ArchaicArcane

This is a misconception being perpetrated by at least one FW "expert" website. You don't get to choose polarity with AC. AC means Alternating Current and it cycles 120 times a second.

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-ca...ty-detail.aspx

If turning the plug helps - something's been nudged apart to stop the tingling. It's still unsafe.


Correct! The only way "stray voltage" should be able to happen is if a wire is touching something it can ground to - like the body of a vintage metal machine.

By definition Stray Voltage (assuming it comes with amps which is the only way you'd feel it) is dangerous: http://www.today.com/news/stray-volt...cts-1D80279142 (warning! there's a video here that auto plays.)

sewbeadit

This was discussed on another group on the net, I just can't remember which one, maybe wefixit. If I can find It I will tell you, but google for this and see if it comes up some where. It does happen with machines, but I can't remember why.

quilt938

well figures it won't play on the computer here at work ..sigh..will have to watch it later. scary though with the stuff written- touching a fence and dying, dog dying from stepping on a plate while walking sheesh

ArchaicArcane

I didn't watch the video, it may not be any different than the article.

That's a somewhat extreme example - the reason being that the power lines that are leaking there are carrying potentially enough power to supply hundreds of homes / businesses. Our houses are typically limited to a max of between 60 and 200 amps of power with most breakers limiting any given outlet/circuit to 15amps or so.

That said, it takes less than 1 amp to stop the human heart. I think I was told 0.10 amps - so 1/10th of an amp or 1/150th of what the average breaker can supply before it "pops". This is also about 1/4 to 1/7th what a regular properly operating vintage Singer machine will draw for power - which shows that it's drawing enough to actually cause harm if the wiring isn't in order.

I just had someone ask on my blog about popping breakers with a sewing machine that they just acquired. This indicates that an electrical problem of some sort is causing the machine to try to draw about 15 amps. Severely dangerous territory.

manicmike

Both my 1959 Pfaff 360 and Singer 320k2 vibrate at mains when I run my finger across the beds. Is this the 'tingly' feeling?
I don't think there's anything wrong with them: I thoroughly checked the electrics in both machines. Neither is earthed of course, but the wiring is excellent.

quilt938

I don't know MIke- mine was plugged in but not running- I noticed when I was touching it while threading it then I put my fingers on the bed and felt it. felt like hot and pin pricks all at once. machine wasn't running and nothing seemed wrong when I was pressing the pedal either. it ran well enough I went to get the thread to try it out. it's going to the shop just to be sure. the machine is beautiful but the more I'm looking at the patched up wiring I'm wondering just what's under all that tape and the thoughts aren't good...

ArchaicArcane

It's possibly the same. The thing is - we harp on the wiring (probably because it's the most common and easiest to check) but there are also other places where electrical can short from - you have at least: one fixture and a motor that could have wiring problems or other issues. Some machines will have a switch for power and or a switch for the light. On my 360 (262?) - the stopmatic box was smashed to smithereens. There's a circuit in there - it's potentially a place to look too.

Susanna - definitely if the wiring is all patched up - have it looked at. The number of jerry-rigged machines I've seen boggles my mind! Not everyone is good with electrical and a "fix" meant to last rarely looks "patched".

Safety first!

quilt938

thanks- it' definitely going to the shop before I mess with it again! I may take it there in a couple of weeks when I'm off work again and get an estimate. the machine itself is beautiful so it's worth seeing what it'll cost and probably worth going ahead and doing.

miriam

You might get a better price on wiring at a small appliance shop.

ArchaicArcane

That's a really good point! Or an electrician friend, which is what I often suggest.