Elliot,
Here's what I suggest. In order to trouble shoot the problem disconnect your different sections/blocks fed by the base.
Then add them back one at a time. Testing at each stage. If you add in a section and things stop working you have found a problem.
One thing I would try is disconnect your extension cord to your layout conduit system from the wall socket.
Then run a three core earthed extension cord from that socket to your base. Run a separate extension to power your transformer(s). Then try some test runs. Got to be worth a try.
Nick
