2. misc-audio
  3. 1102047927

Is cheater plug safe with grounded monster power?

I recently plugged in a new amplifier into my monster power HTS-2600 and experienced a loud speaker hum. Applying a cheater plug to the amp outlet on the HTS-2600 completely eliminated the hum. My question--and excuse my ignorance--is whether it is safe to use a cheater plug to the amp outlet of a power station that is itself properly grounded? Although the temptation to continue using the cheater plug is high because of improvement in sonics, I am not comfortable because I think the amplifier without a ground to the power station would not be protected even if the power station is grounded. Am I correct in my logic? I thought a cheater plug was only safe when used with old 2-pronged outlets to allow use of 3-pronged plugs and attaching the cheater plug wire to the screw of the grounded outlet?
number1cuban
rex
245 posts
 
Quincy, the interconnects do provide a ground path from one component to another. This ground path is a low-voltage, low-current signal ground though - it is not designed for nor intended to be a safety ground for high-voltage, high-current AC power.

Electricity takes the path of least resistance. If you (or your spouse, or your child, or your pet) offer a better ground path than an RCA signal ground, guess which path a chassis leak will take? :-(
ldatlof
35 posts
 
I just plugged my Sirius satellite radio home dock into my AC Enhancer via a cheater plug because it didn't accept the three prong plug. Do I need to run a wire from the cheater plug to the ground screw on the AC Enhancer? And how long do you think before my house burns to the ground?

Sorry, I couldn't resist the second question after reading this thread. But, I would really like a sirius answer to the first question.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Ldatlof, yes I am surprised that Rex even has electricity in his house.
rex
245 posts
 
Ldatlof - the only Sirius home dock I know of is the Audiovox, and it uses a wall-wart power supply - no AC fed to the unit. In all siriusness, if you're using an AC Enhancer on a wall-wart, your house has already burned down, and you were in it.

Tbg - your obviously fragile and still-bruised ego is showing.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Huh? Please explain
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