Electrical Safety in Ontario
By Ron Schmuck
Hello. We here in Ontario, Canada have very strict laws for us restorers concerning the safety of all items operated by electricity, and this includes antique music makers. All electrical appliances must have a "Ontario Hydro Sticker" to show it has met their standards.
When we do a Pianomation installation we have to have an inspector visit the shops, inspect the job and put the stamp of approval on our "Identification plate", which shows our name, serial # of instrument, Voltage, Amps & Hz. Failure to do so will result in a fine and other untold problems for the future.
In a nutshell all coin acceptors must be low voltage (less than 18 volts). All wiring must be 3 wire. (+,- & ground) everything must be grounded in metal boxes. All components used must be CSA or UL approved.
We always install a fuse in the hot lead to the vacuum motors. This will blow if the motor gets overheated because of air not going through it. Its part number is 7AM025A3-188 and it is available from most Shopvac or vacuum cleaner motor repair shops. We also always have them, the cost is about .00. So if we are restoring, say, a Seeburg K for use in Ontario, we have to install a 3-prong plug and the correct size wire cord with strain reliever, and ensure that everything is grounded including the piano plate. Use low voltage on the coin mechanism, which means everything old and original can stay as is, and the low voltage flips a relay to operate the motor. The transformer for the low voltage and relay, on/off switches, etc., are housed in metal boxes. If the customer does not want this done we have him sign a letter stating so.
Safety First. Especially when doing restoration for others.
For what its worth,
Ron Schmuck
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(Message sent Fri 16 Aug 1996, 01:37:38 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.) |
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