Earthing.

[robert.copley1]

Question. Mains record player two white leads are the current + and -. Can I earth also?

[ms660]

No.

Lawrence.

[Boater Sam]

Looks like a none isolated chassis, so called AC/DC with no mains transformer. Is the neutral mains connected to the chassis? If so no, you cannot earth it but a new mains lead with colour coded wires would be a really good idea.

Valves UY85 and UL84?

With two white wires it may be connected to the line, be careful it could all be live!

[Station X]

Originally Posted by robert.copley1

Question. Mains record player two white leads are the current + and -. Can I earth also?

POSITIVE and NEGATIVE have no real meaning as far as a set connected to AC mains is concerned. It's LIVE and NEUTRAL. NEUTRAL should be connected to chassis, possibly via the mains switch.

[Boater Sam]

Er, pedantic but its Line and Neutral. The line is the live wire.

[Station X]

I'll get me coat.

The line is the live wire.

Both line and neutral are considered live.

[robert.copley1]

thanks guys , so what do I do with the earth wire on the 3 core ? and I don't suppose it makes any difference on the pos/negative sides on the switch (see the 2 white existing )cable bob

[Station X]

I expect the OP is now thoroughly confused.

[Station X]

Originally Posted by robert.copley1

thanks guys , so what do I do with the earth wire on the 3 core ? and I don't suppose it makes any difference on the pos/negative sides on the switch (see the 2 white existing )cable bob

Either use two core double insulated flex or cut the earth wire short at the chassis end.

Is the switch actually marked + and - for DC supplies?

You must make sure that the NEUTRAL (blue) wire is connected to the chassis via one pole of the switch. Check with a meter on ohms range if you're unsure.

[robert.copley1]

thanks for that , the switch has no markings , both supply wires are soldered onto the power switch , would that be OK for the new twin core , ie soldered onto the tabs thanks bob

[Station X]

Originally Posted by robert.copley1

both supply wires are soldered onto the power switch , would that be OK for the new twin core , ie soldered onto the tabs thanks bob

That would be fine, but see previous posts regarding connecting the neutral conductor to the chassis.

[Refugee]

Also make sure that the set has insulated knobs and that they are in good condition.

[PJL]

Although the amplifier cannot be earthed, you can improve safety by earthing the deck metalwork.

[cathoderay57]

Just wanted to make a safety point. I agree that the neutral must go to chassis via the mains switch - providing that the switch is double-pole (which from the photo this appears to be). In some old equipment only a single-pole switch is provided. In that case, if the neutral is wired to chassis via the single-pole switch, then the chassis rises to mains live potential (via the valve heaters) when the thing is switched off. In that case it is essential to ensure the line is connected via the switch and the neutral direct to chassis or, even better, replace the single-pole with a double-pole switch.

[robert.copley1]

thanks for the input guys , I think the mains side of the player I will let a professional look at it for me great site very helpfull

[Dave Moll]

That would seem a very sensible approach if you're not confident about it.

[AC/HL]

You didn't say why you want to change the mains cable. Unless it's damaged there's no legal requirement to change it, assuming the player has not been modified. It should never be operated with any cover removed, and nothing should be connected directly to it.

[Dave Moll]

Although there's no legal requirement to change the cable, I would personally feel more comfortable with a live chassis being connected via a polarised one.

[AC/HL]

The three pin plug would ensure that, but a coloured sleeve on the live (line, whatever) would be a good idea. You may find that the cable has silver and gold conductors, but they're not immediately obvious.