And this surge protector (but with European sockets as I live in Spain):


http://www.amazon.co.uk/APC-PL8VT3-GB-Performance-...

Sadly there is no way to get a log. Is there anything I can buy to analyse this?

Also, would an RFI / Noise filter help?

[beanbag]

megaphone said:

beanbag said:

as I live in Spain):

Now you tell us!

Yeah, should have probably said that before. Just didn't think.

I've gone and bought some EMI/RFI graphite filters to put around the HDMI and power cables that I have. Reckon that will make much of a difference?

[beanbag]

megaphone said:

Does the amp have a ground/earth on the power lead?

It should do. It's an IEC plug type.



I guess the next question is if the earth on the socket is actually properly wired in. How would I check that without electrocuting myself? I've got a multimeter that I can use....

[beanbag]

Cheers. I may very well return the APC voltage regulator but since I have 30 days with Amazon and I've ordered the graphite filters, I'm going to wait and try with these first. (Fingers crossed)!!!

[beanbag]

I'm still completely lost with everything however I made a bit of a discovery today.

I plugged in my multimeter into a socket and turned the lights on and off. When switching them off, the voltage would spike, sometimes to 1500v+

https://youtu.be/jdxSaMX9QAI

Is this normal? I also noticed the same when our A/C unit switched on and off and that's meant to be on another circuit....

[beanbag]

AW10 said:

OP, have you confirmed that all of the outlets you're using are actually earthed? I recall a mate's flat on the continent where he cracked the outlet and went to replace it before he moved out. Bought a new outlet, swapped it only to find there was no earth wire at all - someone had installed an earthed outlet, probably so that they could use an earthed appliance. Not clever but it happens.

Gingerbreadman - sounds like voltage drop? An iron should be a pretty benign item to switch on and off. Presumably the telly blinks every time the iron starts a reheat? Just in case can you try a different iron?

I'm pretty certain it's earthed. I checked with my multimeter and got a complete circuit.

I'm expecting delivery of my filters today so I'll attach these to all the HDMI leads and power chords. I'm hoping this will work, otherwise I'll probably invest in a decent APC back up power supply to try and filter out the voltage drop and noise.

[beanbag]

An update on my part. I've put graphite noise filters on every sodding cable (including mains), without any success. It's definitely better but it's still flickering when I hit the light switch.

My missus is getting quite pissed off with it all as she thinks the amp is broken but seeing as it only happens when I turn something on and off, I think it's very much circuit related.

So what are my next options?

Should I return the voltage regulator?

What should I replace it with?

What can I test next before calling in an electrician?

[beanbag]

westom said:

beanbag said:

What can I test next before calling in an electrician?

You are testing to fix it. Therefore you are only confusing yourself. And shorting your best help of any facts that can create a reply.

Posted previously was how to fix it. That means first defining the problem. You do not even know if the noise is entering on AC mains, coax cable, or via the air. Because you did not do what was recommended - to identify the problem long before trying to fix it (ie with filters).

BTW, if filters were a solution, those filters must typical weight on the order of 10 Kg. But again, any recommendation for a solution at this point can only be wild speculation. Already posted was how to obtain informed and useful replies.

I get you're trying to help but this is all new to me. I'm no electrician so how about a little patience?

I don't have an APC unit to read the voltages as described. That would involve me having to buy one which I'd rather not do at this stage.

I've been trying to get through this in a logical manner and while I appreciate all the help, it might not be as clear to me as it is to (I presume), an expert like you.

So....as before. What is my next step? Clearly the filters were next to useless.

Do I return the APC voltage regulator and then what?

Do I buy an APC power supply and try and connect it to my laptop and monitor the voltages? It's quite an expensive option and I'd rather not do this unless it's very certain this will resolve the issue.

[beanbag]

JimbobVFR said:

I had a similar problem that I traced to a failing power supply for 12V light fittings. I wonder if 1 or more of your led bulbs are failing, maybe remove the LEDs and add them back one by one might help find which one it is.

I thought that too but they're 230v LED's so there's no transformer in the system.

I've decided to get an electrician in to check everything is working correctly while we're away on holiday. In fact, we're having the whole house re-done before we put it on the market so on another note, if you fancy buying a 3 bed home in the middle of a golf course near Marbella, let me know!