Noise through headphones when I turn off heater

[UnspokenWhale]

Not sure what forum to post this is, so sorry if this is the wrong one.

Anyways, there's something strange going on with my audio. I have a space heater near me (plugged into the same outlet as my computer, if relevant) and whenever I turn it off I hear an electrical "pop" sound. My headphones are plugged into my motherboard and I can hear it quite clearly. One interesting thing to point out is that thing only happens when I turn the unit off. As in, turning on and off the heat does nothing. So even if it's only pulling a small amount of power, turning it off will cause it to make the sound.

Things I've tried:

- Plugging my headphones into the monitor (which gets audio via DP). The sound is much quieter but still there.
- Using my speakers (which are plugged into my monitor). Much quieter, but still audible when volume is turned up all the way.
- Plugging the heater into another outlet. Not as loud but I can still hear it.

I am very confused as to why this is happening and I don't know how to fix it. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

[t53186]

Nothing strange going on with you audio, it is picking up "electrical interference" caused by the heater. The noise you describe is EMI caused by arcing within the switch.

 

[UnspokenWhale]

Thanks for the response.

I knew it was probably some sort of interference but I don't understand why I can hear it. What is picking up the interference?

 

[t53186]

I'd say your headphones are acting as an antenna. Any strong EMI signal can be electrically induced in any and all electrical conductors (wires) including the 120vac ground wire. For the Audio components of your motherboard to amplify the signal it helps to have an input, like the headphone cable which act like an antenna and "capture" the pulse of EMI and place it in very close proximity to the amplifier. EMI is like a radio station sending out a pulse, or in some cases static, whining noise, ets.

 

[UnspokenWhale]

You're probably correct about the signal being amplified.

Looks like I'm going to need to invest in a faraday cage...