SHOCKS

5/6/2009 10:27:23 PMDrew

I get a SHOCK on BOTH of my Vintage Radios, eg. Mod 444. If it SHOCKS when Switch is OFF. Reversing plug, It then SHOCKS when ON. This is GREAT SITE, Thanks, Drew

5/7/2009 1:28:54 AMNorm Leal

Hi Drew

Some AC/DC radios are like that. There will be a capacitor from one side of the line to radio chassis. Switch is wired in the ground side of the line to keep hum down. A radio wired this way will shock you either when the switch is on or off, depending on plug polarity.

Even though you feel a shock there is little current. There will only be a small spark if chassis come in contact with a ground wire.

None of this will be a problem once a radio is in the cabinet with knobs attached. Cabinet and knobs will isolate the chassis.

If your radio is a metal Arvin or similar it's a problem. You could rewire the switch so it's in hot side of the AC line and use a polarized plug.

Norm

:I get a SHOCK on BOTH of my Vintage Radios, eg. Mod 444. If it SHOCKS when Switch is OFF. Reversing plug, It then SHOCKS when ON. This is GREAT SITE, Thanks, Drew

5/8/2009 7:32:10 PMDrew

:Hi Drew
:
: Some AC/DC radios are like that. There will be a capacitor from one side of the line to radio chassis. Switch is wired in the ground side of the line to keep hum down. A radio wired this way will shock you either when the switch is on or off, depending on plug polarity.
:
: Even though you feel a shock there is little current. There will only be a small spark if chassis come in contact with a ground wire.
:
: None of this will be a problem once a radio is in the cabinet with knobs attached. Cabinet and knobs will isolate the chassis.
:
: If your radio is a metal Arvin or similar it's a problem. You could rewire the switch so it's in hot side of the AC line and use a polarized plug.
:
:Norm
:
:
:
::I get a SHOCK on BOTH of my Vintage Radios, eg. Mod 444. If it SHOCKS when Switch is OFF. Reversing plug, It then SHOCKS when ON. This is GREAT SITE, Thanks, Drew

5/8/2009 7:35:12 PMDrew

Thank You.

5/7/2009 2:29:34 AMWarren

I have repaired and restored many of the Hallicrafters S-38 line. These have a metal cabinet with the hot chassis. Your AC/DC radio has the same power supply setup. Here is a good link on how to deal with this and make it safe

http://www.the-s38-guy.com/Page_2.html

5/8/2009 7:34:28 PMDrew

Thank you