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Vintage Audio (record players, hi-fi etc) Amplifiers, speakers, gramophones and other audio equipment. |
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23rd Apr 2019, 10:17 am | #1 |
Pentode
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Two-pin mains plug type?
The attached photo shows the switched and unswitched mains sockets on the rear panel of a Radford SC.24 control unit. They are marked 'McMurdo England' and the blades are 0.5in apart. The sockets themselves measure 35 x 23mm.
I have a vague memory of sockets like these being found on other amplifiers of the period but there seems to be no information readily available. Can anyone identify the associated plug type and suggest a possible source? |
23rd Apr 2019, 10:27 am | #2 |
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
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23rd Apr 2019, 10:28 am | #3 |
Dekatron
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Are these not perhaps the ubiquitous American-style sockets which accept standard, readily-available American (etc.) plugs?
EDIT: Crossed with Mike |
23rd Apr 2019, 10:32 am | #4 | |
Hexode
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London, UK.
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Quote:
https://www.plugsocketmuseum.nl/NorthAm1.html |
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23rd Apr 2019, 10:38 am | #5 |
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
I would be a bit wary of using bog standard Nema connectors at 240V.
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23rd Apr 2019, 10:48 am | #6 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2014
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
My favourite pre-amp! I think I can spare one of those plugs if you need it.
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23rd Apr 2019, 10:52 am | #7 |
Octode
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
I agree with Paul.
Anything that I repair has the connections removed. Illegal in todays world...
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23rd Apr 2019, 11:01 am | #8 | |
Pentode
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Quote:
Presumably the idea of the switched socket is to make the associated power amplifier remotely switchable by the control unit and the unswitched sockets provide power to an associated tuner or turntable. Did other manufacturers do the same? |
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23rd Apr 2019, 11:04 am | #9 |
Hexode
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
they are also used on the back of Quad 33 and are as rare as hens teeth . I have acquired 3 quad 33 scrap units and have remover 2 sockets for my own use and have 1 spare as I am away for a week in wet windy Spain if you have no luck give me a PM after that time if still in need
Dave
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23rd Apr 2019, 11:17 am | #10 | |
Dekatron
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Quote:
Idler wheel turntable and tape recorder instruction manuals often had warnings reminding users not to connect them via a switched socket on the amplifier, to prevent flat-spots on idlers occurring if the power was disconnected while the mechanism was still engaged. |
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23rd Apr 2019, 11:25 am | #11 | |
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Quote:
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23rd Apr 2019, 12:08 pm | #12 |
Hexode
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London, UK.
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
In the US and Canada all old unpolarised sockets should be replaced. Unpolarised plugs are still found in moulded version on double insulated gear. I believe rewireable plugs should be polarised.
Although used at 120v in US/Canada, they are used at 220v in much of South America so should be no problem. |
23rd Apr 2019, 12:37 pm | #13 |
Hexode
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Bromley, Kent, UK.
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
also seen on rear of leak stereo 30s and 70s
I use mine all the time to feed the matching tuner I would not be worried about using them at all but you do need to be aware and treat them with respect |
23rd Apr 2019, 12:59 pm | #14 | |
Pentode
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Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK.
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Quote:
Many thanks to everyone who came up with suggestions and answers. I'll probably use the switched outlet for its intended purpose but with a careful eye on the earthing arrangements! |
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23rd Apr 2019, 10:53 pm | #15 |
Dekatron
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
The flat we rented for a holiday in the Costa Brava in the early 1970's used the US 2 pin plug as a 10A connector for the 220VAC immersion heater. The other sockets in the flat took the 4mm pin diameter European-gauge 2 pin plugs. Both types of plug , plus other types, were on sale in a local shop.
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24th Apr 2019, 8:59 am | #16 |
Dekatron
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
These plugs, moulded with 2m of cable attached, are available from CPC. £1.98 inc VAT. Rated 350 volt.
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24th Apr 2019, 9:49 am | #17 |
Dekatron
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
There are some truly awful cheap ones about (mainly due to poor/non existent strain relief arrangements) but if you avoid those they're no more dangerous than the old UK two pin connectors.
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24th Apr 2019, 11:13 am | #18 |
Octode
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
I hope you do not mind if I alter your statement,
''but ... they're as dangerous as the old UK two pin connectors.'' Problem is because of the small size and lack of pin insulation it is much easier to touch one of the prongs by accident. Maybe ok for 117 volts, but not so good for 240 volts. Sighs... Alan
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24th Apr 2019, 12:15 pm | #19 |
Banned
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Millions in use in the East, Thailand, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam etc.
Mostly on 230v too. The piles of electrocuted citizens in the streets are a scandal............not. |
24th Apr 2019, 12:31 pm | #20 |
Octode
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Re: Two-pin mains plug type?
Really?
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