Electrical outlets inside pinball cabs?

2PacMan

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Inside both of my pinball cabs, there is what appears to be a single electric outlet on the inside-side that looks like a standard plug could be plugged into it. What is it used for? Can anything be plugged into it, or is it best to just leave it alone?
 
Its used to keep the pinballs energized when they fly around the playfield.


Seriously, you can use it for what ever you like.
 
So if i'm working on my pin, and i've got the pin plugged in, then i can plug like a halogen work light in that socket or a drill or whatever, just treating it like a regular outlet, it won't put any strain on the pinball's operating system?
 
That is 100% correct. What it is, is an outlet that allows you to work on the pin so that you dont have to run extension cords all over the place. You will not put any strain what so ever on the pin. I have no experience on adding a power strip in so you can plug in say a light and drill and slodering iron at the same time. Reason being, I have a work bench near where I do my pin repairs so I dont need extension cords and the one plug inside the cab is always enough so I have never needed to do this. however I would do this if needed but I can not say if it would be ok so do at your own risk. But for sure, one item at a time is safe. I would suggest though that you dont turn the pin on when you have it plugged in. It will operate fine with it plugged in the wall and then the drill plugged in the socket.
 
Oh, ok...thanks for the info, that extra outlet will come in handy for me, and it's nice to know i won't be damaging the pin any...thanks again.
 
All pinball machines have what's known as the "convenience" or "service" outlet. This is connected in the ac power circuit of the machine before the power switch, but after the main power fuse. It is intended as an outlet to either plug in a soldering iron or small trouble light with the machine turned off but still plugged into the wall outlet. Do not exceed 100 watts with anything plugged into this outlet!
 
Old electromechanical pinballs generally had a two prong outlet for the service outlet while electronic pinballs have a 3 prong (grounded) outlet.
 
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