Old Power Cable help

[Johamman]

So i got this projector with this really old power cable. The cable is one of the ones you used to plug into the lights to get power from. i don't know if its still  safe to use because i think its pre 1960's. The cable only has live and neutral wires and isn't double insulated can i convert it to a standard uk plug? 

  This is what end of the cable looks like

 

[Evans Electric]

Is the projector made of metal ?      If so you need to attach a new 3 core flex and a 13A plug , connecting the earth wire to the casing .      Back in the day  the need for earthing was often ignored . 

 

[Johamman]

Is the projector made of metal ?      If so you need to attach a new 3 core flex and a 13A plug , connecting the earth wire to the casing .      Back in the day  the need for earthing was often ignored . 

http://www.oaktreevintage.com/web_photos/8mm_Film/Chinon_8mm_movie_projector_AC_Cord.jpg 

the projector is metal and this similar to what the connection look like apart from a split down the middle of the two prongs. the connector for that part doesn't come off the cable 

 

[binky]

I wouldn't trust a flex that old, re-cable it.

 

[Evans Electric]

Are those the mains connectioins ?     Does that say  125V   ?   I don't like the look of those connections to be honest .  

 

[Johamman]

Are those the mains connectioins ?     Does that say  125V   ?   I don't like the look of those connections to be honest .  

Those are on the projector 

 

[ProDave]

That's a seriously old bit of kit and you are really in the realms of someone restoring an old valve radio for instance that you have to use a bit of common sense as to what is safe.

A 13A plug will be infinitely preferable to plugging it into the light, but still consider trying to get an earth somehow.

I am old enough to remember appliances plugged into a light fitting because there was only 1 mains socket in each room, if you were lucky.  I remember a Y adaptor that plugged into the light, so mum could plug the iron in, and still have a light bulb to see what she was doing.  and we complain about unsafe electrics today?

 

[Johamman]

These are the actual connections

 

[ProDave]

I would measure the size of the original socket and see what else will fit,  I would not be surprised if you could replace it with a modern IEC or clover leaf 3 pin connector and add an earth connection, and then use it with a modern lead.

 

[Geoff1946]

How old is it?  It's a puzzle really. Especially that 125 volt rating .   Is it perhaps American?  Ha sit actually been used on 230v, or is there any indication that it can be?  Is there a makers plate at all ?

I don't know when moulded on connectors like that first appeared, but I suspect it was since the need for double insulation as the only alternative to safety earthing was recognised, at least in UK.

 

[Johamman]

How old is it?  It's a puzzle really. Especially that 125 volt rating .   Is it perhaps American?  Ha sit actually been used on 230v, or is there any indication that it can be?  Is there a makers plate at all ?

I don't know when moulded on connectors like that first appeared, but I suspect it was since the need for double insulation as the only alternative to safety earthing was recognised, at least in UK.

 

[Geoff1946]

OK . Is the voltage box really as blank as it looks on the picture?  Anything stamped into the metal?

 

[Johamman]

OK . Is the voltage box really as blank as it looks on the picture?  Anything stamped into the metal?

115

 

[Geoff1946]

115

There's your answer then. It's for 115 volt supply, common in America but needing a transformer here.  If you plug it into UK mains the smoke will appear and you will have a large paper-weight.

If you are going to get a transformer for it, get an isolation one then you don't need to worry about an earth.  It will cost you a few bob though,

 

[ProDave]

+1 to the above, need an isolation transformer then use the original lead with a suitable plug for the transformer.

 

[Geoff1946]

-  As long as no-one has connected it to 230volts.   If they have you could be wasting your money on a transformer.  Even lamps for old projectors can be really expensive. 

 

[Tony S]

 Even lamps for old projectors can be really expensive. 

A prefocused lamp for a Chinon £50+ 25 years back, not worth the time and effort to repair. I made it in to a static display along with other vintage cameras.

 

[ProDave]

I have a few old projector lamps, somewhere.  If you need one post a picture and any information you have and I will have a look.