Color Coding, A/C (Mains) Leads, USA ONLY, Redux

From: Pat Finnegan <pat_at_purdueriots.com>
Date: Fri Dec 14 20:23:17 2001

On Fri, 14 Dec 2001, Robert Schaefer wrote:

> >
> > The A/C cord is a 20amp type with the two blades at
> > 90 degrees to each other as in "| -".
>
> I can't recall which is the hot and neutral offhand, but you should be able
> to ring it out with a meter. Be careful. Ask questions first, as opposed
> to never!

The blade that's keeping you from fitting it into a USA 15A 120V outlet
should be the neutral. A quick run to your local hardware store and a few
$$ later, you too can have a plug that will fit it (120V, 20A). I'd
recommend either making yourself an adaptor, or plugging it into a true
20A circuit (most homes still use 15A outlets on 20A circuits, you may
have to first get the outlet replaced.) As a last-ditch (unrecommended)
attempt, you could replace the plug with a 15A one purchased from that
hardware store you went to get the outlet from.

I once came across an AT&T System 70 PBX mounted in a tall (74"?) cabinet
that used a 50A, 120V outlet. A simple swap with a 15A plug, and it was
off running. (Of course it wasnt being ACTIVELY used at the time, just
trying to get it to power up).

-- Pat
Received on Fri Dec 14 2001 - 20:23:17 GMT