[Raleigh]

I just acquired a 40-150 radio that had some restoration performed by a previous owner. The power cord appears to be new, not original. It is a fabric covered cord.

I have some '41 and '46 Philcos that came to me with worn cords that might be original, and those are all plain brown zip cord.

Were the original power cords in 1940 fabric covered? If so, what color(s)? If Philco used fabric power cords, when were they discontinued?

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi Raleigh

1936 appears to be the year of the changeover from cloth-covered AC cord to brown rubber zip cord at Philco. All 1936 Philco models had cloth AC cord. It has been reported that a few 1937 models have been found with cloth cord - entirely possible given Philco's penchant for using up leftover materials - but the vast majority of 1937 Philcos, and all 1938 and subsequent prewar models, would have used rubber zip cord.

[slim]

Hi Raleigh

1936 appears to be the year of the changeover from cloth-covered AC cord to brown rubber zip cord at Philco. All 1936 Philco models had cloth AC cord. It has been reported that a few 1937 models have been found with cloth cord - entirely possible given Philco's penchant for using up leftover materials - but the vast majority of 1937 Philcos, and all 1938 and subsequent prewar models, would have used rubber zip cord.

Thank you for this information

[codefox1]

Whaever, do not try to replicate original hazard. Either install proper transformer or safe alternative (resistor/capacitor) to make things safe and keep the set ready for use. They don't call 'em curtain burners for nothing.

[Radioroslyn]

Philco didn't use resistance line cords, they did use large power resistors that are chassis mounted on there AC/DC set that required a voltage drop for the heater string.

Terry

[morzh]

This is not about resistive cords but about plain cloth covered ones.

[morzh]

Philco used Candohms (it is in my 46-250). Or something that looks like it.

[Arran]

Philco used Candohms (it is in my 46-250). Or something that looks like it.

Mike;
  I think that Philco started using Candohm style resistors around 1937 as line droppers in AC/DC sets, prior to that they used the large tubular wire wound types for power resistors. In any event I prefer the prior rather then the latter, even though they can both go open since Philco didn't think it necessary to enamel coat their in house made wire wounds.
  Getting back to the model 40-150, those used brown rubber zip cords, which unfortunately like to dry out, crack, and fall apart, much like the chassis hook up wire they used. I think if it were mine the cloth cord would come off the 40-150, be replaced by a modern brown zip cord, and be transplanted onto something older that came with one originally.
Regards
Arran

[morzh]

Arran

The enamel coated Philco used went open too. In fact the very first radio I restored, the 20 Lowboy, had the autobias of the output section, 1.4K, which is part of the enameled resistor, open.