Using powerline homeplugs across separate circuits

[Jeff105]

I have just bought an Innuos music server not realising it has no built in Wi-fi capability, but needs an ethernet wired connection to the router. This could be done only by placing it in the cupboard where the router lives, whereas I wanted to place it alongside my Naim streamer upstairs. So the manufacturer suggests using a couple of powerline homeplugs.

Looking at some advice pages on the net I have tried to clarify if this will work across separate power circuits. Downstairs has two separate mains rings, with a third mains ring upstairs. These are all fed via RCBOs from the same consumer unit and meter supply. Some say they will only work if they are on the same circuit, others that they will work across several circuits from the same supply.

Can anyone advise please?

 

[LeeH]

Yes they will unless you have seriously shoddy wiring.

 

[Jeff105]

Yes they will unless you have seriously shoddy wiring.

I'll have you know my wiring is impeccable, but thanks for your reassuring response. Just that I have seen some statements to the effect that RCBOs can be tripped by the use of powerline homeplugs.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I believe you will need to ensure the circuits are on the same phase.
It may be prudent to ensure the devices you opt for do not have a metal earth pin?

 

[Jeff105]

I believe you will need to ensure the circuits are on the same phase.

There is only one cable supplying the property and this comes via the meter to the consumer unit. Can I not therefore assume that any circuits split off from the consumer unit would all be on the same phase? Or is it not that simple?

It may be prudent to ensure the devices you opt for do not have a metal earth pin?

Sorry, but I have no idea why this might be necessary, or how it could be acheived given that all my hi fi components are supplied via 3 pin plugs where the earth pin is metal. None of them are double insulated as far as I can tell.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Yes you can assume that the circuits are all on the same phase.

You mention statements regarding RCBOs being tripped by the use of these devices.
RCDs/RCBOs trip when they detect an imbalance in the current flow between line and neutral. The missing current is known as earth leakage.
Some electronic devices have earth leakage in normal operation.
A device with no connection to earth i.e. one with a plug that has a plastic earth pin will not have earth leakage in normal operation.

 

[Jeff105]

Thanks for that further explanation. Much appreciated.

 

[Taylortwocities]

They are OK, providing that you do not want megabit preformance.

I have a three D-LINK powerline extenders providing ethernet to a couple of "smart" TVs and it works fine for download for streaming films, catch up TV etc.

There are doom nay-sayers around who'll say 'never get me up in one of those'. I expect they'll pop up below shortly.

 

[Jeff105]

They are OK, providing that you do not want megabit preformance.

I have a three D-LINK powerline extenders providing ethernet to a couple of "smart" TVs and it works fine for download for streaming films, catch up TV etc.

There are doom nay-sayers around who'll say 'never get me up in one of those'. I expect they'll pop up below shortly.

Based on these responses and those from other forums I think you are right. I have bought a pair of TPLink 600mbps units, which should be more than enough for high resolution music files. So they will either work, or not. I'll report back.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Other forums??? How unfaithful! Tut tut.

 

[Jeff105]

Other forums??? How unfaithful! Tut tut.

I have a marine reef aquarium and am a moderator on the main UK hobby forum Ultimate Reef. There is a lot of subject matter in that hobby which covers electrics, electronics, wifi etc. There are members there who are qualified electricians in their day jobs, also members who it seems have used powerline homeplugs successfully across different circuits.

No slight intended.

 

[Jeff105]

Pleased to report that everything seems to work perfectly using this product. As it has two ethernet ports on each plug I was also able to connect the Naim streamer directly instead of relying on wi-fi reception only.

Thanks to everyone who posted.

 

[Dan]

I have a marine reef aquarium and am a moderator on the main UK hobby forum Ultimate Reef. There is a lot of subject matter in that hobby which covers electrics, electronics, wifi etc. There are members there who are qualified electricians in their day jobs, also members who it seems have used powerline homeplugs successfully across different circuits.

No slight intended.

That forum is huge!

 

[Taylortwocities]

That forum is huge!

Are you jealous??

 

[Dan]

Are you jealous??

Pleased for them. I didn't realise fish were so complex!

 

[Jeff105]

Pleased for them. I didn't realise fish were so complex!

Oh yes. And some like to make it as complex as they can. Keeping delicate corals alive is the really hard part. Needs lots of electrical kit to maintain stability. Electrical gear and salt water makes for a dangerous combination in the hands of the unwary...

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Perhaps there should be a separate section in BS7671 for fish tanks and aquariums?

 

[richy3333]

Not really, there's only so many ways to cook them!

 

[Jeff105]

Perhaps there should be a separate section in BS7671 for fish tanks and aquariums?

Oh please, no!

The hobby is expensive enough already without adding extra regulatory restrictions.

 

[Jeff105]

Not really, there's only so many ways to cook them!

Very true.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Perhaps there should be a separate section in BS7671 for fish tanks and aquariums?

 

[Jeff105]

View attachment 33852

Easier ways to commit suicide are also available?

 

[Sveidi]

Pleased to report that everything seems to work perfectly using this product. As it has two ethernet ports on each plug I was also able to connect the Naim streamer directly instead of relying on wi-fi reception only.

Thanks to everyone who posted.

IT networking is my thing and have a little experience to add. I had a working system over powerlines between the house, the man cave and cow shed across circuits. I had a new up to date distribution box installed and the house fully safety tested. The network works across the upstairs and downstairs ring mains but not in the conservatory, man cave or cow shed.

 

[littlespark]

It’s possible that the addition of rcd’s has interrupted the signals between the powerline adaptors.

bring all the adaptors into one room, that you know are on the same circuit and set them up to connect.
Then move them around the house see if they lose connection on different circuits.

 

[Sveidi]

It’s possible that the addition of rcd’s has interrupted the signals between the powerline adaptors.

bring all the adaptors into one room, that you know are on the same circuit and set them up to connect.
Then move them around the house see if they lose connection on different circuits.

Ah! That is possible as they were all replaced with the new box. However, whilst it seems to work across circuit on the upstairs and downstairs ring mains, it seems not to work on the other circuits. The distribution box is a big one with two banks of 6 RCD each and the two ring mains that work seem to be on different banks. Not being a qualified sparks, I am limited to what I can do. I have a satellite router to close to the distribution box and am wondering if I should get a socket inserted directly into the circuit I want to network

 

[Deleted account]

nearly responded to this post and realised its 5 years old. I’ve started checking.