Tube Amplifier Wiring Color Code
The question of a wiring color code for vacuum tube circuitry is one we get quite often. As far as we know, there is standard color code for this. Below is the color code that Bruce Heran uses for his valve audio projects. These color codes can be used in conjunction with Bruce's tips on the Design and Construction of Vacuum Tube Amplifiers.Tube Amplifier Wiring Color Code
Black or black with stripe = AC mains inputGreen on the AC mains is chassis ground (if your electric code permits)
Red is high voltage DC, usually the B+
Red/Orange = intermediate B+
Bright orange = positive side of heaters if DC operated
Bright green = negative side of heaters if DC operated
Pale green = heaters if AC operated
Blue = signal level / inputs (where not shielded)
White = negative feed back
Brown = cathodes
Purple = control signals
The typical wiring found on a lot of power and audio output transformers. Not all transformer makers use these color codes, but it is good guidance if you have no clue about the transformer.
Red = high voltage secondaries
Red with black stripe or solid black (coming out of the same hole in the transformer) = high voltage center tap
Brown = usually standard values of heater voltage 6, 12
Brown/with stripe = standard values with center tap
Green = also used for standard heaters
Green with strip = also used for standard heaters
Blue = non-standard heater value (like 8 or 10 etc)
Blue with stripe = center tap
If there is a second heater it is often yellow and yellow
If there is a third heater or a bias winding it is often orange and orange
Blue = plate number 1
Blue/White = screen number one if a U/L transformer
Brown = plate number 2
Brown/White = screen number 2
White = speaker ground
Orange = 4 ohms
Yellow = 8 ohms
Green = 16 ohms
Power Transformers
Black and Black with stripe = AC mainsRed = high voltage secondaries
Red with black stripe or solid black (coming out of the same hole in the transformer) = high voltage center tap
Brown = usually standard values of heater voltage 6, 12
Brown/with stripe = standard values with center tap
Green = also used for standard heaters
Green with strip = also used for standard heaters
Blue = non-standard heater value (like 8 or 10 etc)
Blue with stripe = center tap
If there is a second heater it is often yellow and yellow
If there is a third heater or a bias winding it is often orange and orange
Audio Output Transformers
Red = B+ inputBlue = plate number 1
Blue/White = screen number one if a U/L transformer
Brown = plate number 2
Brown/White = screen number 2
White = speaker ground
Orange = 4 ohms
Yellow = 8 ohms
Green = 16 ohms
Good listening
Bruce
Bruce
This is great! The proposed coloring system makes a lot more sense than the color code suggested in the ARRL handbook.
ReplyDeleteHope someone can help me here. I have a Fryette Deliverance 60 Universal Power Transformer which is currently wired to a 4 prong power switch for 110V with White and White/Black Stripe and Black and Black/White Stripe. There are 2 unused insulated cables from the primary side; Brown and Brown/Black Stripe.
ReplyDeleteI wish to convert the wiring to accept 240V. Can you help me if you understand what is the wiring I'm supposed to use please? I've not heard back from the tech support and hope someone can help me here. Thanks.
Figure out the turn ratio using a signal generator and a multimeter. If one of the windings have more or less the same ratio as the 110V, then connect it in series with the 110V primary winding to turn it into a 220V primary.
DeleteShock your cock....zip..zip..adoo?
ReplyDeleteGood postt
ReplyDelete