samgraysound
Well-known member
Hey All,
I'm working on a Magnatone Starlet 107 for a client. Its an AC/DC amp, with the mains connected directly to heater of the rectifier tube. It already has been given a 3-prong cord, with he hot wire going to the power switch and neutral and ground wires going to chassis. It does not have a fuse or a iso transformer.
I am trying to convince my client to do the safety upgrades and install a fuse and iso, but I find I am unable to explain the point of the isolation transformer.
The fuse in my mind, limits the shock hazard current to the fuse rating (1/2A) instead of the breaker rating (15-20A).
But what does a1:1 isolation transformer do for safety? The 3 prong plug prevents the mains from being plugged in backwards and putting hot on the chassis. I know my GFCI sockets don't like the amp right now, but I can't articulate why an iso transformer would be better.
I'm working on a Magnatone Starlet 107 for a client. Its an AC/DC amp, with the mains connected directly to heater of the rectifier tube. It already has been given a 3-prong cord, with he hot wire going to the power switch and neutral and ground wires going to chassis. It does not have a fuse or a iso transformer.
I am trying to convince my client to do the safety upgrades and install a fuse and iso, but I find I am unable to explain the point of the isolation transformer.
The fuse in my mind, limits the shock hazard current to the fuse rating (1/2A) instead of the breaker rating (15-20A).
But what does a1:1 isolation transformer do for safety? The 3 prong plug prevents the mains from being plugged in backwards and putting hot on the chassis. I know my GFCI sockets don't like the amp right now, but I can't articulate why an iso transformer would be better.