Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: 12AX7 on February 08, 2012, 09:17:52 am

Title: Mains socket polarity?
Post by: 12AX7 on February 08, 2012, 09:17:52 am

Does the polarity of the 2 black mains wire from the PT matter in how they are connected to the socket? I've always just connected them either way, and they aren't marked, But since the mains themselves have polarity i started wondering about this. And if so, how would you determine which goes where since the wires are both black?

Title: Re: Mains socket polarity?
Post by: sluckey on February 08, 2012, 09:36:51 am

Quote

Does the polarity of the 2 black mains wire from the PT matter in how they are connected to the socket?

No.

Title: Re: Mains socket polarity?
Post by: 12AX7 on February 08, 2012, 09:39:08 am

Thats what i figured. Stupid question, but i had to ask. Thanks.

Title: Re: Mains socket polarity?
Post by: jjasilli on February 08, 2012, 03:23:08 pm

Not a stupid question.  AC does not have polarity per se; but is has phase.  That is, the sine wave of one secondary wire will be dipping below -0- volts, while the other one is rising above.  You can see which is which on an oscilloscope; or the manufacturer might be mark it by code on the tranny.  The phase does not matter for guitar amps; but I think it might matter for some special applications.