AC Line Purifier
Now you can get the maximum performance possible from your high quality audiophile or home theatre equipment by reducing or eliminating the noise delivered to your components by the AC power line. Unbalanced power lines carry many forms of noise, distortion, and hum that can seriously degrade the performance of sensitive audio and video equipment that is generated by every electrical device connected to the line, and by other components in your system.
Power balancing systems have become popular in recording studios, video studios, and large computer complexes where high performance equipment must work reliably, without interference from outside electrical influences. Much has been written on the merits of pure, clean power in professional trade publications, electrical standards publications, and audio and video society technical papers. In fact, Bell labs proposed the use of AC balancing transformers in the 1960's to remove line noise and EMI problems in installations that had sensitive, precision electronic equipment. Balancing power can make an enormous improvement in reducing the noise in your systems.
The new GC series Balanced Power AC Line Purifiers are built to rugged industrial standards to assure long life and conservative specifications. Three models allow you to select the unit that is ideal for your installation.
The AC Line Purifier is analogous to a water purifier you attach to your faucet to remove unwanted components from drinking water. The Line Purifier removes "garbage" or spikes that are reflected into your AC mains by other devices on the same line. Some of the culprits may be:
(1) By other equipment connected to the source line in your home or apartment (or neighbor's equipment on the same power pole transformer).
(2) RF and EMI interference that thinks the AC line is an antenna.
(3) Transients and harmonics from SCR dimmers, triacs, fluorescent lamps, and from some common household appliances.
(4) A nearby lighting strike that radiates an electrical charge inductively into your AC line. Note: a direct lightning hit on the AC line will hopefully damage the Line Purifier and not your expensive audio and video components.
(5) Back EMF "Kick" from solenoids and relays in washing machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners, etc.
(6) By other components that are interconnected in your audio/video system.
(7) DC components on the line from diodes used in lamps, coffee makers, hair dryers, switching supplies in computers, and other electrical devices.
The line input HF Low pass filter contains LCR components to reduce very high frequency energy such as RF and EMI components that may be present on the power line prior to entering the balancing transformer. This sealed module (bottom cover soldered to case) prevents leakage of radiating signals into the interior chassis of the Line Purifier. Another smaller low pass filter is used on the outlets labeled "Digital" to minimize clock and other induced interference from backing into the package from components connected to the GC-120. Both filters are rated for 20A service. While many consumer "line conditioners" address one or more common AC line problems, the GC series has several sections that specifically treat a variety of symptoms and individually provide a "cure" for the problem. This product was designed for professional use in recording studios and motion picture projection booths to handle the hostile electrical environments commonly found in those critical environments.
1) Input "Hash" filter. An effective LCR lowpass filter that attenuates RF signals and other high frequency interference. Both sides of the incoming AC line are filtered. Handles 20 amperes of current. Metal enclosure is completely sealed with bottom cover soldered to box to prohibit any HF signal leakage.
(2) TranZorb® industrial surge suppressors to absorb high voltage spikes.
(3) Huge custom toroid balancing transformer. Converts the unbalanced Hot and Neutral AC lines to a fully balanced output which greatly improves the performance of external components and reduces line related noise in sensitive high quality audio and video products.
(4) Hospital grade duplex outlets with isolated ground.
(5) High current LCR low pass filters to suppress HF clock signals that may radiate from CD, DVD, or DSP processing equipment. Prevents HF noise from backing into the Line Purifier from these components. This reduces incoming noise which would be distributed through the Line Purifier to other components that are connected to the unit.
(6) Precision meter for monitoring line voltage and current (Watts). The blue front panel switch (momentary) displays the amount of power you are drawing from the AC line.The line input HF Low pass filter contains LCR components (inductors, capacitors, and resistors) to reduce very high frequency energy such as RF and EMI components that may be present on the power line prior to entering the balancing transformer. This sealed module (bottom cover soldered to case) prevents leakage of radiating signals into the interior chassis of the Line Purifier. Another smaller low pass filter is used on the outlets labeled "Digital" to minimize clock and other induced interference from backing into the package from components connected to the GC-120. Both filters are rated for 20A service
Scope photo of input to GC-120 showing a 60 Hz signal mixed with high frequency RF at a high level. This signal is used to test the common mode and differential mode capabilities of the GC-120. Output of GC-120 when the noisey input signal is fed in differential (normal) mode showing how the RF signal is greatly reduced leaving the desired 60 Hz signal present at the outputs. A differential mode signal is a signal which has the same amplitude and opposite polarity on the hot and neutral input lines. Output of GC-120 when the noisey input signal is fed in common mode showing how well the system rejects common mode signals. A signal which, when referenced to ground, has the same amplitude and phase on both inputs is known as a common mode signal.
Transformer mounted in chassis. Note the size of the transformer: It is 8 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall!
This is truly a massive transformer that will easily handle the load current with very little loss. The weight of the transformer alone is 32 pounds!!
Balanced Power Transformer - The Heart of the GC Series Line Purifiers.
Our premium, custom made toroid core features more turns of thinner metal for higher efficiency, lower loss and less heat generated.
Core manufacturing uses a special vacuum impregnation of epoxy to fill small air gaps to minimize vibration and noise under heavy loads. Common (inexpensive) toroids do not incorporate this extra process. The grain-oriented silicon steel banding used to make the core is only 3 mils thick. This is much thinner material than is normally used but has the advantage of a quieter transformer.
Kapton® insulator between the primary and secondaries is extremely heat tolerant and fire resistant. Used in only the finest transformers.
Copper Faraday shield between windings stops high frequency energy from being transmitted from the primary winding to the secondaries. This shield is grounded to line ground through a separate conductor. Another important feature not found in competitive products.
Mylar wraps between the Faraday shield and the secondaries prevents "arc-over" due to extremely high voltages that may appear from the AC line (lightning strikes and transients). The combination of the Kapton insulator, mylar wrap and Faraday shield will prevent huge instantaneous voltages from arcing to the secondary windings. Hi-Pot tested.
Balance tested during production before the final mylar protection wrap is added to assure a perfectly balanced output, for maximum common mode rejection of unwanted signals.
12 gauge, stranded leads are used for the lowest wire resistance and maximum current capability. All wire used in the GC series and the transformer is UL approved for safety. The primary wire gauge is equivalent to #9 AWG wire and the secondary is equivalent to #10 AWG for minimal loss.
The Balanced Power toroid is designed to handle in excess of 2000 Watts, for a conservative published output rating of 1800 Watts.
Custom manufactured by SMART MAGNETICS, our in-house transformer maker for consistent performance and the highest manufacturing standards. A special test fixture is used to measure perfect balance before the final mylar wrap is added to the transformer. The transformer quality standards and final, finished product is inspected quarterly by a ETL field representative.
Cut-away view of the AC line balancing transformer
(1) Toroid core made from steel banding with an epoxy jacket.
(2) Final mylar wrap insulating material
(3) Primary winding
(4) Kapton® high voltage-high temperature insulator
(5) 12 AWG lead wires
(6) Secondary windings with center tap
(7) Copper Faraday shield (grounded) between primary and secondary windings
SURGE SUPRESSION
Industrial Duty TransZorb® Avalanche transient surge suppressors for long life and reliable protection against AC line spikes and transients. No MOV's (metal oxide varistors) are used in our product because these devices deteriorate with every line spike "hit" until they eventually become ineffective. Unfortunately, there is no warning or indication when MOV's can no longer protect your equipment. The TransZorb devices do nothing until their overvoltage threshold is reached when a huge transient peak or voltage spike appears. When the threshold is exceeded the bi-directional device will avalanche and instantly dump the overvoltage directly to ground. This is a very effective component used in expensive, delicate equipment. These protectors are connected directly to the incoming AC line, at the output of the dual circuit breakers, for maximum effectiveness.
Ground Fault Protection
A 20 Ampere Leviton Ground Fault Interrupter is mounted on the back of the GC-120 chassis. Any instantaneous "contact" between the balanced power output and ground will instantly shut the system down to protect the user from electrical shock, and the components connected to the Line Purifier. A reset button on the interrupter will restore power when the fault is removed or corrected.UL Recognized Components
Every component of the GC series AC Line Purifier is individually UL tested and recognized. Even the custom made front panel meter must meet the UL standards by using a high temperature Lexan® material in the window rather than the common acrylic plastic.
Output Monitoring
The calibrated front panel meter displays a constant indication of the line voltage feeding your system. The top scale is for 120 VAC units and the numbers below this line are for 240 VAC products. By pressing the illuminated blue front panel WATTS button, you may monitor the power your equipment is drawing from the line. This is a momentary reading and when the button is released, the meter again reads voltage. Premium "Hall Effect" transistors and companion opamp circuitry allow the meter to monitor both current and voltage. The expanded range of the meter (100-140 VAC or 200-280VAC) increases the precision of the meter display and gives the user a reliable indication of the exact voltage from the AC line. The internal meter calibration adjustment controls are set at the factory to an exact standard and should not be disturbed by the user.
The green circuit board contains the circuitry for monitoring the line voltage and power. It is directly attached to the terminals of the meter. The blue trimpots near the top center edge of the board are used for calibrating each meter precisely.
Dual Main Circuit Breaker
The front panel POWER switch (lower right in photo below) allows you to power-up or power-down your entire system. This is not a switch at all but a hydraulic/magnetic industrial 2 pole circuit breaker that protects both sides of the AC line. Plastic guards on top and bottom of the device minimize an accidental turn-off.
Power Outlets
The GC series uses the highly respected Hubbell AC outlets to power your system. The hospital grade, large blade contact, isolated ground duplex receptacles are UL listed for the most critical applications. Solid brass binding screws minimize corrosion over time. The isolated ground terminals of the receptacles are connected directly to the Zero potential tap of the balancing transformer. Because your audio and video components are now connected to a solid common ground, the chances of a system ground loop (difference of potential between the grounds of individual components) are greatly reduced. The green dot stands for hospital grade, and the green triangle indicates an isolated ground device.
Rear view showing the IEC input connector, the Hubbell AC receptacles, and the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
Heavy Duty Power Cord
The 6 foot power cord is made of three 14 gauge stranded conductors with a 100% shield protecting the wires. The cord is rated at 15 amperes and is UL recognized. Even though the GC series has an IEC power connector to allow you to replace the standard cord with a premium type, we do not believe you will find a more suitable replacement than the one that is supplied with the Line Purifier, without spending considerably more money.
If you invest in premium power cords for your components you will realize maximum performance because these cords plug into the "clean" side of the GC-120.
American Made
The GC series Line Purifiers are designed and manufactured in our Norcross, Georgia, USA factory. American made parts are used wherever possible. Even the front panel meter is custom manufactured for SMART by an American meter specialist, even though many Asian companies offer similar, cheaper equivalents. Every part including interconnecting wire is UL recognized and all parts are selected to meet industrial standards for reliable operation and long life.
Three models of the GC series are offered to meet specific requirements.
(1) The GC-120 is intended for use in North American installations that accept a 120 VAC line input and produce a 120VAC balanced line output.
(2) The GC-240 accepts a balanced 240VAC source (North America) and produces a clean 120VAC output.
We recommend the GC-120-1K model for countries outside North America. Click HERE for details.
Specifications
Size: 5 ¼"H x 19"W x 11"D
Weight: Shipping weight 48 lbs. (21.8 kilos)
Packaging: 19" Rack mount product with removable rubber feet (for shelf mount).
Output Power: Conservatively rated at 1800 Watts, limited by line cord size. Greater than 2000 Watts capability. 20A dual pole circuit breaker.
Outlets: 8 isolated ground outlets each rated at 20A continuous. GFCI protected.
AC Input: IEC connector with detachable 100% shielded 14 AWG stranded line cord.
Common Mode Rejection and Noise: Reduced <60 dB 1 Hz.-2 MHz.
Full Load Loss: loss at 15A less than 1 volt.
Safety: Tested to UL 506, 12th Ed. and CSA 22.2 No.66-88 specifications and certified by ETL Semko (Electronic Testing Labs), NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.)
The first review of the Garbage Collector AC Line Purifier, Model GC-120 is from "SECRETS OF HOME THEATER AND HIGH FIDELITY" on-line magazine, and can be found here. The product is reviewed by Brian Florian.
The GC-120 review by Doug Blackburn as published in Widescreen Review Magazine is here (pdf file)
The GC-120 review by Brian Bloom from Audiophile Audition is here
Download manual Article about Line Purifiers published in the Film Journal Magazine Article reprinted from audioXpress magazine from expert in the field of AC power. PDF file (531k) Previously sold for $1995 through dealers.
Order on the SMART Store for $1399Lower Power Line Purifier Products
We can also supply the GC120 in a special version that utilizes the 240VAC service in your home that powers your air conditioner, electric stove, and other appliances. Unlike the standard unbalanced 120VAC service you use for your audio system and home entertainment system, the 240VAC line is already balanced, thereby inherently reducing much of the noise you find on the 120VAC service. The unit steps down the voltage to 120VAC and then performs its "Magic" to remove the offending line noises listed above. This special customer request option requires 2 weeks to complete and deliver. Ideal for supplying power to your home entertainment room or high-end audiophile equipment. The price is the same as the standard GC-120.
