[Ragini Devi]

Hi! We recently performed at a major hotel and had requested four 20-amp circuits. When we arrived, there on the stage was a metal box with 4 regular looking grounded outlets connected to a very long snake covered with metal. We plugged in our musical gear and everything popped and smoked and blew out. Finally the hotel engineer came over, took a reading on his voltage meter and it read 208! Yikes. Can a 110 circuit be mistakenly be wired for higher voltage? The hotel is claiming they are not responsible for frying our equipment. Can you give me some info please? Thank you!

[Fr_Chuck]

No, the plugs do not match and can not exchange.

Who ever did the wiring hard wired it in wrong, or uwed the wrong type of plub for a 110 system. I would say yes they are liable.

[KISS]

A standard 120V outlet is supposed to have 120 Volts on it. The outlets determine the voltage or range of voltages that is supposed to be connected to them. A 120 V, 20A outlet should be supplied with something around 120 V. 208 is not permissible. The electrician connected things wrong at the panel.

There are a few cases which this is not true. There are some twist-loc receptacles that are allowed to be either and, of course, the detachable power cords to equipment can be either.

If the outlets were the standard 120 V, 20 amp outlets, then, I believe whoever did the wiring was responsible. If the electrician is employed by the hotel, then the hotel should be liable. If the electrician was hired by the hotel, then the electricians company should be liable.

I think a lawyer would get it cleared up pretty quick. If not, you can always go to small claims court.