If you’re browsing for a pinball machine for sale, one of the first questions that might come to mind is:
“Do I need a special electrical outlet for this?”
The good news? Most modern pinball machines plug right into a standard wall outlet.
But there are still a few things you should know about voltage, amperage, and safety to avoid surprises—and protect your investment.
In this post, the team at House of Pinball answers this common question in full detail, so you can power up your new machine with total confidence.
⚡ Short Answer: No, You Don’t Need a Special Outlet
A standard 120V grounded wall outlet (3-prong) is all you need for nearly all modern and vintage pinball machines sold in the U.S. and Canada.
This means:
- No rewiring
- No electrician required
- No expensive upgrades
🎉 Plug and play made easy.
🧠 What Kind of Power Do Pinball Machines Use?
🟩 Modern Pinball Machines (Stern, Jersey Jack, etc.)
- Input Voltage: 120V AC
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Power Draw: Typically 2–3 amps
- Outlet Required: Standard 3-prong grounded outlet
Even the most feature-packed LCD-based machines from brands like Stern, Spooky, or JJP rarely exceed 3 amps.
🟦 Classic Machines (Bally, Williams, Gottlieb, etc.)
- Older electromechanical (EM) and solid-state (SS) machines also use 120V
- Often draw less power than modern machines
- Still plug into any normal outlet
✅ These machines were designed for homes, arcades, and bars, and fit seamlessly into existing electrical systems.
🔌 Power Requirements Recap
| Type of Machine | Voltage | Amps | Outlet Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern (LCD/LED) | 120V | 2–3A | Standard 3-prong |
| Classic Solid-State | 120V | 1.5–2A | Standard 3-prong |
| Electromechanical | 120V | 1–1.5A | Standard 3-prong |
🧯 Do I Need a Dedicated Circuit?
Not necessarily.
However, we do recommend plugging your pinball machine into:
- A dedicated circuit if possible (especially in game rooms with multiple machines)
- A circuit not shared with high-drain appliances like microwaves, space heaters, or air conditioners
This ensures stable voltage and protects the game from surges or resets.
🧠 Pro Tip: A 15-amp or 20-amp circuit is more than enough for one or even two machines.
🔌 Extension Cords and Surge Protectors: Yes or No?
- ✅ Yes to surge protectors — use a high-quality surge strip rated for electronics
- ✅ Yes to heavy-duty extension cords — only if necessary, and make sure it’s rated for 10–15 amps
- ❌ Avoid cheap cords or multi-tap adapters — they can overheat or cause damage
💡 If possible, plug directly into the wall.
🧰 What About International Power?
If you’re buying a pinball machine for sale outside North America (e.g., UK, EU, Australia):
- Machines may need to be converted to 220–240V
- Many modern machines have switchable power supplies (dual-voltage)
- Older games may need a step-down transformer or conversion kit
At House of Pinball, we can help you configure your machine for international use—just ask during checkout.
🛠️ How House of Pinball Helps You Set Up Safely
When you buy from House of Pinball, you’re not on your own. We help with:
- ✅ Pre-shipping power checks
- ✅ Setup instructions and safety guides
- ✅ Optional power strips and protectors available
- ✅ Support for U.S. and international buyers
- ✅ Ongoing tech support and installation help
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I plug in multiple pinball machines on the same outlet?
Yes—if the circuit can handle the load. Two machines drawing 3A each = 6A total, which is well below a standard 15A circuit.
❓ What if the lights flicker when I turn the machine on?
This can be a sign of a shared circuit or overloaded breaker. Try plugging into a different outlet or using a dedicated circuit.
❓ Do pinball machines have a power switch?
Yes! Most machines have a toggle or rocker switch under the cabinet near the front left leg.
❓ What happens if I use the wrong outlet?
Using 220V power on a 120V machine without a transformer can cause serious damage. Always confirm voltage before plugging in.
🕹️ Ready to Buy a Pinball Machine for Sale? We Make It Easy
At House of Pinball, we don’t just sell games—we make sure your entire buying experience is smooth, fun, and fully powered from day one.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, you’ll get:
- Fully tested, plug-and-play machines
- Expert setup guidance
- Transparent advice with no tech confusion
- Lifetime support from real pinball pros