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The Collins 30L1 has unsafe wiring in the power line circuits. The wiring
suggested by Collins violates wiring codes, and places unnecessary stress on the
power transformer.
Collins violates two rules with
their original wiring:
1.) The black cord wire, on 120V, is
the “hot” lead. The black wire must always be switched and fused.
Collins originally shows the cord wired so the white (neutral) is
switched and fused.
2.) Collins grounds the 120V lines from the transformer primaries to
the chassis. This is illegal, unsafe, and it can place significant
stress on the transformer when on 240VAC system. It can also back-feed
the house wiring system if a home breaker or house wiring connection
opens, creating a shock and fire hazard.
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While not perfect, the simple change in wiring below makes the amplifier much
safer, and removes unnecessary stress from the transformer.
Note:
Technically, on 240 volts, both sides of the mains should be fused. Ideally,
fuse holder F1 and F2 would be inserted between the power line and TB1.
The ideal solution would require rewiring the entire Collins primary system.
This wiring is a compromise based on retaining as much of the original wiring as
possible. Despite being less than ideal, this wiring is much safer than Collins
original wiring method on TB1, for both the power transformer, the operator, and
the dwelling and occupants.
The only worry with this wiring is one side of the 240, the side to the fan
and to the white/brown/red transformer lead, is not fused. This means there is
no fuse to blow if the side to the fan C37, and to the white/brown/red
transformer lead, shorts to chassis.
The power transformer is still protected for overloads.
If it were my amplifier, I would move the fuses to the cord side if I planned
on operating it on 240 volts, but this wiring is still much safer than original
Collins wiring.
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