Best Safety Practices

While vintage audio gear is great, in most cases it does involve messing with high voltages, and there is cause for caution when working with or around it. Any vintage audio gear can be dangerous, especially concerning gear that is electrically powered or holds any charge. Here are some tips for those of you who deal with vintage audio gear. But remember, do not even attempt to work on your own gear unless you are qualified to do so, or unless you are being supervised closely by someone who is an expert on the subject.

The first thing: voltage can be deadly. Always remember this. Amplifiers are deadly if mishandled and not respected. You must always make sure that you discharge any capacitors before you start.  Also, avoid creating circuits that could pass through your heart. These circuits are often the most deadly. You should always put a drain load across the significant charge storing devices, and you should remember to leave them the entire time you are working. Some devices can redevelop voltage if left unloaded without this safety precaution!  Always use hook probes for secure connections and to avoid short circuits. You need to sport rubber gloves and rubber soled shoes when you work with electrical gear this will keep you safer, and keep you from being grounded. Do not work with bear feet or simple socks.

Other things you need to consider are never working on a unit when it is turned on, and you should really always unplug equipment before working on it. If you need to take live readings, use crocodile jaw like clips. You can then turn the unit on and off for the reading. Also, make sure to use the proper insulated cover whenever this is required. Never ever use a screwdriver or other metallic tool like it to short a charged capacitor! Also make sure that you use isolation wherever possible, so as to prevent unwanted flash-overs.

Remember, if you are not experienced enough to figure out a resistors voltage rating, than you are not ready to work on your piece of equipment. Get professional help. Many inexperienced techs just pry stuff open, and before you know it, they have electricity shooting out the side right through the insulation into either their fingers or the chassis! Electrical equipment is dangerous, so unless you clearly understand all of the aspects and you are a qualified tech, seek professional help! And always remember the greatest tool in the world, above everything else is your common sense. Don’t risk it, even if you feel just a little unsure. Put it down, and go get help.