Looking for a compact and safe mains lead connector

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

I have a new mains-powered ‘Studio’ flash head which, rather inconveniently, has a fixed mains lead [2-core U.K.]

I propose to cut it short, and add an in-line connector; so that the long lead can be stored separately.

The obvious question is : What connector would our electrical experts recommend ?

MichaelG.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

I like the IEC 'Kettle' connectors as used on computers. They normally plug into a bulkhead socket but flying males are easily had, this example is wired up as an adaptor:

I don't care for anything more delicate on 240v mains wiring but could be prejudice!

Dave

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

Hi Michael, my preference is to use a rewireable IEC C14 plug and C13 socket (possibly moulded-on if a standard 13A plug to C13 socket lead is available). It is a shame that there is no similar connector pair for figure of 8 format (IEC C7/C8) that would be more compact and with just the 2-poles that you need.

Andrew.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks to you both … but I was really looking for something more compact

Andrew is thinking along the right lines, but I have yet to find anything suitable

The head is labelled E14/75W AC220V 50Hz, and the mains plug has a 5A fuse

… a ‘kettle connector’ would surely be overkill

MichaelG.

[Frances IoMParticipant @francesiom58905]

the 2-pin connectors may be found in moulded connection – I have several salvaged from old Sky boxes gleaned from my local amenity site. Interestingly they all use a distinctive round format 13amp plug but with a 5amp fuse..
Not sure re bulkhead fittings as most I have were designed for PCB mounting with the PCB also mounting switches etc

Edited By Frances IoM on 31/08/2021 15:52:13

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

I'd go for something like this – other colours (and suppliers) are available.

Links to https://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/0128-bk/connector-rubber-10a-2-pin-black/dp/PL09471?st=plug%20in%20mains%20adapter

Rob

Oh, and hopefully not teaching anyone to suck eggs, but remember to put the socket on the "live" side of the connection.

Edited By Grindstone Cowboy on 31/08/2021 16:03:26

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

There is not much vailable that is smaller than IEC C14/15 and suitable for inline use.The two pin (IEC C4/5) connectors are not made as inline male.

The only common one is the rubber inline 2 pin connector used for garden tools.

https://uk.farnell.com/pro-elec/0128-or/connector-rubber-10a-2-pin-orange/dp/3472736

or black

https://uk.farnell.com/pro-elec/0128-bk/connector-rubber-10a-2-pin-black/dp/3472734

Theleed used to interconnect these lights would do, but are not re-wireable so you would have to modify them flash to attach one.

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Lighting_Menu_Index/Lighting_Fluorescent_Index/Linkable_Flourescent_Fitting/index.html

Robert G8RPI

Edit,

Rob types quicker than me!

 

 

Edited By Robert Atkinson 2 on 31/08/2021 16:26:34

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

Screwfix supply the Hylec 1 entry micro plug and socket system. Said to be 14 mm diameter and able to accommodate 1.5 sq mm cables but no current rating given. 400 V rated so pretty safe.

Expensive at nearly £15 a pop.

**LINK**

https://www.screwfix.com/p/hylec-1-entry-dp-micro-plug-socket-connector/345gx#product_additional_details_container

Not keen on the rubber garden tool type two pin connectors. All the ones I've encountered have been a right battle to separate.

Clive

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

Please have a look at Neutrik Powercon True 1 Top as it might do what you want.

http://www.neutrik.co.uk/neutrik/products/powercon/powercon-true1-top/powercon-true1-top-cable-connectors

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

The Hylec looks very good. Not seen those before. A bit long though. It's 10A

https://www.hylec-apl.com/Weatherproof-Waterproof-Connectors-Range/Micro-TeePlug-and-Sockets/THB_381_A2B_L.html

Screwfix don't describe it well and it's listed under cable joiners.

The PowerCons are very good but nearly as big as a C14/15 at more cost.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks for the further input

Just to show the scale of the problem, here’s a quick snapshot of the unit:

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It came crammed into a surprisingly small cardboard box … but there’s no way I would want to use that for storage.

What I was hoping to do is snip the lead at about 9” from the Heyco strain relief, and insert a pluggable [and preferably locking] connecter with a much more flexible mains lead. … then I would be able to store the two separately.

MichaelG.

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P.S. __ Sorry there’s no fill-in flash on that snapshot !

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

This was the most promising candidate that I found:

**LINK** : https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/3165736.pdf

… but I was hoping for something smaller

MichaelG.

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

Those pro-elec connectors are copies of the Bulgin Buccaneer range. They are not approved for use as mains power connectors on hand-held items.

Thee is probably room in the flash to fit one of these

https://uk.farnell.com/schurter/6160-0004/inlet-iec-c8-2571-2-5a/dp/2080477

from the outside. You might have to make a shaped packer for it.
They are cheap, approved for the job and work with standard leds so if you forget yours you have a chance of borrowing something.

A locking cnnector may not be the best idea. Better a plug comming out if someone trips on a lead tahn a flash and tripod crashing down.

Robert G8RPI.

Edited By Robert Atkinson 2 on 31/08/2021 20:31:35

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks, Robert …

I am hoping to avoid opening the unit; but if nothing more suitable appears, I may end up putting one of those in a little box on the shortened lead.

MichaelG.

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Ref. __ https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2108396.pdf

P.S. __ The ‘studio’ in question is my table-top light tent.

 

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 31/08/2021 21:14:44

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

Why not hunt around for a bigger box? Goods on Amazon (e.g.,)come in various sizes of boxes.

[Maurice TaylorParticipant @mauricetaylor82093]

Hi, Why not do it the easy way ,use a 2 pin garden equipment plug and socket cable joiner.

Maurice

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Maurice Taylor on 31/08/2021 21:23:06:

Hi, Why not do it the easy way ,use a 2 pin garden equipment plug and socket cable joiner.

Maurice

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Because it’s at least ten times the size and weight that I want

… the whole unit only weighs 800g

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by DMB on 31/08/2021 21:20:30:

Why not hunt around for a bigger box? Goods on Amazon (e.g.,)come in various sizes of boxes.

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Because I want to store it in a padded bag, with the mains lead and its plug in another.

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

A question for Robert:

If I go the C8 route … Would this 4metre C7 lead be acceptable, with the substitution of a U.K. mains plug ?

**LINK** : https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2705354.pdf

It’s specified 125V, 7A … They don’t appear to list a 250V, 2.5A version

I would expect the C7 plug should be dual rated, but is the cable ?

MichaelG.

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

The dielectric strength between the cores at >2kV L-N suggests there is no problem isolating 230V, especially with the additional insulation of the outside sheath. Durability needs to be the same whether 110 or 230. I would have no qualms about using this cable at 230V for a home project, but for a more official application the correct rating would be required – even though I suspect it is just testing and screen printing that makes the difference.

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

For a really compact connector you might be able to trim the C7 plug and encapsulate it in a potting box, also trimmed or 3D printed.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Andrew Entwistle on 01/09/2021 09:12:28:

The dielectric strength between the cores at >2kV L-N suggests there is no problem isolating 230V, especially with the additional insulation of the outside sheath. Durability needs to be the same whether 110 or 230. I would have no qualms about using this cable at 230V for a home project, but for a more official application the correct rating would be required – even though I suspect it is just testing and screen printing that makes the difference.

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My thinking too, Andrew

But as Robert raised the issue of Approval, I thought it wise to ask his opinion.

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Andrew Entwistle on 01/09/2021 09:15:50:

For a really compact connector you might be able to trim the C7 plug and encapsulate it in a potting box, also trimmed or 3D printed.

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For a really compact [but non-Approved] connector pair, I am tempted to build my own … I have some beautiful stackable pins which would make a very good start.

MichaelG.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Google for "Masterplug Mains Inline Connector".

At 10A rating it's pretty compact and easily used to split an existing cable. Often used for garden tools.

Neil

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