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Polarized Plug in a Non-Polarized Outlet


Peter P.

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I bought a new, used tuner. The new tuner has a polarized plug but all the outlets on my integrated amp are non-polarized. I'd cut the plug off and install a non-polarized plug, but  the spacing between plugs on the amp is too narrow to accommodate a replacement plug.

 

What are my options? I want to use the switched outlet on the amp.

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4 hours ago, Peter P. said:

I bought a new, used tuner. The new tuner has a polarized plug but all the outlets on my integrated amp are non-polarized. I'd cut the plug off and install a non-polarized plug, but  the spacing between plugs on the amp is too narrow to accommodate a replacement plug.

 

What are my options? I want to use the switched outlet on the amp.

 

A flat file.  You may have to flip the plug to control hum from a ground loop. 

 

Yes, polarized plugs are a safety measure, but a polarized 2-prong plug and an unpolarized plug from years ago are wired the same internally.  Three prong plugs (with a safety ground for the chassis) are wired differently inside. 

 

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7 minutes ago, JohnA said:

 

A flat file.  You may have to flip the plug to control hum from a ground loop. 

 

Yes, polarized plugs are a safety measure, but a polarized 2-prong plug and an unpolarized plug from years ago are wired the same internally.  Three prong plugs (with a safety ground for the chassis) are wired differently inside. 

 


John thats not true and if it was there would have been no need for a polarized 2 prong plug.

 

I serviced electronics for several decades and I can assure you that in many cases if you defeat the polarized plug and plug it backwards in the ac socket you run the risk of putting 120v ac on parts of the device creating a shock hazard and possibly damaging the device. 
 

miketn

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5 hours ago, Peter P. said:

What are my options?

 

I would replace the original outlet with a polarized outlet like this one.  https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-1306-Snap-Receptacle-6-Inch/dp/B003AULTMA/ref=asc_df_B003AULTMA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198064502357&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=756882737849463076&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029954&hvtargid=pla-319132182362&psc=1  

Search for one that fits your unit and use a volt meter to make sure the new plug is installed with the correct polarity. Be safe with electricity.

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My solution was to buy a non-polarized plug and wire it to the polarized modular cable. I then measured the voltage out of the non-polarized output at the accessory outlet on the amp. the HOT side of the outlet measured 180V with respect to ground on the amp chassis. The NEUTRAL side of the outlet measured 62V. Yet I measured 120V from hot to neutral. I plugged it in and it worked.

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Like has been said...  I'd just replace the outlet with a polarized version.  Make sure it's either a Democrat or Republican!!

 

Seriously though....if you are comfortable doing this....make sure you either turn the breaker off or....  just kill the entire house power, this way you're safe.  The black/hot wire would go on the skinny slot and the white/neutral would go on the wider "polarized" slot and the ground goes on the ground.

 

Not rocket science....  and in my view, not worth cost of an electrician making a trip out.....however, you have to decide how adventurous you are and dealing with electricity can put a serious dent in your day.  So safety always comes first even if it costs to have a licensed electrician come out to do it.

 

When I worked in Florida, I was in an older apartment that didn't have polarized outlets....so at my expense, I just bought several and redid what I needed to redo to allow the newer electronics to work.  They're like .80 cents each if you grab one out of the bulk bin, verses individually boxed.

 

 

 

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  • 1 year later...

I'm in exactly the same boat as Peter. I'm trying to plug a newer cd player with a two prong polarized plug into an older component timer that only accepts two prong non polarized plugs.  The solution?  Filing down blades, using digital multimeters, etc., etc. Let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks...Erik

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APC Over under surge protector, conditioner with sequencer

Two models 15 & 20 amp

Agree, save your power switches, use a Sequencer

I have 2 15 amp units,  rack mounted, and love them

Lowes and others have them, APC is widely distributed

Your local Pro gear store musicians probably has them or can get them, just give them the price to match.

Also computer stores etc.....

 

Search by UPC 731304263920 this model may be phased out for one with the light, for more money, I have 2 of these

15 AMP version

https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/APC-AV-15-Amp-G-Type-Rack-Power-Filter-120V/P-G5BLK

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/624418-REG/APC_G5BLK_G5BLK_AV_15A.html

https://www.microcenter.com/product/366714/apc-9-outlet-av-15-amp-g-type-rack-power-filter-with-surge-protector-3400-joules-8-ft-cord-black

 

spacer.png

APC 9-Outlet G-Type 20-Amp Rack-Mountable Energy-Saving Power Conditioner

Item #2956993Model #G50B-20A2

9 outlets

3,400 Joules

20A capacity

https://www.lowes.com/pd/APC-9-Outlet-G-Type-20-Amp-Rack-Mountable-Energy-Saving-Power-Conditioner/5001461485

 

Manual PDF

http://pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/d94a3cc3-ee35-4e9c-9858-1aa47f2a82cc/41601313.pdfspacer.png

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5 hours ago, muel said:

Use a switched power strip for that vintage stuff and save wear on the vintage power switches that can be hard to find

 

4 hours ago, Bubo said:

APC Over under surge protector, conditioner with sequencer

Two models 15 & 20 amp

Agree, save your power switches, use a Sequencer

I have 2 15 amp units,  rack mounted, and love them

Lowes and others have them, APC is widely distributed

Your local Pro gear store musicians probably has them or can get them, just give them the price to match.

Also computer stores etc.....

 

Search by UPC 731304263920 this model may be phased out for one with the light, for more money, I have 2 of these

15 AMP version

https://www.apc.com/shop/us/en/products/APC-AV-15-Amp-G-Type-Rack-Power-Filter-120V/P-G5BLK

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/624418-REG/APC_G5BLK_G5BLK_AV_15A.html

https://www.microcenter.com/product/366714/apc-9-outlet-av-15-amp-g-type-rack-power-filter-with-surge-protector-3400-joules-8-ft-cord-black

 

spacer.png

APC 9-Outlet G-Type 20-Amp Rack-Mountable Energy-Saving Power Conditioner

Item #2956993Model #G50B-20A2

9 outlets

3,400 Joules

20A capacity

https://www.lowes.com/pd/APC-9-Outlet-G-Type-20-Amp-Rack-Mountable-Energy-Saving-Power-Conditioner/5001461485

 

Manual PDF

http://pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/d94a3cc3-ee35-4e9c-9858-1aa47f2a82cc/41601313.pdfspacer.png

Muel: Exactly. In 2021 after my THIRD power switch died, I bought a spare amp to use while the broken switch on my vintage Yamaha was repaired. Expensive, but it kept me running. In the process, I got smart and actually found spare power switches for my vintage Yamaha amp on eBay for a silly fraction of the cost of a shop repair. I repaired it, but put it in a box while I use the new spare. But the new, in-service spare has no switched outlets for my tuner. So I bought a switched power strip. It's somewhat awkward to use since it's tucked into my cabinet, but the power strip applies power to the amp and the tuner. Should the power strip go bad, it's a pittance to replace vs. replacing the switch on the new amp.

And since momma didn't raise no dummy, when I found the replacement switches for my vintage amp on eBay, I bought TWO, and tucked the spare into the amp!

 

Bubo: That APC device is a lot more elegant than my power strip. You're right; it doesn't appear the 15A version is currently available and I don't need  a 20A version nor the expense. However, I see there are quite a few 15A versions on eBay and you may just have enlightened me into buying one. I'm loading my Paypal account as we speak.

Thanks! My only question is, how long is the power cord?

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I think the cord is long, like 8ft

Nice heavy cord.

 

15A looks like some have it in stock

Looks like BH has it and Amazon too

I usually buy from the little guy when possible

Amazon and Walmart got around 8% of my money in Dec

and I was generous with my one kid, what can I say .....

 

Well thought out product, if I need more I will buy them.

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I'm not exactly sure how your recommendations would work in my specific circumstance.  I need to plug my two pronged polarized cd player into the two pronged non polarized outlets on the timer so that the timer will turn on cd player and amp at a specific time in the morning, as determined by whatever time I set the timer at. In essence, the whole stereo system functions like a very fancy clock radio. For the timer to function in this way, all my components have to be plugged directly into the outlets on the timer, which are two pronged non polarized. This is not a problem for the amp as it has a two pronged non polarized plug, but the cd player has a two pronged polarized plug, hence my problem. If your suggestions are a solution to my problem, I am not grasping it. My comprehension of 'electrics' is fairly rudimentary. Any help figuring my problem out is much appreciated.

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What I have done is wired a solid state relay to control the ac power. I used a small wall wart type power supply in my preamp socket and put the relay in a box with an outlet and line cord. Grounded and polarized components can then be controlled safely. A conventional relay could be used but I have many solid state ones - plus I can control large currents. I use zero crossover relays and haven’t had problems.

A simple circuit but build safely - still controlling line power.

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