Should one add a three-prong power cord? - Printable Version

+- The PHILCO Phorum (https://philcoradio.com/phorum)
+-- Forum: Philco Radio Discussions (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: Philco Electronic Restoration (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=8)
+--- Thread: Should one add a three-prong power cord? (/showthread.php?tid=2814)

---

Should one add a three-prong power cord? - audin - 01-17-2011

So when restoring a transformer radio, is it a good idea or bad idea to add a three prong power cord and tie ground to the chassis?

---

Re: Should one add a three-prong power cord? - codefox1 - 01-17-2011

I vote yes. You can lose the "Death capacitor" which can afflict appropriate pain if it fails. On the other side (the dark side,) you can lose all protection if somebody uses one of the adaptors to defeat the grounding, or if the wall outlet is wired incorrectly. I would add a fuse as well for good measure. Transformer or not, results can be shocking!

---

Re: Should one add a three-prong power cord? - Ron Ramirez - 01-17-2011

It's not a bad idea, as long as your wiring is correct and up to code. Of course the cord will not look authentic, but if you're looking to have an easy ground for your transformer-operated radio, this would do the trick (again, assuming your house wiring is up to code).

Do not add a three wire grounded AC cord to a transformerless(AC-DC) set. Even if the B- is floating (not connected directly to the chassis), don't do it.

---

Re: Should one add a three-prong power cord? - AvoJim - 01-20-2011

Here is some cloth covered three conductor wire which might help with the look.

http://www.sundialwire.com/3-conductor-1.aspx
Jim

---