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[Jamin Lynch]

Is it a bad idea to put power amps and lighting dimmers in the same equipment rack? They will have separate power sources. Just trying to save on space.

Thanks

[Hal Bissinger/COMSYSTEC]

I can't say if it will be a problem or not in your case but I certainly wouldn't want to find out. There is a reason this is not done, dimmers and audio don't play nice.
 
-Hal

[Jimmy Wright]

If the power for them is coming from the same panel (i.e. sharing a ground or neutral), then YES.  BAD IDEA.  Technically the chasis' of each audio and electrical piece is connected to the ground.  Therefore allowing the ground for the lighting dimmers to be connected to the audio grounds...It will allow some pretty major ground loop hum.

If you were to isolate the audio ground from the lighting ground by using isolating rack screws and washers, and a separate ground to the master panel (not just the subpanel), then you could get away with it.

Best recommendation, don't do it.  Separate rack.

Is it a bad idea to put power amps and lighting dimmers in the same equipment rack? They will have separate power sources. Just trying to save on space.

Thanks

[ProSoundWeb Community]