US mains lead type - old style, I need the name

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delapoer

Member
2004-05-31 6:03 pm
UK
  • #1
    I have an old Wavetek signal generator. I loaned it to someone and they lost the lead so I am trying to find out what the name of the plug is on the equipment end. This device is from the early 70s and had a removable mains cable, the equipment end connector is a 3-pin, the shape is oval (about 1.25 inches wide and 0.5 inches high) with three pins in a row(ish) with the centre pin slightly above the outer pins. I think the centre pin is earth. The pins are all circular. Can anyone tell me what this lead is called so I can try to track one down?
     
    scott wurcer

    scott wurcer

    Disabled Account
    2004-01-26 3:03 pm
    Belmont MA
  • #3
    delapoer said:
    I have an old Wavetek signal generator. I loaned it to someone and they lost the lead so I am trying to find out what the name of the plug is on the equipment end. This device is from the early 70s and had a removable mains cable, the equipment end connector is a 3-pin, the shape is oval (about 1.25 inches wide and 0.5 inches high) with three pins in a row(ish) with the centre pin slightly above the outer pins. I think the centre pin is earth. The pins are all circular. Can anyone tell me what this lead is called so I can try to track one down?
    Click to expand...

    Is this the right footprint? Was your cable European on the outlet side or did you use and adapter?

    https://www.cablesandkits.com/ac-power-cord-european-plug-schuko-cee-77-to-c5-2-meters-p-1311.html
     
    D

    delapoer

    Member
    2004-05-31 6:03 pm
    UK
  • #4
    scott wurcer

    scott wurcer

    Disabled Account
    2004-01-26 3:03 pm
    Belmont MA
  • #9
    delapoer said:
    Yes, that looks like it, thanks a lot. Is the type an Alpha or is that the maker? It's a shame that it is out of stock.
    Click to expand...

    I suspect Alpha is Alpha Wire and Cable. There are probably other vintage equipment places, maybe one of the huge rental companies has extras.

    EDIT - TacPower makes a replacement (not as cheap).
     
    Last edited:
    dchisholm

    dchisholm

    Member
    2011-03-29 4:48 am
    St Louis, Mo
  • #11
    Enzo said:
    For whatever reason, we always referred to those as "tape recorder cords".
    Click to expand...

    I believe "Wollensak" tape recorders and projectors from ca. 1950 - 1970 used a power cord with a similar connector. Searching for, e.g., "Wollensak power cord" may turn up a usable substitute. Somebody who was associated with audio-visual (A-V) equipment in that era may have a few power cords laying around. I think the early versions of that connector were two-prong (ungrounded), and later switched to 3-prong (grounded).

    (That brand was ubiquitous in U.S. schools during those years. I won't claim the power cords are interchangeable with your Wavetek generator without at least some dimensioned sketches for comparison.)

    Dale
     
    Last edited:
    dchisholm

    dchisholm

    Member
    2011-03-29 4:48 am
    St Louis, Mo
  • #12
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