Regarding IEC connectors, what I do is buy a small PC and strip out the power supply except for switch and IEC socket and put in my amplifier etc.
It also has mountings for fans.
Second hand boxes off ebay are very cheap.
Or buy a decent box and you have a very nice enclosure.
Had some odd comments at gigs from punters about how many audio watts is my PC outputting !
It also has mountings for fans.
Second hand boxes off ebay are very cheap.
Or buy a decent box and you have a very nice enclosure.
Had some odd comments at gigs from punters about how many audio watts is my PC outputting !
The sad/scary thing is that I've seen considerably dumber ideas from engineering upperclassmen. 😱 I don't claim to be that smart, but some people make you really start to worry...
Neutrik Powercon connectors exist for folks that demand the XLR type of connections. Similar enough form factor, but I bet most of the XLR as power jack guys use them primarily because they're cheap and readily available, with the whole "I'm the only one using it anyway" mentality.
Most of my IEC jacks and small heatsinks come from gutted PC PSUs. Free, safe, durable, and it's environmentally friendly recycling 🙂
I manage to scrounge most of the faulty UPSs from my work (University) and I strip out all PCBs, heatsinks (wonderfully chunky alu,) connectors etc. I have a veritable stash. Even managed to get hold of old (defunct) network chassis and modules. Lots of useful parts.
Salvage the transformers! Some of them are very useful. I scrapped a Tripp-Lite 1500VA UPS that had a monstrous 16V transformer in it. I'll probably use it to build a huge 13.8V power supply for amateur transceivers, but they're useful for lots of things. I figure I can get 20A out of the secondary without any trouble.
Well that's strange. I've been around pro audio gear for most of my life and have never seen anyone use XLR for AC power. Low voltage DC, sure. Most SONY pro cameras have XLR for the 12V.
SpeakON for power? Never seen that either. PowerCON, sure, it's the new kid on the block.
SpeakON for power? Never seen that either. PowerCON, sure, it's the new kid on the block.
Nobody in the pro-audio industry would be stupid enough to do this kind of stuff. That doesn't stop "hackers" from doing it.
I like amphenol style MIL spec plugs, but I wouldnt hot pull or insert those, nevertheless.
That and they arent rated for mains volts, if you fail to use the insulator insert correctly.
I've used a 5.5mm/2.1mm DC jack for 300V for a temporary solution. Like ling says, I knew it was like that and nobody else if touching it. And no, I don't do this anymore, I use GX style aviation connectors now.
Used to be able to get these Amphenol AC power chassis plugs, mounted on a typical metal Octal chassis plate. I don't recall if they made a 3 prong version.
Another scheme could be to get an IEC connector that has -just- push-on wire flat tabs on the back. (no rectangular body thru chassis) Then just punch 3 holes with the corresponding pattern for the tabs to come through the chassis, plus the two small mounting screw holes.
Another scheme could be to get an IEC connector that has -just- push-on wire flat tabs on the back. (no rectangular body thru chassis) Then just punch 3 holes with the corresponding pattern for the tabs to come through the chassis, plus the two small mounting screw holes.
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Well, Amphenol -DID- make 3 prong power chassis connectors. Recessed ones even. Can just use an extension cord with these.
Some one needs to make an IEC version like this. Easy to mount with a circular punch out. Maybe it already exists? Here is an adapter.
Some one needs to make an IEC version like this. Easy to mount with a circular punch out. Maybe it already exists? Here is an adapter.
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Getting closer!
Just drill 3 holes + mounting holes.
Or mount this one internally thru a big round hole in the chassis. (or two slightly offset smaller holes in chassis)
Just drill 3 holes + mounting holes.
Or mount this one internally thru a big round hole in the chassis. (or two slightly offset smaller holes in chassis)
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I had forgotten about those round Amphenol. Kinda cool. Didn't they make a 2 prong version that was used for years?
Yep, 2 prong oldies, then the 3 prong ones came out.
Some of the really old scopes and test equipment had the 2 prong ones. Later, 3 prong.
Some of the really old scopes and test equipment had the 2 prong ones. Later, 3 prong.
It's refreshing to see that I'm not the only lazy person on the planet. File? What's that? Ho, ho, ho.
Always the best to all,
Chris Cringle
Always the best to all,
Chris Cringle
That's why I use PowerCON... One chassis punch and two little holes and I'm DONE. Additionally, when your amp uses a unique power cord, people don't swipe the cord for their monitor.
I guess it also keeps you from swiping their monitor cord, so helps keep you on the Nice list, rather than the not-Santa-approved Naughty list. Which should, after all, be reserved for only *very* close friends.
Ho, ho, ho,
Chris
Ho, ho, ho,
Chris
Amphenol do make power connectors, capable of the voltage and current requirements.
Whether they are OK to remove/replace when live is unknown to me (I've never seen it mentioned, and tbh I wouldnt know what certification or spec to look for)
I would have no qualms using them, I would only avoid removing the plugs when live.
But they're so expensive, it makes the choice of an IEC panel punch economical, if you intend on using it more than once.
I hate panelwork too, and almost exclusively use ally chassis - that way I can drill multiple holes, then chisel and file the opening to fit the IEC. But it's a PITA.
I've seen the 3 pole Bulgin connectors used, and the socket is round, and easy job to fit with a stepped.cone drill.
I wouldn't use then myself, they're easily shattered, but also easier to replace!
3 Pin Circular Mini Bulgin Mains Power (AC) Cable
Though this is the 'mini's version, it has the same general appearance
There is also the (now obsolete?) Canon three pin mains plug/socket which fitted in the simple, standard XLR socket cut out. If they are now obsolete, why?