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. © By: Dave Rongey |
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.
| 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 |
