Replace Dansette Tempo power cord - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Kode909 · 28th Sep 2013, 9:35 am

Hey,

This is probably a very easy question to answer so apologies but I haven't managed to find the answer online.

I want to replace the power cord on my Dansette tempo to a 3 metre fabric cord, the player is in the middle of the room with with no plugs nearby and I currently have an ugly extension cord, a fabric cable will look nice and vintage.

My question is what rating cable do I need? I know I need two core as the unit is not earthed, I cant find any that fit the bill. The following website has 3 core lighting cable that looks OK, is 8.5amps enough rating?

http://fabriccable.co.uk/product/navy-blue-3-core-non-twisted-per-metre

Also can I use 3 core cable and not connect the earth?

Thanks for you help and sorry if this is an obvious question, I dont want to fry myself!

Thanks,

Matt

Tractorfan · 28th Sep 2013, 10:03 am

Hi,
The average record player consumes something like 50watts or so, so a lead rated at 2 or 3 amps will be sufficient. A cable rated at 8.5 amps could carry just under two kilowatts!
Check to see if the record player has a live chassis or not, as if so, it can't be earthed easily. There's plenty of discussion about this on here.
Cheers, Pete

Diabolical Artificer · 28th Sep 2013, 10:27 am

I rarely buy mains cable or plugs. I have a big bag of leads that I've cut off vacuum cleaners and other domestic appliances. I check for continuity and do other tests obviously before use. This saves money and re-cycles at the same time.

Cloth covered leads look OK, but aren't as flexible and can be prone to "kinking". You can use a 3 core lead and not attach the earth, but if you wire the earth lead in the plug, then not attach the other end- this could be confusing for someone should you sell it in the future.

Andy.

Kode909 · 28th Sep 2013, 4:36 pm

Thanks for the quick responses, great advice. Keep up the good work.

david freeman · 28th Sep 2013, 7:57 pm

The Dansette Tempo uses an EL84 and isn't a live chassis design.

28th Sep 2013, 9:35 am	#1
Kode909 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: London, UK. Posts: 8	Replace Dansette Tempo power cord Hey, This is probably a very easy question to answer so apologies but I haven't managed to find the answer online. I want to replace the power cord on my Dansette tempo to a 3 metre fabric cord, the player is in the middle of the room with with no plugs nearby and I currently have an ugly extension cord, a fabric cable will look nice and vintage. My question is what rating cable do I need? I know I need two core as the unit is not earthed, I cant find any that fit the bill. The following website has 3 core lighting cable that looks OK, is 8.5amps enough rating? http://fabriccable.co.uk/product/navy-blue-3-core-non-twisted-per-metre Also can I use 3 core cable and not connect the earth? Thanks for you help and sorry if this is an obvious question, I dont want to fry myself! Thanks, Matt

28th Sep 2013, 10:03 am	#2
Tractorfan Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St. Frajou, l'Isle en Dodon, Haute Garonne, France.(Previously: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK.) Posts: 3,182	Re: Replace Dansette power cord Hi, The average record player consumes something like 50watts or so, so a lead rated at 2 or 3 amps will be sufficient. A cable rated at 8.5 amps could carry just under two kilowatts! Check to see if the record player has a live chassis or not, as if so, it can't be earthed easily. There's plenty of discussion about this on here. Cheers, Pete __________________ "Hello?, Yes, I'm on the train, I might lose the signal soon as we're just going into a tunn..."

28th Sep 2013, 10:27 am	#3
Diabolical Artificer Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK. Posts: 7,657	Re: Replace Dansette power cord I rarely buy mains cable or plugs. I have a big bag of leads that I've cut off vacuum cleaners and other domestic appliances. I check for continuity and do other tests obviously before use. This saves money and re-cycles at the same time. Cloth covered leads look OK, but aren't as flexible and can be prone to "kinking". You can use a 3 core lead and not attach the earth, but if you wire the earth lead in the plug, then not attach the other end- this could be confusing for someone should you sell it in the future. Andy. __________________ Curiosity hasn't killed this cat...so far.

28th Sep 2013, 4:36 pm	#4
Kode909 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: London, UK. Posts: 8	Re: Replace Dansette power cord Thanks for the quick responses, great advice. Keep up the good work.

28th Sep 2013, 7:57 pm	#5
david freeman Hexode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 262	Re: Replace Dansette power cord The Dansette Tempo uses an EL84 and isn't a live chassis design.