Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post - 5E3 noise cured

jhundt · September 30th, 2004, 12:17 PM

Unfortunately, concerning hazards, you haven't heard the half of it! My step-down transformer is an autotransformer. I discovered (after getting some potentially nasty little shocks) that here in Holland it is possible to plug in an autotransformer and your amp will get 120V just fine, only the chassis will be sitting there at 110V instead of ground. We have grounded plugs here, but unlike the US version they can be plugged in right-side-up or upside-down. I have to check the wall socket and make sure I have the plug aligned correctly or it's very dangerous. I am trying to find a proper step-down transformer that will isolate me from this danger, but so far without success.

September 30th, 2004, 12:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
jhundt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Netherlands Age: 54 Posts: 3,012 9 Photos	Rick S. - the Hazards! Unfortunately, concerning hazards, you haven't heard the half of it! My step-down transformer is an autotransformer. I discovered (after getting some potentially nasty little shocks) that here in Holland it is possible to plug in an autotransformer and your amp will get 120V just fine, only the chassis will be sitting there at 110V instead of ground. We have grounded plugs here, but unlike the US version they can be plugged in right-side-up or upside-down. I have to check the wall socket and make sure I have the plug aligned correctly or it's very dangerous. I am trying to find a proper step-down transformer that will isolate me from this danger, but so far without success.