Wiring problems in old buildings

Tommy Boswell · From: Virginia, USA

If I plug my amp into an incorrectly wired outlet, such as reversed polarity, does it hurt the amp?

And, is there any difference between SS amp and a tube amp as far as vulnerability to bad wiring?

Carl Kilmer · From: East Central, Illinois

Either SS or tube will work ok with power reversed.
However, you may have a shock hazard if you touch
something else like a mike stand, while touching any
thing connected to your amp. Also the voltage may be
off a bit, and you may pick up noise or hum without
proper grounding. Always check voltage etc. first.
Playing outside or in a damp area may light you up
like a lightbulb using a power source with no ground.
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aka "Lucky Kay"--Custom built Rittenberry SD10 3X5, Walker S/S, NV-112, and Hilton Pedal

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Reversed polarity shouldn't normally cause a problem, as most amps have a polarity reversing switch. I accidentally ran my LTD off a reversed polarity outlet in my previous house for a couple years.
Dropped voltage, caused by decayed wiring acting as a resistor, can cause problems, as the device will soak up more current trying to do the same job and current causes heat.
I assume tubes are more tolerant than transistors, but have little more than my gut to go on
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Tommy Boswell · From: Virginia, USA

Shock hazard--yes, I felt the sting on the lip touching the mic, at least once at this place. Reminded me of the 60s.

Mike Schwartzman · From: Maryland, USA

I carry one of those little outlet testers in my gig kit. They are pretty cheap at any hardware store...under 10 bucks. Because of what Carl mentioned, I like to check for a ground fault. I don't want to change my nickname from Slim to Sparky.
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Emmons Push Pull, BMI, Session 400, Home of the Slimcaster Tele.

Glenn Uhler · From: Trenton, New Jersey, USA

Slim is right! An outlet tester is the way to go. If you get two "green" lights, the outlet is OK. The greater hazard is the lack of a good ground connection in the outlet. As far as AC goes, the black and white wires are equal, but only one of them (the white wire) has no voltage with respect to ground. The black wire is the "hot" one.
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1974 Marlen S-12 1968 Tele 1969 Martin D-35H

Roual Ranes · From: Atlanta, Texas, USA

Also check for voltage drop. Sopmetimes this is not regulated well.

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

Touch your plugged-in guitar's strings to a plugged-in mic and watch for tiny sparks. If you see and hear the spark you can try to do somthing about it. If you can't do anything about it at least you are forewarned against the nasty surprise.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

it's no secret anymore, a proper modern elektical set up consists of :
- #1 : a proper ground/earth
from 100 ohms down to 10 ohms - the lower the better -
which means less restivity so that the earth/ground can absorb the fault current
yes, this is essential since the fault current goes INTO the earth/ground
no proper ground = big trouble &/or death
- #2 : 3 /4 rows fault breakers set at 30m/a + the individual breakers on each line & appliances
- # 3 : equipontential ground/earth to main water line in, kitchen sink,bathroom shower & washbowl & central heating if water heated, tv antenna, steel or aluminium gutters
- # 4 are ground/earth wires/circuits on every line

of course, if there is a fault current ( usually the +) one has to find & eliminate it

used to be, that when you found your wife in the tub w: another man, you just chucked the hair dryer in & it was done with
in a proper modern installation that 30 m/a fault breaker turns the power off, so they can carry on in the bubble bath
hooray for progress... Winking

Paul Arntson · From: Washington, USA

I used to carry one of those little neon testers. (Not LED) It showed the same thing David is talking about but it wouldn't blow any fuses when it detected voltage.

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

Yes, I hated getting zapped in the lips when using an older (Fender)amp with a 2 prong plug. I finally got smart and started using a VOM (multimeter for those of you in Rio Linda) I was surprised to learn that it is actually 110V! when the ground is reversed... Now all my amps have grounded plugs, except an old Kustom tuck-n-roll head that I use occasionally.

Dom Whoa!

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