A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

[ErikH]

This is something EVERYONE playing in a band should be aware of and be able to check easily before every gig, and I mean EVERY gig.

Get one of these...

...and use it in every outlet the band will be plugging in to. If it's not wired correctly, you'll know by the lights, and don't use that outlet.

Last night we played at a place we have been before. No problems last time. Well, last night, myself and the bassist were getting mild shocks from our mics (we're the only ones who sing while touching metal - our strings) so after the set, I proceeded to investigate. I knew it was a ground problem somewhere. Turns out one of the outlet gang boxes on the stage has an open ground....YIKES! We just relocated that plug to a different outlet and problem solved. Next time, I'll be checking the outlets first like I normally do.

Don't mess with mother nature. She'll let you know when something is wrong one way or another.

 

[Diocletian]

Re: A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

I tend to use an RCD with my amp or any gardening equipment for the same reason. My mum gave me it when she got my first guitar, many years ago (well, 17 or so) and it's still going strong.

 

[Spudman]

Re: A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

What is that thing (tester) called?

 

[Vetteboy]

Re: A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

My Taylor solidbody electric has a built-in fuse that pops if you put yourself in a crappy situation. It's between the string/bridge ground and the ground sleeve on the cable, and they put it there just for that reason.

If it goes, you can still play the guitar, but your string ground is gone so you'll likely have a bit more background noise...but you won't be shocking yourself everytime you touch something metal either.

 

[trevorus]

Re: A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

My Taylor solidbody electric has a built-in fuse that pops if you put yourself in a crappy situation. It's between the string/bridge ground and the ground sleeve on the cable, and they put it there just for that reason.

If it goes, you can still play the guitar, but your string ground is gone so you'll likely have a bit more background noise...but you won't be shocking yourself everytime you touch something metal either.

Any idea what the spec on that fuse is?

 

[ErikH]

Re: A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

What is that thing (tester) called?

Very simply, an electrical outlet tester. You can find them at almost any hardware or home improvement store.

 

[threechordcharlie]

Re: A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

Funny side note:
Years ago we had to replace the power switch on an old Peavey 12 channel powered board. We couldn't find the right switch (rural community), so we used what could find. My brother was running sound, he figured out that if he rammed up your channel volume when you stepped up to the mic., WHAMMM!! Man I still remember the blue arc I saw from my lips to the mic. It seemed to light up the whole stage.

 

[Markk]

Re: A Safety Tip Everybody Should Already Know

I had that exact one back in Canada. First thing I did was check all the home outlets, and I found one where the ground wasn't connected! But it was int he laundry room.

I've been looking and looking everywhere for something like that here, but it seems that Poland doesn't really like things like this (and even more so considering the only ground in my whole apartment is in the bathroom). I'm still trying to find something.