Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Got a vintage late 70s Ampeg VT-22 yesterday and was just about to plug it in when I see this



Does that look safe to plug in and use the amp ?

It has the ground part but it looks like something is missing in the middle or is that normal for an older amp ?

 

[CTN]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

should probably have some sort of cover to prevent people from sticking their tongues on those exposed wires.

But as long as the wires are securely making contact with their terminals on the plug, it should be fine to use.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

Yeah, use it for now, but be careful. Go buy a replacement end.

Sent from my chromed robot turd, using the miserable junk code known as crapatalk.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

Yeah, usually there's a plastic cover that covers up the bare wires. I have a couple old lamps that look like that:

 

[Redbowties88]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

I have about 20 old power tools and ext cords here at work with ends just like that. Don't sweat it.

 

[Inder_Cine_Mann]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

Honestly I would buy a new hubble to replace that rusty ****.

Also if you do end up playing it, check it every now and then. If you cable feels hot, there's something wrong (obviously)

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

Got a vintage late 70s Ampeg VT-22 yesterday and was just about to plug it in when I see this

View attachment 50828

Does that look safe to plug in and use the amp ?

It has the ground part but it looks like something is missing in the middle or is that normal for an older amp ?

It should at least be good for re-creating that bit in 'The Green Mile' - no sponge required...

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

It'll be fine. Sure; replace it some day, but until then, don't sweat it.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

Thanks guys I will replace it when I get an amp tech to look over my VT-22... for now though it will do. I just did not want to damage anything or shock myself lol

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

Thanks guys I will replace it when I get an amp tech to look over my VT-22... for now though it will do. I just did not want to damage anything or shock myself lol

If the amp shocks you, it might hurt you a bit. It might even sting. I think the farthest I'd go is to say that it would smart.

I wouldn't pay an amp tech to do what I could with a trip to the hardware store, $5, a screwdriver, and three minutes. But that's just me.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

If the amp shocks you, it might hurt you a bit. It might even sting. I think the farthest I'd go is to say that it would smart.

I wouldn't pay an amp tech to do what I could with a trip to the hardware store, $5, a screwdriver, and three minutes. But that's just me.

Well the amp has a noticeable constant hum when on so that is why I am taking it to be looked at by a tech... Replacing the cord would just be part of that. I'm gonna mess with the hum balance pot first though and replace some tubes cause If it is a fix I can do myself I'm all over it. Something I know nothing about I leave to a tech

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

The only reason that the plug would be effecting the amount of non-guitar noise is if one of the wires wasn't properly screwed in. It's worth checking out - just unscrew the screws and check that all of the wires are properly affixed. You can't hurt yourself either (to the best of my knowledge). I've done it before and nothing happened to me.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

The only reason that the plug would be effecting the amount of non-guitar noise is if one of the wires wasn't properly screwed in. It's worth checking out - just unscrew the screws and check that all of the wires are properly affixed. You can't hurt yourself either (to the best of my knowledge). I've done it before and nothing happened to me.

Cool thanks I'll do this and check... the amp functions perfectly otherwise just that low hum even when my guitar is not plugged into it.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

if nothing's loose or corroded you should be fine, but consider playing the amp through a UPS or something similar, with a filter and surge protector on-board (for the amp's benefit as well as your own).
depends on how much faith you have in the electrics where the amp are plugged in, in the amp, and in your guitar...
at risk of sounding boring and superstitious, i work with power and i've had little zaps and have seen people get big zaps, and i would not want to get a shock off a valve amp.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

The hot wire (Black) is tighten backwards, It should tighten as the screw is tightened and not be attached counterclockwise.

 

[Artie]

Re: Does this 3 prong cord look safe to plug in?

The hot wire (Black) is tighten backwards, It should tighten as the screw is tightened and not be attached counterclockwise.

Nice catch. Also, if you decide to replace the plug/cord, remember that house wiring is somewhat backwards from "electronic" wiring. Ie., black is hot, white is neutral, green is ground.