Sorry for asking, but: what is 'a polarised iec c7 socket'?

A picture would help ---maybe.

MM

synth wrote:

Hi

 

i have some new beolab 3s that came with a polarised iec c7 socket in the back of them.

Just wondering if I can use a standard non-polarised plug and if so does it matter which way it's plugged in?

 

thanks/danke/tak/merci

Makes no difference which wire is live and which is neutral.

Follow manufactures instructions

Millemissen wrote:

Sorry for asking, but: what is 'a polarised iec c7 socket'?

A picture would help ---maybe.

MM

Hi MM

It's the figure of 8 power sockets that B&O use on most of their products. If you look carefully one side of the socket is squared off. As such the socket will accept either a standard, non polarised plug, or a polarised plug (which is shaped such that it will only fit in one way round).

As others have said though, there is no need to worry about using polarised cables as B&O always supply leads with non polarised plugs.

There's an image that shows the difference on this page: 

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320&ved=0ahUKEwi5pYfk4c7JAhVF2xoKHZA1AvsQFggnMAA&usg=AFQjCNHsZ-7oUlnX76uQp6qfEJRdX-LDOQ (search the page for 'C7P')

Kind regards

Martin.

Thanks Martin for clarifying.

Of course I know the couplers - but not by these names.

Cnnecting a figure 8 plug was never a problem to me, so I never really though about that.

MM

Thanks everyone for their feedback.

I did some more digging and it seems the reason polarized plugs are used is that it seems any allowed interference/hum/buzz generated within the electrics in the BL speaker is "disposed of" via the neutral connection which is usually floating close to ground potential.

In Australia anyway, the single phase domestic neutral is usually earthed.

As such, the "polarity" of the connection to the speaker is important. With AC there is no "polarity" to speak of, as AC it changes direction 50 times a second.

However, it seems B&O just want to make sure the cable that is normally connected to neutral in the wall outlet is also connected to the BL3 amp neutral to maximize the disposal of interference, from what I can see. This I suspect why they suggest using a polarized plug with one side squared off to make sure the neutral wire from the wall outlet goes to the correct connector on the BL3. In theory from what I can see, there is no reason why you cant use a non-polarized plug, just make sure you know which of the plug connectors at the BL3 end is the neutral.

There may be other reasons I am not aware of, as well....

As always, have a healthy respect for 240V  AC ( 240 V DC even more so...) and you will live a long time 🙂   .....if in doubt, consult an electrician or qualified technician.  Do not modify any mains voltage plugs to make them fit, as you will compromise safety.

Thanks, I have learnt something.....