(Topic ID: 315510)

Replacement Power Cord

By insertcoin

1 year ago



Topic Stats

  • 9 posts
  • 5 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 1 year ago by phishrace
  • Topic is favorited by 1 Pinsider

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#1 1 year ago

I want to replace the power cord on my early 80's machines (Centaur, Flash Gordon, Fathom, etc.), as the original cords have become brittle over the past 40 years. I expect to use 3-prong/polarized cords -basically using available extension cords. WHAT should I use? Gauge (16?), Amp (15?), Volt (125?), Watt (1875?). Not sure if those are minimums or more than a I need; I have another machine that already had the cord replaced and the tag has those stats. Is it adequate or super-adequate? Thanks!

#3 1 year ago

Thanks, @LTG. I read the guide and see that 14-16 gauge should work just fine and 15a is also more than enough. I just haven't seen anywhere about the voltage or watts. Shouldn't a standard cord be more than enough for a machine??

#4 1 year ago
Quoted from insertcoin:

I just haven't seen anywhere about the voltage or watts

Amperage/current and gauge are usually the most important things. Watts doesn't matter at all in this context. Voltage is standard residential wall outlet voltage (110-120v).

Just to throw in another variable, sometimes you need a round cord, sometimes a flat style one.

Round: https://www.pinballlife.com/15-foot-power-cord-with-stripped-end.html

I think I got the flat style electrical cord from PBR, but I'm not 100% sure: http://www.pbresource.com/tools.html

#5 1 year ago

Gauge and length are the only considerations. Euro games run on higher voltage, lower amperage. US games lower voltage, more amps. 15 foot 16 gauge cord is fine. Any longer get a 14 gauge cord. Don't use power strips if your voltage fluctuates considerably.

#6 1 year ago
Quoted from phishrace:

Don't use power strips if your voltage fluctuates considerably.

First time I've heard that.

I always use surge protector power strips.

If you are having serious problems with voltage fluctuations, you may want to look into power conditioners.

#7 1 year ago

First time I've heard that.
I always use surge protector power strips.
If you are having serious problems with voltage fluctuations, you may want to look into power conditioners.

Wow. I guess there IS more to consider than I originally thought -thanks! Strips, conditioners and cords. Okay, I'm new to this but I think I found some pretty good ones...

strips (resized).pngstrips (resized).pngconditioner (resized).pngconditioner (resized).pngcords (resized).pngcords (resized).png
#8 1 year ago

Just buy the right size replacement at Home Depot there is no magic here.

#9 1 year ago

The thermistor in the power box is the built in surge protector. I've fixed a couple of games that have been hit. Thermistor completely smoked both times due to power company surges. Replace it and game works 100%. Pinball engineers figured out a long time ago that surges can happen and added a 10¢ part to protect the entire game. It works.

A Kill-a-Watt meter (about $25, Harbor Freight, Amazon) plugged into any outlet is a good way to easily monitor your house voltage all day. 4 - 7pm on hot days is when you'll likely see dips.

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