[Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] Electrical Backfeed

[Smita Desai]

Thanks Bob, that’s a lot of good info. I will put a surge protector type that you mentioned and have an electrician look at it.

The TV is fine. I was able to use Cheomecast yesterday evening to beam from my iPad to the tv.  And it worked without any problem.  Today, I want to do some more config tests to check out the sound bar etc. that Ken Pogran had suggested. 

Thanks again and will keep you posted.

Smita Desai 

Sent from my iPad

> On Jan 29, 2022, at 5:29 AM, Robert Primak <bobprimak at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> First, if there is any question about electrical grounding in your wiring, get an electrician to work FAST. Wiring and grounding faults can lead to catastrophic house or apartment fires.
> 
> Second, probably it's the coax which was not grounding properly, not the electrical wiring.
> 
> Did the tech check the outside Comcast connection (if any) to your house or apartment? Those can be troublesome as well. (My apartment has the connection in the ground, so this is not an issue for me.)
> 
> I think I would go with a better, more comprehensive solution. Two possibilities are:
> 
> An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR). A good one for media applications will run around $150.00 to $200.00. Here's one option from APC:
> 
> https://www.staples.com/APC-Back-UPS-Pro-Compact-Tower-1500VA-UPS-Battery-Backup-Surge-Protector-BX1500M/product_2724589 
> 
> The internal batteries in these are lead-acid type and replaceable. They don't offer much run time when the power goes out, but they do allow safe shutdown of anything which is running when the event occurs. And they offer excellent grounding and surge protection. You will need a properly grounded outlet for this to work.
> 
> Another option is an AV power strip with surge protection and coax connectors (for grounding and surge protection). Lots of options here. Ranging from around $15.00 to over $40.00. Such as:
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-BV107030-04-BLK-Protector-Coaxial-Protection/dp/B0040723A4 
> 
> or 
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/APC-Protection-SurgeArrest-Performance-P11VT3/dp/B0012YLTR6/ref=pd_lpo_3?pd_rd_i=B0012YLTR6&psc=1 
> 
> I would not go with a single-purpose product sold for coax grounding only. 
> 
> My TV is over seven years old, and works just fine with Comcast/Xfinity. unless you need 4k video, advanced gaming or HDR and other fancy features, I wouldn't worry about the age of the TV. Just protect the Comcast box, as you are liable for costs if you damage it by not grounding something properly.
> 
> -- Bob Primak
> 
> 
> On Friday, January 28, 2022, 11:54:45 AM EST, Smita Desai <smitausa at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> I am hoping one of the smart people on this list may have some thoughts. Thanks much in advance.
> 
> For the last couple of days, when I turn on the TV - have Comcast cable box - the sound and video would come up for a couple of seconds then go away - black screen - and keep doing that. I had the Comcast tech come in and he checked something and said That there was electrical backfeed and that would cause the cable box to not work properly. He recommended that I get the module below and that will fix it.  The module has a grounded plug with two connectors for coax cables - in and out. This would plug into the wall outlet and then the cable box would go into that.
> 
> I did some search on electrical backfeeding and found it has a lot to do with generators. I do not have one. 
> 
> https://www.amazon.com/442CGT-Grounding-Module-Outlet-Position/dp/B0892VHWX1/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1JIRCI223PP7S&keywords=442cgt+grounding+module&qid=1643388281&sprefix=442cgt+grounding+modile%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-2
> 
> The Comcast tech also suggested that the tv could be old. It is about 7years old. 
> 
> My question is if I should have an electrician check it out? If so, what should I tell them to check? Greatly appreciate any thoughts.
> 
> Thanks much,
> Smita Desai 
> 
> Sent from my iPad
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