Powervar Ground Guard ABCG100-11 66012-63R Power Conditioner

[JD Harvey]

I found a Powervar Ground Guard ABCG100-11 66012-63R Power Conditioner for sale near my house for $15. Will this isolate the tube amp I'm testing for safety reasons?

 

[El Rubio]

Probably not. You should check continuity from the grnd pin on the power cord to the ground pin on the output outlet.

I use a medical isolation transformer on my workbench and had to disconnect the grnd on the outlets.

I did read the description from Powervar and it mentions “ground guard conditioning” but I didn’t dig in deep enough to find out exactly what that means. I am pretty certain the ground is still connected through.

 

[JD Harvey]

Then if I don't use a 3 pin cord, only use hot and neutral 2 pin cord, will it isolate? I realize most of "isolation transformers" retain a connection from the ground to the neutral. Keeping in mind I'll be using a 2 pin cord, I'm assuming it should isolate

 

[El Rubio]

2 prong cord will not be a problem. No grnd reference in the device under test.
I plug only the devices being tested into the IT and test gear is plugged in to normal outlets. This retains some safety that ground provides.

 

[loudnoises]

If I read the spec sheet right, it'll only pass 1a, and 3a for 10 seconds will trip it?

It's a little confusing, but I don't think it's up for the task.

 

[Bill Ferris]

If I read the spec sheet right, it'll only pass 1a, and 3a for 10 seconds will trip it?

It's a little confusing, but I don't think it's up for the task.

That`s my reading on its very, very low (1.0 amp !) 120 v output current capability according to its rating sticker on the back.
A low power consuming SS, maybe tube preamp could be powered through it, though, but no audio power amp of any reasonable output power.

 

[JD Harvey]

I'm wanting to use it as isolation during the rebuild of a 1935 Travel-aire radio. Small toaster size tube radio.

 

[Bill Ferris]

I'm wanting to use it as isolation during the rebuild of a 1935 Travel-aire radio. Small toaster size tube radio.

It`ll probably will function ok with that radio`s light current drawing load.

 

[JD Harvey]

Picked it up for $10. Work as it should.

 

[Bill Ferris]

Picked it up for $10. Work as it should.

Well then, the price apparently is a no risk financial venture, and if it`s functioning correctly, use and enjoy the protection it affords with confidence and piece of mind that you`re properly protecting and conditioning the electricity your system`s components.
Good luck, and enjoy the music.