UK to US mains adapters.

[Steenamaroo]

Hi all,
This isn't really mods or homebrew, but it's electrical so I figured the right guys would be here.

I've bought a US manufactured Moog/Realistic MG1 with 3 pin US mains trailing plug (120v).

I'm in the UK and we have a different format of 3 pin (240v).

I bought a 240/120 transformer, and the bit in question is the US side; The appliance socket on the adapter.

Basically, the one i bought was pictured as 3 pin, but on arrival was really two pin.
The seller's happy to refund but explained to me that even the 3 pin units use a dummy/plastic earth.

This makes me wonder if there's any difference between the two adapters, other than a nice neat hole in the plastic.

Obviously I won't do anything until i know for sure.
I'm hoping someone hear can clear it up.

Cheers.

EDIT* Another seller of a similar product has since replied stating that his version of this type of adapter has a metal UK earth pin which is connected through to the US earth socket.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Here's what I ordered.

and here's what I received.

 

[Blue Jinn]

I can't vouch for the seller's info, but seems to defy logic that you'd have a ground plug and ground socket on an adapter that were superfluous. However, I have the reverse going, I bought a European Yamaha TX802, with an IEC connector. I have a 120-240 transformer and it is continental style, and doesn't have a ground just two prongs plug/jack all around. The unit is rack mounted, so I suppose in theory I have a safety ground via the rack and everything else that is grounded.

Two obvious questions: the Moog/Radio Shack (dang I remember those when they came out, and I thought nope, someday I'll have enough money to buy that ARP Axxe I've been looking at ($840) or that Odyssey ($1650)....)

1. I'm assuming there is no IEC connector, that the AC plug is hard wired?

2. There is no way to jumper the transformer internally for 240v?

 

[Steenamaroo]

Thanks for the reply Jinn.

False ground is common over here cos the ground pin is longer and physically opens the live/neutral holes.
It's so you can't stick anything in the live/neutral holes, you know?


1: There's no connector. It's a hardwired 3pin US cable.

2: I don't know to be honest, but that would be very nice indeed.
I did give it a google but i suppose you don't get the right answers if you don't ask the right questions.

Is a jumper a common enough thing? I'd be perfectly happy to hardwire a UK socket if that was the case.

I could sus that out for certain when the synth arrives if no one here knows for sure. Great idea!

 

[Steenamaroo]

Just a wee update. You're a legend Jinn.

I found this page when googling "240 110 moog mg1 power"

It's shows how to rewire the tranny for 240, so I'll do that. I don't think I'll butcher the case with an IEC socket. We'll see.

Thank you.


EDIT

Can anyone explain why live and neutral are the opposite to what I'd expect on the series wiring diagram?

The parallel wiring has live to 1+3, so in series should live to be to 1?

http://www.steenaudio.com/transformer.jpg