A SHOCKING experience. Is your power cord old and frayed?

[shortrackskater]

As two of you know, I've been working on a Mills M head slot with the jackpot hopper. Last night I flipped on the power strip and the hopper just started running randomly off and on, spitting out nickels. So I played it to see if there was just something causing the hopper to run. When I brushed my arm against the metal coin tray, I got a little "electro- therapy!" When I inspected the power cord at the point where it goes through the bottom of the cabinet, I found what you see in the picture!
It took me 7 minutes to replace the cord with a nice new one. And I realize it's probably time to replace those other cords that are full of cracks and electrical tape. So...this is just a friendly reminder for everyone to inspect your cords before you get a little ( or big!) 

[Shaggy]

 

A good idea on older machines. 

[cowboygames]

A good idea with ANY cords regardless of age. Another thing to watch out for is pinching the cord between the stand and the bottom of the machine. The pressure can create a hot spot and potentially start a fire. I know the S2000's at least commonly have a piece of particle board or whatever mounted to the bottom and stands are generally laminated wood or plain wood. A number of years ago on the fire department we had a case where a couch leg got set on the cord for a space heater pinching it between the leg and the carpet. They didn't lose the whole house, but most of the living room and a lot of smoke damage. It had only been plugged in a couple of weeks. Just a word of caution...

[CVslots]

We replace cords before we ever fire up most machines...especially older machines!!

[shortrackskater]

I better get to replacing the cords on my old machines.
...I'm AFRAYED of getting shocked! 

[ramegoom]

Every machine that uses power gets a power entry module. With a 1-1/8" core drill, you can put it anywhere. Plus, it gives you a ton of flexibility with power cords and lengths.

[shortrackskater]

I can't imaging my Bally EM drawing too much current. Maybe my Top Dollar draws more with all the lights?
But I'd like to start replacing cords on my two old EM's and my two REALLY OLD video slots.
I went to the hardware store and just bought a 25 foot extension cord and three plugs. I thought I'd just cut up that cord and already have a plug on one replacement and then assemble two more cords with the three plugs.
The cord is 16 gauge and rated at 13 amps.
Good? I don't have these machines running all day of course.

[Amechanic]

This is one of the very first things I check and replace since I'm always working on older machines. Bally gave very little room for the power cord. 9 out of 10 machines I get have unsafe cords.

[Shaggy]

A general rule of thumb is that a standard receptacle runs on 15 amps. That's with 14 ga. wire usually for lights. 12 ga. wire can handle 20amps and is supposed to use a 20 amp. receptacle. This is code talking. Try your extension cord and check for a heating problem. I don't think your machines will draw over 12 amps. But I also don't know why the font changed on this reply. Whatever........If the cords are getting hot, replace them. I don't see you having a problem. If each one is 20 feet or so long then maybe. But generally 16 will work just keep an eye on things. Error on the safe side.

Dave

[shortrackskater]

A general rule of thumb is that a standard receptacle runs on 15 amps. That's with 14 ga. wire usually for lights. 12 ga. wire can handle 20amps and is supposed to use a 20 amp. receptacle. This is code talking. Try your extension cord and check for a heating problem. I don't think your machines will draw over 12 amps. But I also don't know why the font changed on this reply. Whatever........If the cords are getting hot, replace them. I don't see you having a problem. If each one is 20 feet or so long then maybe. But generally 16 will work just keep an eye on things. Error on the safe side.

Dave

Thanks Dave (and Amechanic too!)
I think the font button has a mind of its own! I had that happen and just did ONE click on the [big]I[/big] button and it fixed it.
My cord length will be 6 foot. I hope this works. I'm about to cut cut cut!

[Shaggy]

I don't foresee a problem. Items with heating elements draw lots of juice. Microwaves, toasters, curling irons, blow dryers  etc. These guys have a lot of small lights and computer works, small motors and the like. Like I said be diligent and check and for warming cords. I really don't think you'll have a problem. But I never thought my ex-wife would ever get run over by a bus either. Or that I would lose my job as a bus driver in the same day. Bummer.   

[shortrackskater]

But I never thought my ex-wife would ever get run over by a bus either. Or that I would lose my job as a bus driver in the same day. Bummer.