Polarized & Non-Polarized AC Cord Connection

[zozoe]

Hi all,, I realize I'm playing it dangerously until I can get my tech to install a 3 prong, but the AC cord simply crumbled on me & I want to put in a temporary cord. Now, with a non-polarized cord, either of the ends can go the power switch or the fuse tap, right? Right, but with a polarized cord, does it still not matter which wires go where? While this is only temporary, maybe the non-p cord would be better in case I'm getting hum...?
Thanks & be well.

[ChopSauce]

If I really would be to stay well, I wouldn't use the amp without it being grounded.

And yes, even with a 3 prong cord, the live may not be were it is supposed to be. Yet there's a standard for the mains connection, not everyone seems to be aware of it...

[SoulFetish]

Hi all,, I realize I'm playing it dangerously until I can get my tech to install a 3 prong, but the AC cord simply crumbled on me & I want to put in a temporary cord. Now, with a non-polarized cord, either of the ends can go the power switch or the fuse tap, right? Right, but with a polarized cord, does it still not matter which wires go where? While this is only temporary, maybe the non-p cord would be better in case I'm getting hum...?
Thanks & be well.

I implore you, do NOT attempt any mains wiring if you do not know what you are doing. I know it may not seem like it, but this is the most important connection in your amp. I've had amps come in, where amateurs tried to "rig up" some mains wiring that was so dangerous, it would keep me up at night thinking about it. I mean, they were lucky they or someone else wasn't seriously hurt or worse. Do not bet your life on being lucky.
Just wait until it can be done right. Or, if your willing to bet your life on your own wiring ability (and you have the tools to do it), we can walk you through how to do it competently, and correctly.

[Phil_S]

Hi all,, I realize I'm playing it dangerously until I can get my tech to install a 3 prong...

I don't think you do realize or you wouldn't have posted this. It is not a matter of maybe getting shocked. It is a matter of maybe getting electrocuted...and someone dying. Leave it until someone who knows what he's doing can fix it.

[R.G.]

You're getting good advice. Don't do that. Spend your time getting it to the tech faster.

One big issue with being new to some field of knowledge is that you don't know WHAT you don't know. In the case of AC wiring, it appears to be simple, at least compared to the more complex siring inside the amp. What's not obvious is that the AC mains wiring includes not only the cord, switch, fuse, and transformer primary, but also the chassis, the chassis of every metal appliance/device that is plugged into the building's AC wiring, and the dirt around and under the building, and metallic water pipes.

If you get the AC wiring inside the chassis just slightly wrong, then you can be electrocuted dead by touching the chassis (or the guitar plugged into the chassis) and anything else that happens to be properly grounded, or just holding the guitar and standing on a conductive surface. And that is only the obvious ways to get electrocuted with bad AC wiring.

I have decades of experience with AC wiring and I still make a point to check my work after a long break so I can actually see my mistakes. Please - as you note, be well.

[zozoe]

I hear you all & all of your cautionary advise, and I thank you. Good looking out!! That's why I don't modify amps, I just buy them, get them to my tech, & play them. On this particular Bogen HE-10 mono p.a. amp, whose AC cord externally deteriorated & simply crumbled, & I just want to attach a fresh cord to the same two wires inside that amp that didn't deteriorate, and since the original cord & my new cord are Non-Polarized, i figure that it doesn't matter which wire goes where. Sound reasonable enough?
Thanks, Kenny

[Phil_S]

No, that's not right. The hot wire needs to go to the fuse. If you aren't able to determine which is which and if you don't know how to make what's called a proper "workman like" connection, you are beyond what you ought to be doing.

In the bad old days, when plugs weren't polarized, I don't know what they did. There is probably a "death cap" inside to deal with it, but that is not considered to be a reliable solution by today's standards.

You already had 3 warnings about this. This is your fourth. By now you should have got the message. Don't do it.

[pompeiisneaks]

I think, if you really want to do it.

DON'T DO IT

~Phil

[Koolaide]

If the cord is crumbling there may be other issues that could be dangerous. You came here for advice. All the folks that gave you said advice, are experienced and knowledgeable IMHO. (Myself excluded.) These are folks that I come to for help and advice. I value their advice. You should too. I know you are anxious to use the amp, but you have to ask yourself is the risk to your life worth it? Please wait and take it to your tech.

Peace
Jim

[zozoe]

PHIL S.,, Hi all & hope all are well~ On the pic of this plug, which lug is considered the hot, which from what I understand, is connected to the fuse post?

Thanks all, happy 4th & a better 5th~

Screenshot_20200704-161731_Gallery.jpg

[sluckey]

Take a look at the wall outlet and it will be obvious.

[zozoe]

Thanks SLUCKEY,,, it's the other end I'm curious to know,,, the wire on the narrower lug on the plug, as I hear it, goes to the fuse connection on the amp. Right? Right!

[R.G.]

...
carefully not replying
...

[drew]

Zozoe, what is your location? Perhaps you are near a member who can help you.

[sluckey]

Thanks SLUCKEY,,, it's the other end I'm curious to know,,, the wire on the narrower lug on the plug, as I hear it, goes to the fuse connection on the amp. Right? Right!

Troll!