Another D-lator

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heisthl
Posts: 1800
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:35 am
Location: Phoenix

Re: Another D-lator

Post by heisthl »

The IEC method is hands down the safest especially if the fuse is part of the assembly so you have to remove the cord to get at it.
That said, I've thought about exactly what he is saying regarding the switch and fuse holder dangers and it doesn't really hold water - here's why: Assume you run the hot wire to the fuse and put it on the farend terminal of the 3AG type fuse holder. Assuming you are using a first run, good quality fuse holder it is nearly impossible to get shocked unless you have "needle" fingers and/or are a total moron or worse yet wrapping the fuse in foil.
A more likely danger senario is your amp falls off the chair at the club or falls into stuff in the band van or flips off the back seat of your car etc. Somehow something punches the power switch and damages it. You don't find it until you're at the gig reaching over the back of your amp to flip it on (burning flesh), Even if you noticed the damage most musicians (and you know who you are, we all would do this) would monkey with the switch hoping they could get the amp to work (burning odor of flesh). Do you really want the hot anywhere near the switch? The typical power switch toggle handle is metal and does conduct. I became aware of this potential problem when an amp got damaged in shipping and have been switching neutral ever since.
Former owner of Music Mechanix
www.RedPlateAmps.com
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UltraHookedOnPhonix
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Location: Dumbleland

Re: Another D-lator

Post by UltraHookedOnPhonix »

He goes on to mention that (paraphrasing), "only you, the builder, can in the end determine what's safe". He also recommends picking up a copy of the IEC/UL 60065 and documenting that you've read it. Now, if you're a manufacturer that would be a great idea because as Mr. Keen mentiones, "that removes the presumtion of reklessness" should you ever have to face the music in a court of law.
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UltraHookedOnPhonix
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Re: Another D-lator

Post by UltraHookedOnPhonix »

double
argonaut
Posts: 72
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 1:47 pm
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Re: Another D-lator

Post by argonaut »

UltraHookedOnPhonix wrote:Very Nice argonaut!

By the looks of it, you have the power switch and fuse on the neutral line instead of the hot. There is a difference between the hot and neutral line unlike back in the 2-prong days. I’m not certain of the safety implications but I’d wire it the contemporary way.
The choke Dumble used is 10H, I think alot of folks here are using a 3H deluxe reverb choke with good results-
It's probably because of RF's loop. I'm 95% certain that the one in RF's is this exact one:
www.mojomusicalsupply.com/item.asp?pid= ... id=MOJO778
Good call!

It is in fact reversed from what I had intended. :oops:

heisthl brings up some interesting points as well. Thanks much!
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