We've had problems with a number of devices that communicate over power lines — both the TED 5000 electricity monitor and most recently a pair of Netgear powerline networking adapters.
I've tried a first pass of trying to find a particular appliance that might be generating noise, but even with all the breakers off but one we still have the same problems.
I'm looking for suggestions as to what I can do to diagnose this problem…is there any way for me to diagnose the magnitude of "noise" on the circuits? Are there other things I should try?
Best Answer
You don't specify what kind of problems you're experiencing. No signal at all? Low signal? Dropped packets?
The latest NEC codes require arc fault interrupters, which have been shown to interfere with powerline signals.
Further, as others have explained, the powerline signal may not bridge correctly to the other leg of the powerline. There are bridges that you can connect to both 120V legs of the 220V power input that will allow the signals to more easily pass from one leg to the other.
However, if you can't discover the issue, then you will likely need to take an oscilloscope to the main line to see if you are getting interference from your neighbors.
Lastly, high RF can impair these devices. If you are near transmission towers or other RF generating businesses then you may simply be out of luck.