Cause of Electrical Shock From A Guitar Amp
|
How to Repair a Guitar Amplifier – Prevent Electric Shock form a Guitar Amp: The important thing is to attach the ground wire to the metal chassis of the guitar amp. Cords can become frayed after a great deal of use. Also inspect where the cord enters the amp because this is a high stress area where the cords generally break down. |
Electric Guitar and a Shocking Amp Makes Wild Music
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have a rather old guitar tube amp, circa ’63ish, not sure exactly.
- Anyways, I’ve recently had a shocking experience with this amp. I was holding my guitar while the amp was on, and reached up to mess with something else that was electric, and I felt a moderate shock on my hand and arm.
- Now, I’m no electrician, and neither is my dad, but he’s had more experience with this than I have, and is going to replace the plug. I don’t really know how safe this is, but I don’t think I can change his mind. What I think is going to get rid of this shocking problem is changing the old two prong plug to a three prong.
- A few questions about Fixing a Guitar Amp
- Is this relatively safe to do if he’s had experience with replacing electronic stuff before?
- What sort of stuff should we look out for?
- Will this even fix my problem?
I don’t know much about electronics, but here’s what the amp says in terms of voltage: 117V, 60C, 30W, .25A
Background: Colin, a Handyman from Tacoma, WA
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your home electrical wiring question Colin.
How to Repair a Guitar Amplifier
Prevent Electric Shock form a Guitar Amp
- You may have received a shock due to a frayed wire on the amp side or there may be something else happening.
- A test with a continuity meter will show if there is a voltage leak happening with a component. I always check the cords and connectors because they are the most likely to receive the most ware and tare.
- Replacing the power cord and plug with a 3-wire setup is always best, just make sure the polarity is right, black wire on the brass screw or smaller blade, and the white on the silver screw or larger blade, the green or ground is the center prong by itself of course.
- The important thing is to attach the ground wire to the metal chassis of the guitar amp. Cords can become frayed after a great deal of use. Also inspect where the cord enters the amp because this is a high stress area where the cords generally break down.
- Inside the amp area, it may be easier just to splice the new cord with the existing wires to avoid soldering, just use the correct size wire connectors that are good and tight.
- I hope I covered all your questions. As for your Dad helping out – I think that’s great.
- You may want to look over his shoulder or lend a hand. Few things make a Dad proud like being able to help out their kids. Just make sure the unit is not plugged in and double check everything before plugging it back in and flipping the switch.
Oh – one more thing, don’t forget to give Dad a pat on the back for being willing to help out his Son!
The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:
For more information about Grounding
Electrical Grounding
This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Electrical Safety
Home Electrical Safety
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Guitar Amp and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Unplugged a Lamp and the Electricity Goes Out – Lets Check This Out | Local Codes May Determine Electrical Service Panel Locations |
