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#134663 11/25/02 06:03 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
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C-H Offline OP
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#134664 11/25/02 06:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,691
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Sure!

It can be done. In fact, it already exists.

How about this one and its female couterpart?

[Linked Image from panelcomponents.com]

#134665 11/25/02 11:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
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looks like the plug on the back of my computer

#134666 11/26/02 02:26 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
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This is an IEC panel-mount socket,
the pins of this are not allowed to be livened. [Linked Image]

#134667 11/26/02 10:54 AM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,691
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Correct, but there is also a female version that is used on some computers to power the monitor. I searched around more and found a picture of the female version.

[Linked Image from panelcomponents.com]

The benefit of these is that the slots are tiny and all the contacts are shrouded - so by the time the contacts touch, the entire thing is covered in plastic. All we would need is for someone to develop a shuttering mechanism.

Would be great for extension cords...

#134668 11/26/02 12:18 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 456
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The downside, of course, is that as a travelled person, you would have a collection
of linecords from varios locales around the globe, and some appliances are just not suited to that sort of connector, however
you could use the two pin variety, commonly use on port, an plauing musical detachable linecords is easier than playing detachable plug.

My solution (especially for places like the UK with clumsy fused plugs), would be to use plug adaptors that would fix to the wall outlet or appliance plug.

#134669 11/26/02 03:46 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,527
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A slang term for these in the US is "IEC 320" connector, but properly IEC320 covers several sizes/ampere ratings. More correctly, the usual size in the US is 10-amp "C13" [female] and "C14" [male].
http://www.accesscomms.com.au/iec320.htm
http://www.ul.com/av/pag16.html

They are likely the closest thing to an (international) universal appliance/equipment AC-power plug there will ever be. Having switchmode supplies with wide-range input voltage [~100-240V] has probably helped their popularity too.




[This message has been edited by Bjarney (edited 11-26-2002).]

#134670 11/26/02 04:27 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 382
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Member
SvenNYC said ...

"Would be great for extension cords..."

They were the in-line connector on the extension cord for my electric mower and weed-eater in RSA though the centre earth slot was filled in on the socket - both double-insulated and no earth.

#134671 11/26/02 05:06 PM
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Posts: 7,520
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The problem with trying to introduce a universal standard is that somebody, or in this case a great many people, would have to change from their existing standard to the new one.

Just think how much different electrical devices might be if we could start afresh with a worldwide standard for power connectors/voltages, a single standard for TV, a single standard telephone connector, and so on.

Re the IEC equipment connectors, it just occurred to me that in many countries (e.g. the U.K.) a lot of fuss is made about having shutters on wall receptacles, yet they don't seem to object to these non-shuttered trailing sockets on power cords.

#134672 11/28/02 02:37 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
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Paul, I saw in the Radio Spares catalouge
a device that has a system of flexes coming out of it, up to twelve, I think, for use in Commercial Installations, does a flex supply this?, or is it hard wired to say, a
2.5mm2.
Your thoughts, please.

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