Hammond Organ, is it safe

[Mad collector]

Good morning
I have just purchased a Hammond Organ
On inspecting the plug I see the mains Lead is just twin core
In order to get the organ pat tested does it need to be earthed
I see the mains lead goes into a mains transformer
I need to know the organ is safe before I start playing it
Any suggestions please
Sharon

 

[Electro-tech]

The transformer is probably double insulated & no earth need for earth at the plug. Take a look or post a picture with any information on the transformer. I would expect it to be low DC output.

 

[Mad collector]

Thanks very much for the info

 

[littlespark]

If you're getting it PAT tested anyway, whoever does that will tell you if its right.

Photographs of any labels or stickers on the transformer, the cable from the plug etc.

 

[freddo]

How old is it? Depending on its age it may require the electronics servicing for reliability and to protect certain components from being damaged.

 

[Mad collector]

Good morning
I have just purchased a Hammond Organ
On inspecting the plug I see the mains Lead is just twin core
In order to get the organ pat tested does it need to be earthed
I see the mains lead goes into a mains transformer
I need to know the organ is safe before I start playing it
Any suggestions please
Sharon

How old is it? Depending on its age it may require the electronics servicing for reliability and to protect certain components from being damaged.

Not sure how old it is

 

[pc1966]

Again, photos would help a lot.

 

[OnlQQker]

To my knowledge and extensive research nobody has covered interstellar on Youtube using a Hammond organ. The church organ is the nearest I could find.

You could have a first here...

 

[Lucien Nunes]

What model Hammond?

There are vast differences between say a model B made in 1935 and an Aurora from 1979. The latter was made to relatively modern European safety standards, but some of the older tonewheel models have more basic construction as befits their age and USA origin where power is 120V and some safety specs were historically not as stringent.

Perhaps more importantly, many organs have had Leslie adaptor kits fitted over the years. These can significantly impact safety as they bring the AC power and signal wiring together in one box and were sometimes fitted by amateurs.

As per above posts, pictures would be helpful.

 

[Mad collector]

The Hammond is a model T102, it's the last Tonewheel model made, hopefully someone is coming to Pat Test it either Thursday or Friday this week

 

[Mad collector]

The T102 has failed Pat test because the mains lead is only two core with no earth, does the mains lead need replacing with three core and earthing to chassis

 

[Lucien Nunes]

I am trying to remember what a T-series looks like inside, I will have to find my service manual.

Having a 2-core mains lead is not in itself reason for PAT failure, unless it is an incorrect replacement for a factory-fitted 3-core. What is probably meant is that the appliance has Class 0 protection, i.e. relies only on basic insulation. If it has Class II protection (reinforced or double insulation ) then a 2-core mains lead is fine. I suspect it is not class II but I am struggling to remember what the chassis looks like inside; I will have to find my service manual.

If it is Class 0 and you convert to Class I by adding a 3-core lead, in theory you are probably making it safer. However as this amounts to a design modification, you will be taking responsibility for ensuring the modification is suitable and sufficient and leaves it as a compliant Class I design. E.g. which parts need earthing (PSU? motor? run capacitor case? metalwork to which unsheathed cable is strapped?)

Actually I might have a T-series in the warehouse. If so I'll take a look.

 

[Mad collector]

Hi Lucien, thanks for your help and info

 

[telectrix]

Lucien. might be easier to list what you haven't got.

 

[Mad collector]

Good morning the Hammond T102 has been Pat Tested as class 2 and it has passed