[Elecraft] [KPA500] 240V connection advice

[Matt Murphy]

Hello, I am thinking of connecting my KPA500 to a 240V outlet that is close
to the shack that has a NEMA 10-30 receptacle.  I'm soliciting advice on
how to proceed.

As background, I am looking into this because the lights dim a bit when the
amp is keyed down. It's a bit distracting and while I don't think the
circuit is actually overloaded, it's definitely close to the limit.

I was thinking of making a cable by modifying an IEC power cord (with C13
connector) by connecting the two wires to the two hots of a NEMA 10-30
plug, and ignoring the neutral plug AND ignoring the ground wire in the IEC
power cord.

A few questions about this approach:

- Is it the correct way to wire the connectors together?

- Is it dangerous in any way?

- Is there anything that can be done to reduce/mitigate the danger (if any)
other than having an electrician install a currently-up-to-code 240V
circuit in the shack?

- With respect to safety, assuming it is safe for the KPA500 would it be
safe to run other amplifiers that require 240V? How would I determine
this?  It seems that clothes dryers that are connected via a NEMA 10-30
connector typically have the neutral pin connected to the chassis.

Based on my research, the NEMA 10-30 connector was used widely before it
was declared not up to code for new installations in 1996. Since many homes
were built prior to 1996, I would imagine that others on the reflector
might have encountered this sort of issue when dealing with 240V in the
shack.

Advice appreciated.

73,
Matt NQ6N