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2 prong power cable

Never paid much attention until recently but my Marantz PM11S3 has a 2 prong power cable.  Anyone know of upgraded power cables with only 2 prongs.  I'd like to replace the stock cable for one that will help with imaging and a nudge toward neutrality since the Marantz tends a teeny bit toward warmth.  Thanks.
mewsickbuff
jea48
4,517 posts
 

almarg said:

Are the two prongs on the original cord identical in size? If so the first thing I would try is reversing which prong is inserted into which slot in the outlet.

Al,

 The 2 blade male plug is polarized. 

Assuming the OP lives in the US or Canada. His profile Country is n/a.


theo's avatar
theo
2,696 posts
 
PS Audio also makes PC cables with removable ground pins. But if you have a 3 prong outlet you can use any 3 prong cable.

erik_squires
16,395 posts
 
@theo

I never thought I would see an equipment manufacturer something so clearly life threatening as a removable ground pin, but I guess money trumps all.

There is a huge misconception that grounding through AV cables is an acceptable replacement for the safety ground pin (the middle, round pin) in IEC plugs. It’s not. The ground must be able to carry 100% of the current from the hot without overheating. That’s usually 15 or 20 Amps, implying 14 or 12 gauge wiring. Bill Whitlock, of Jensen Transformers and Perfect Power wrote about this several years ago, and is quoted also in Wikipedia regarding cheater plugs.

It would be impossible for a device that requires a ground pin (Almost everything with a metal chassis that is not fed by a wall wart) to be UL listed with such a dangerous features. You can use a grouned IEC cable with a 2 pin IEC receptacle but not the other way around, for good reason!  The rare processor/preamp that doesn't have 3 pin IEC sockets are double insulated, and should be marked as such.

Should a fire, and or death occur as a result of this equipment Audio Asylum, PS Audio and Pangea (they also make a removable ground IEC cable) are all potentially liable, as is anyone who recommends their use.

Best,


Erik
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 

Jea48 8-5-2016 10:41pm edt

The 2 blade male plug is polarized.

Assuming the OP lives in the US or Canada. His profile Country is n/a.

Thanks Jim. Prior to submitting my earlier post I had found this photo of what is apparently the power cord on the OP's Marantz integrated amp. It’s hard to tell for sure from the photo, but it looked to me as if it is likely to be non-polarized.

Under current USA regulations is polarization a requirement for some or all consumer electronics having two-prong power plugs? And if the answer is "some," do you happen to know what factors determine whether it is or is not required in a particular case?

Best regards,
-- Al

jea48
4,517 posts
 

Hi Al,

I couldn’t tell by looking at the photo either, from the link you provided.

As for the US where a polarized plug is required I am not sure where to look to find the exact requirements. It seems where they are not required are things likes wall warts and plug in adapters. Just a quick look in our homes, modern 120v two wire plugs are polarized.


Here is the owners manual for the Marantz PM11S3. Note #9 in the "Important Safety Instructions"

http://m.us.marantz.com/DocumentMaster/US/PM11S3U_ENG_UG_v00.pdf

Jim

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