Looking for a compact and safe mains lead connector

[peak4Participant @peak4]

If you do a search for C7-C8 extension lead, rather than just a C8 socket, you might have more joy.
Here's an example on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beauneo-Extension-Iec320-Control-Interface-black/dp/B0967F256J

Bill

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

Bill, that looks ideal for the job Michael has in mind, I'm tempted to get one to keep in hand.

Andrew.

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Or the non switched version

C7 to C8 cable

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Andrew Entwistle on 01/09/2021 13:29:37:

Bill, that looks ideal for the job Michael has in mind, I'm tempted to get one to keep in hand.

Andrew.

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Not quite, I regret to say

The connectors themselves look fine … BUT they are ‘integral’ with a short piece of wire; which rather defeats the object of the exercise.

What I am wanting to do is:

• cut the lead on the flash-head at some convenient point
• attach its new connector
• procure a suitably long and flexible lead
• attach its connectors [unless already correct]
• end-up with a more user-friendly device, which can be stored more conveniently.

The lead supplied with the flash-head is the usual oval stuff, and excessively stiff.

Thanks for all the suggestions, but it’s not looking good s far.

MichaelG.

[Maurice TaylorParticipant @mauricetaylor82093]

Hi, Buy a lead with C7 on one end and C8 on the other . Cut this lead close to plug end ,cut flash head cable close to flash head ,solder wires together and use heat shrink to cover joint . Fit mains plug to other end of socket cable.

Maurice

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Posted by Maurice Taylor on 01/09/2021 15:35:42:

Hi, Buy a lead with C7 on one end and C8 on the other . Cut this lead close to plug end ,cut flash head cable close to flash head ,solder wires together and use heat shrink to cover joint . Fit mains plug to other end of socket cable.

Maurice

That was the reason I linked to the one I did, with the switch.
It might provide a suitable small enclosure to join the wires together; chop off the plug end from the internal switch contacts and solder in the shortened cable hanging out of the flash head.

I used the heatshrink joining method when I've made by various hydra headed charging leads, for when we go on holiday. I've one with 3 ends on a UK lead, another on a continental lead (below), and a third one on an American blade plug.
This continental adaptor has had one of theC7s, with the blue band, modified to fit a clover leaf socket as well as a C8

Bill

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 01/09/2021 13:01:17:

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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I was already aware of those, thanks Neil

As stated earlier, they are at least ten times the size and weight that I was hoping for.

MichaelG.

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Ref. __ https://docs.rs-online.com/4997/0900766b816a7587.pdf

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 01/09/2021 16:06:02

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Maurice Taylor on 01/09/2021 15:35:42:

Hi, Buy a lead with C7 on one end and C8 on the other . Cut this lead close to plug end ,cut flash head cable close to flash head ,solder wires together and use heat shrink to cover joint . Fit mains plug to other end of socket cable.

Maurice

.

Thanks Maurice … but this is one of the things that I was trying to avoid doing.

Hence my question to the forum.

MichaelG.

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

This solder plug, trimmed to to leave vestigial ears for gripping to disconnect, sealed with adhesive lined heatshrink, topped up with hot-melt could hang off the flash unit (e.g. eBay item 254292037485). The rewireable socket (eBay item 161839908218) could be wired with flexible 2-core silicone sheathed cable.

Andrew

Edited By Andrew Entwistle on 01/09/2021 16:27:23

[Andrew EntwistleParticipant @andrewentwistle]

Would probably want to adhesive lined heatshrink the socket as it has no appreciable strain relief and maybe not the capacity for the sheath. Perhaps straying too far from your 'safe' brief?

Edited By Andrew Entwistle on 01/09/2021 16:31:44

[Maurice TaylorParticipant @mauricetaylor82093]

Hi, MichaelG , Is it possible to open the case of the unit ,if it is you could unsolder original cable and solder new cable in its place.

Maurice

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 31/08/2021 18:35:32:

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.

I see I'm not the only one that finds "coiled & bound" mains lead infuriating.

A slight deviation from the OP, but maybe useful to us all. Has anyone found a reliable way to straighten such leads. I've tried soaking in hot water (unplugged of course) and hanging it weighted in the airing cupboard with, in the main, poor results.

In many cases I have resorted to rewiring with fresh cable from a drum.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Bo'sun on 01/09/2021 17:10:38:

I see I'm not the only one that finds "coiled & bound" mains lead infuriating.

A slight deviation from the OP, but maybe useful to us all. Has anyone found a reliable way to straighten such leads. I've tried soaking in hot water (unplugged of course) and hanging it weighted in the airing cupboard with, in the main, poor results.

In many cases I have resorted to rewiring with fresh cable from a drum.

.

A kindred spirit … Ahoy there !

I suspect that the underlying problem is the reduced level of plasticisers in the outer PVC sheath of these leads.

[ something to do with saving the planet ]

Strip the sheath off, and the cables are often quite flexible.

I have thirty year old leads that are more flexible than these modern ones.

‘Arctic‘ cables, and Silicone-sheathed ones seem to be best, but are difficult/expensive to find in these small sizes.

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Maurice Taylor on 01/09/2021 16:39:05:

Hi, MichaelG , Is it possible to open the case of the unit ,if it is you could unsolder original cable and solder new cable in its place.

Maurice

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Anything is possible, I suppose … but I would really prefer not to open it.

The Heyco strain relief bush is the first hurdle, and the unit is very compact, so probably packed quite tight.

The simple addition of a connector on the cable seemed like a good idea at the time

I like detachable leads, because you can pack them separately.

MichaelG.

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