Amp not grounded - step up/down transformer in Japan

Hi all,

I am using a Hegel amp 230V in Japan (100v). For that I bought a step up transformer 100V to 230V. It has no ground. How can I connect my amp to the ground (the plugs have ground but doesn’t sound good to me just plug the ground there).

I am worried specially using the sources that won’t be connected to ground either and therefore will have different grounds = noise.

Thanks

 

Run a copper wire from the chassis of the step up transformer to the chassis of the Hegel.

 

What about a wire from the hegel chasis to the ground of the phono stage? Do I really need another to the transformer chasis then?

 

Yes.

 

Shouldn’t be connected to the house ground as well?

 

Your using a step up transformer that has no ground?
What transformer make and model are you using?
You should have your amplifier properly grounded if nothing else.

 

Japanese brand 1500W, is there any transformer design without ground?

 

I'm confused, is it the amplifier that has no ground or the step up transformer?
If it's the transformer, you really need a grounded or 'isolated' step up transformer to be safe.

 

Questions:
Is the wall outlet receptacle in Tokyo Japan 2 blade only? No safety equipment ground?

Does the Hegel amp you bought have a 3 wire cord and plug? Therein, Hot blade, neutral blade, and safety equipment ground pin?
Or is the cord and plug only 2 wire, hot and neutral?

I assume you bought the step up 100V to 230V transformer in Japan, correct?
I assume the cord and plug is 2 wire only, correct?

Jim
.

 

The step up transformer has no ground. A plug with 2 wires only.

 

The wall outlet in Japan has 3 outlets

Hegel has 3 wires but the step up transformer has 2 input ‘holes’ and 2 wires to connect to the wall

My concern is about safety and noise, especially if I connect to the system a phono preamp (100V) to the wall ground. I will have the ground of the amp and the ground of the preamp. Correct?

 

You will need a step up transformer with 3 pins to be safe.
Also, the amplifier also has to have the 3 pins too to work correctly.
Seems odd than a step up transformer is not 'grounded' to me.
Can you post the model number and brand of it?
You can always connect your turntable to the amplifier, once the 'ground' of the amp is established to the power outlet.

 

https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/yasukukaeru/item/k2354689/

This one

Thanks!

 

Wow! That is huge! Suited for 20 Amps!
It's probably a great step up transformer, looks great, but not ideal for your application.
I'd be looking for a 3 socket step up transformer to be safe.
When you have that, then can run a wire from your turntable to the chassis of the amplifier, which in turn will
then be 'grounded'.
Got to really 'ground' your amplifier properly before anything else.

 

sh••! I will have to look for another thing I was tempted to connect the ground of the preamp to the chassis of the amp (Hegel has not ground plug at the back).

 

Is the receptacle protected by a GFCI breaker or receptacle upstream?

If not, I'd check with a local about a safe way to get the ground working, if possible.

 

So the wall outlet is a 3 wire? Hot, neutral, and safety equipment ground? Is the outlet the original receptacle that was was installed in your home?

Can you provide a Web Link showing the 3 wire outlet, (2 wire with ground), in Tokyo Japan.

This is the outlet I found doing a quick google search.
Electricity in Japan

Jim
.

 

I am not so advanced in electrical terminology, what do you mean?

 

Are you saying that your amplifier doesn't have a 3 prong cord?
Can you show us the make and model of your amplifier to be clear?
Thanks.

 

This are the plugs I have at home. The step up transformer conects to the wall with the picture you sent. Google Image Result for https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/34f63133-1920-4e1c-a4e7-fbba8b3dbdbf/svn/white-simplysmart-home-plug-adapters-drsm004-64_1000.jpg

 

That part looks great and correct!
Hot, Neutral and Ground receptacles.

 

I don’t know what to do, I can’t find online step up/down transformers with ground. Some with 3 inputs but looks cheap, also I need 1500W for my amp

 

yes, the amp has 3 wires but has not a specific connection for the ground cable (as in the turntables)

 

Yeah, you definitely want to get the Wattage/Power rating (W) right, otherwise you'll burn something up!
If you need 1500W, don't go below that.

 

Ok.
As long as the amp has 3 wires, that's a good start.
That's the priority.
So now you need a step up/down transformer than is 3 pronged that can handle the 1500W that can plug into the 3 wire receptacle in your wall.
The turntable 'ground' can be added with some modification afterwards.