Power switch problem

[thibodeaux]

I just completed my build and everything checks out, EXCEPT the power switch doesn't seem to be working. I've checked the solder joints, and didn't burn the switch as far as I can tell. Any suggestions of what else might be going on?

[Paul Birkeland]

Can you let us know how you determined that the power switch is bad?

[thibodeaux]

The tubes illuminate when the switch is on, and when it's off.

BTW, I did test the resistance of the switch and it appears to be fine, according to the manual, so I'm a bit confused.

[Paul Birkeland]

Could you post some photos of the rest of the power transformer and IEC related wiring?

[thibodeaux]

Sure, here ya go... Let me know if you need more shots/angles.

[thibodeaux]

Here's a couple more shots.

[Paul Birkeland]

Your tubes shouldn't be glowing at all, nor should your amp work at all.

You have nothing connected to the hot terminal on the incoming AC.  You have part of your primary winding wired to the chassis of your amp.

If your tubes are lighting up, you either have a hot/neutral reversal at your outlet, a hot/neutral reversal in the power cord, or some other issue.  You are also relying on the earth to carry all the current the preamp is using, so a GFCI outlet should trip instantly once this is plugged in.

[thibodeaux]

UGH!!! I feel so stupid 

Fixed it. Now the switch works. Checking everything again to be sure I didn't make any more screwups!

Rookie error for sure!