Rookie electrical question

[petewillclarkso]

Hi,

I bought a PA amplifier today, but it didn't come with a power lead. I didn't give this a second thought as I have many leads knocking round, and knew I had one that fitted the socket.

But completely by accident, I noticed that the markings on the plug say 250V, and the socket on the amp says 240V.

Would it be safe for me, and the amp, if I use this?

I am no electrician, I know squat about all this, but I haven't been able to find an answer on the intenet anywhere.

PC

 

[daver]

Perfectly fine. We now have to use the figures of 230V.

Plug in and Go

Dave

 

[Mac]

Shouldn't be a problem.Electric supply companies allow +10% or -6% of a nominal voltage so they say.Voltages today are usually 230V single phase and 400V three phase.Hope this helps.Paul

 

[petewillclarkso]

What's that about 230V?

 

[Mac]

What's that about 230V?

The nominal voltage today is 230V,not 240V anymore.

 

[boatnik1]

What's that about 230V?

Its the voltage that comes out of the hole in the wall in UK homes.

Items intended for use in the UK are normally tolerant of a voltage between 200 and 250v but some also have a voltage selector on the back for minor variations.

 

[electro]

Hi
If the lead fits into the PA the size is usually okay but check the fuse in the plug it should be close to the amperage on the details on the amp. If it states 250v that's usually the voltage range, when it states 240v its usually old equipment, we now use 230v so the voltage is okay for all of the above voltage range is commonly 220v to 250v.
Regards

 

[petewillclarkso]

Its the voltage that comes out of the hole in the wall in UK homes.

That right there, that's how dumb it needs to be for me to understand it!

Thanks guys for all your help!

PC

Actually, while I'm here, is it OK that it's a European 2 prong plug with (naturally) an adaptor?

 

[boatnik1]

If the input on the amp is a normal three pin (computer lead type) then it's best to use a normal 3 pin plug as some continental plugs don't have any earth provision. The earth protects you and the amp.

 

[petewillclarkso]

If the input on the amp is a normal three pin (computer lead type) then it's best to use a normal 3 pin plug as some continental plugs don't have any earth provision. The earth protects you and the amp.

That's okay, my deep fat fryer has the same input, with a UK plug. I'll just swap them, Id sooner blow that than my PA system!

Thanks!

 

[boatnik1]

Best find another lead. The 2 pin plug on the fryer isn't a good idea either, again no earth. You could kill yourself using a fryer with no earth, but then you'll maybe kill yourself first with the deep fried grub, LOL.
Those leads are easy to come by, I throw dozens of them out all the time.