Hi,

seems many folk are addicted to buying on-line these day but forget about the different power systems in the USA and Japan compared to the rest of the planet.

Twice recently, I have been given instrument amplifiers with IEC 3-pin inlets that are wired for 120VAC, 60Hz power.

One blew up soon as the owner plugged it in.

The second one, a Fender valve combo amp, has an auto-transformer step down that travels with it. Nevertheless, it is still vulnerable to the same accident as the first since anyone can plug 240V power into the back anytime.

On its second visit to me in a month, the 3A fuse in the back was splattered.

So, took the IEC to USA plug lead a cut off the IEC end.

Then I fitted a right angle IEC plug to the same lead.

The inlet on the amp had to be inverted so the plug would point the cable downwards when fitted. A bit of metal work had to be trimmed away.

Result: a neat installation that cannot be tampered with easily since the flush fitting plug is trapped by the removable back cover of the amp's cabinet.



...... Phil