What's the problem with original Bulgin mains power sockets?

[Gtr0]

Hi MEF Lovers.

I have an all original (except power cap filtering) '69 Laney LA60BL that still has the original Bulgin socket installed and I use it for a few hours every other day or so.

I see a lot of chatter about the urgency of replacing original Bulgin power sockets. Why is this?

Thanks.

[Pedro Vecino]

It is very common to find insufficient pressure on the contacts. The mechanical clamping of the cable is not the best either. Electrical safety issues should always be taken seriously.

[pdf64]

Yes, the cable plugs are nasty, no clamp / retention for the cable sheath.
Plus they’re expensive/ rare, when a spare power cable is a very good thing to have.

[J M Fahey]

They were advanced in their time, offering removable mains cable with 3 pin grounded connector, compare that to the same era standard of, say, Fender, Ampeg, (and tons others) fixed 2 wire mains cable.
But then they were superseded by IEC connectors and even Bulgin makes them today, so, why not update?

For a single amp, a file and a little patience is enough, no need to buy an expensive greenlee punch or similar.

[Gtr0]

Great to know! Thank you guys!

I will move to replace it!

[nevetslab]

I gather these connectors are the round PXO series parts? I seem to recall having that 3-pin part for AC Mains connection on a Wayne-Kerr Impedance Bridge years ago. Bruel & Kjaer used the 6-pin variety as I/O connectors, prior to changing to DIN parts to connect chart recorders to their gear. YUP. PITA to track down, and expensive. Metal work time for a reliable solution.