2. misc-audio
  3. 1102047927

Is cheater plug safe with grounded monster power?

I recently plugged in a new amplifier into my monster power HTS-2600 and experienced a loud speaker hum. Applying a cheater plug to the amp outlet on the HTS-2600 completely eliminated the hum. My question--and excuse my ignorance--is whether it is safe to use a cheater plug to the amp outlet of a power station that is itself properly grounded? Although the temptation to continue using the cheater plug is high because of improvement in sonics, I am not comfortable because I think the amplifier without a ground to the power station would not be protected even if the power station is grounded. Am I correct in my logic? I thought a cheater plug was only safe when used with old 2-pronged outlets to allow use of 3-pronged plugs and attaching the cheater plug wire to the screw of the grounded outlet?
number1cuban

Showing 4 responses by ldatlof

ldatlof
35 posts
 
I just plugged my Sirius satellite radio home dock into my AC Enhancer via a cheater plug because it didn't accept the three prong plug. Do I need to run a wire from the cheater plug to the ground screw on the AC Enhancer? And how long do you think before my house burns to the ground?

Sorry, I couldn't resist the second question after reading this thread. But, I would really like a sirius answer to the first question.
ldatlof
35 posts
 
Hi Rex. It is an audiovox home dock as you have surmised.

I am ready for some more abuse. What's a wall-wart power supply? I admit that I don't know much about electricity, but why does it come with a three pronged plug that you are supposed to plug into the wall if no AC is fed to the unit. I have it plugged in to the AC Enhancer so that everything turns on/off at the touch of one button.

As you can see my house hasn't burned down - yet.
ldatlof
35 posts
 
Wall-wart = "A small power-supply brick with integral male plug, designed to plug directly into a wall outlet; called a ‘wart’ because when installed on a power strip it tends to block up at least one more socket than it uses...."

So now that I know what a wall wart is I can unequivocally say that the Audiovox Sirius Home Dock does not come with a wall-wart. The power cord has a standard three prong plug on one end and a mini jack type at the other. In the middle there is a brick which I guess can be called a wart. But you can't plug it into a wall.

So Rex, my question still stands. Is the home dock grounded when plugged into the AC Enhancer via a cheater plug? Tbg says no, what say you?
ldatlof
35 posts
 
thanks tbg. it has a 12V output and is made of plastic.
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