oren hudson Messages: 274 Registered: March 2008 Location: Gastonia, NC
Senior Member
My tech is rebuilding this K200B and wants to do a couple of things. 1 - replace the power cord to 3 prong grounded one. Probably a no-brainer, but in my effort to keep original as possible, I've looked for the cord that has the "clip" on the male end so you can clip this end on the cord once it's wound around the posts to keep it from dangling. Anybody got an idea where I can find one like that? #2 - he wants to add a circut breaker so that you don't have to take the amp apart to replace the fuse. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks.
To three prong or not to three prong, that is the question. I'm always at odds with myself regarding this. I like to keep things as original as possible, but if there is a safety issue, I would opt for the safer solution. That being said, I personally feel that there have been a lot of ac cords and "death caps" put into landfill, that didn't need to be.
Those ac cords will probably only be available as a replacement part. If you find an amp that has one on it, try and order one from them, as I've never found any supplier that stocks them.
As for the circuit breaker, I'd say no. My personal experience is that the only time the fuse blows, is when there is a major problem with the amp which would require the opening of the amp anyway.
I believe that the original designers of the amps knew this because of the long history of the circuit design. If random overloads or spikes had caused the internal fuse to blow, they would have continued to install fuse holders or circuit breakers like the ones that the Frank and early 200A series heads had.
stevem Messages: 4733 Registered: June 2004 Location: NY
Senior Member
Breakers are of no use, if a fuse or a breaker goes in a Kustom or any SS amp, you have a problem that will not go away by changing a fuse or resetting a breaker.
Some poor techs like at add a breaker so that if they do not have faith in that they have truly repaired the amp, and something is still wrong at fireup and the new breaker trips, they can just reset the breaker and not have to solder in a fuse.
As far as the a/c cord goes I have not found a three wire replacement cord with a clip, so what I do is by those slip on velcro cable raps like what come with some of the better mic cables. Then I cable tie it in place on the end of the new power cable so it stays in place.
C4ster Messages: 686 Registered: June 2001 Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee...
Senior Member
I have a Bissel carpet cleaner that has a long grounded cord with a clip. I just checked web site and found this part, FA-40f3PRCORD. This is a 40' cord, plenty long enough with the integral clip. The price is $24.99. That's a little pricy but it's for our babies.
Conrad
ellum68 Messages: 71 Registered: November 2007 Location: Sioux City, IA
Member
I get my cords at the local vacuum cleaner shop down the street from my house. He had ones that very close to the original ribbed jacket and clip, but with three prongs.
oren hudson Messages: 274 Registered: March 2008 Location: Gastonia, NC
Senior Member
Thanks guys for your help. With it, I've decided to not add the circut breaker plus a couple of leads on a "proper" power cord. Got a question "C4ster" - can you be more specific on Bissel - maybe a webb address. I've searched Bissel stuff and have yet to locate a site that alows the part number that you referenced. Good tip on the vacuum cleaner place too. I'll also check with them. Thanks again.
C4ster Messages: 686 Registered: June 2001 Location: Mukwonago, WI (Milwaukee...
Senior Member
This is the site I quoted from. I just Googled "Bissell Steam Cleaners" and found this site. vacuums24x7.com/BissellParts That part number is copied directly from there. I found during a walk around Wal-Mart that only the steam cleaners had the grounded cord. I haven't tried the local vaccuum cleaner places here in Milwaukee to see what the prices and availability are.
I remember getting replacement two wire cords that matched the original Kustom's at an vacuum cleaner shop back in the 70's. The ones with the ribbed cord and the clip on the plug. I thought that that's where Kustom sourced the originals, as they were a perfect match. I remember the pricing to be on the high side, and at the time there were few discounter's in that business.