Maybe I'm thick, but can someone help out?

[patchboston]

Greetings!

I have a Bob Roberts drop-in power supply that I'd like to hook up to an interlock switch.
How would I go about wiring this in?

thanks,

--Dave.

[Level42]

Before the AC on/off switch, but I really don't like that drawing as it only switches off one lead of the mains. If the plug gets reversed, you will have voltage on your inline. Then again, I don't think American grounded plugs actually can be reversed (They can overhere, so every switch is double contact). I'd suggest double contact anyway, for safety, also on the door interlock.

[RayB]

Im not sure you want to interlock the power supply. Usually the safety interlocks are along AC line in, to cut all power. Is there a reason you want to cut power to the power supply, but not the rest of the AC distribution?

[patchboston]

Busy xmas...didn't have time to log on!

ok, so the interlock runs even before it gets to the components of the power supply? Got it.
that crossed my mind, but I wasn't 100% sure.

So how would I go about wiring it in now?
Run the ac cord's hot, neutral to the interlock, and then run the corresponding wires to the board?

thanks,

--Dave.

[Level42]

Yes but stay behind the fuse at all times, preferable behind the filter as well.

[patchboston]

Yes but stay behind the fuse at all times, preferable behind the filter as well.

I'll make sure to do so, thanks!

[SavannahLion]

Then again, I don't think American grounded plugs actually can be reversed (They can overhere, so every switch is double contact).

They're not supposed to be reversed, but there are a lot of wiring problems that can result in reversed wiring. Older homes don't have three prongs so severing the third prong is very common. A lot of home owners feel they can replace a simple wall plug without issues. I've been in places that have had crossed wiring, no grounds, and even one that used a 30 amp wall socket on a 15 amp circuit. The cottage I lived in had all of that, didn't even have a proper GFCI in the bathroom and one bedroom was wired entirely into a different apartment (wanna guess where I put all my computer equipment?  ).

In any case, wire with expectation for the worst case scenario. Use a double contact. Be safe. 

Or you could always use one of those wall socket circuit tester thingies (I got mine from Rat Shack, but I can't find it now). Check every socket you plug into.

[patchboston]

I'm probably going to update this thread whenever I have a question (if thats ok with everyone)...

I just bought a new Tenma 21-7935 from MCM (soldering noob here)...

is this the solder I should consider? I'm going to start repairing a g07 (caps, flyback,etc.)
Rosin "60/40" = tin = lead?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062715

seems like a good all around diameter.

also, someone mentioned on klov that the large gray filter cap on a G07 should be discharged, and some even said they'd do this with a lightbulb?
Or even a screwdriver, but that destroys the screwdriver..
can someone shed some light on the subject? I know how to discharge a monitor with a hv probe or bob robert's type discharger, but thats about it!

[CheffoJeffo]

I use a normal screwdriver to discharge the filter cap on G07s and never had one damaged. I suspect that folks who are seeing damage are using mini-screwdrivers and maybe the tips are getting chipped.

EDIT: Solder looks OK to me.

[Ken Layton]

Yeh that's great solder. You linked to 64-009 which is the 8 ounce spool. I use 64-005 which is just less of it on a roll.

Those two numbers are the best all-around solder to use on many applications.

I've been using 64-005 for over 20 years. I go through a roll every two months.

yes you can discharge that large filter capacitor on the Electrohome with a common 60 or 100 watt incandescent light bulb.

[patchboston]

ok, cool.

So back to the lightbulb thing... just touch the bottom end of the lightbulb to the two leads, at the same time?