Thread: Damned power cords!

The #13 size handle 10 amps and the #15 size handle 15 amps.

I have equipped a number of my power tools with these IEC connectors now and they work very well. I ordered some 0.5m IEC 13 extension leads with moulded-on connectors (about a dollar more than just the sockets alone) and wired them directly into the tools. They look 'factory original' (except the factory would probably have moulded the sockets directly into the appliances).

I have an IEC power cord permanently plugged into a power socket and connect power tools as required. No more trying to coil power leads round the tools when I put them away!

this is the best idea i have read on this forum for years

The movement has gone international. "http://thewoodhaven.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=487"

Originally Posted by Woodwould

The movement has gone international. "http://thewoodhaven.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=487"

I wonder if he does insulation installation?

Originally Posted by Woodwould

I have a DeWalt ROS which has a power cord like a length of mangled rebar. It's so stiff, especially now that the weather's cooler, that it interferes with the sander's operation.

Good Morning Woodwould

Its the bloody cost accountants again. Flexible wire is not as cheap as the stiff stuff. Once upon a time good tools had flexible cords and el cheapo's had rebar, but times change.

Loved your solution and will copy. Thanks.

Cheers

Graeme

Yes this is a good idea, but... Being soldered may not be the best. Depending on the amps drawn through the soldered connection, the cable and connection may heat up a bit and may cause the solder to weaken and let go.

That's why most higher powered tools etc have screwed or crimped terminals.

Yes I am a sparky and no I would not tag it.

But if it does the job and your happy. Your choice.

Originally Posted by Abug

Yes I am a sparky and no I would not tag it.

Just interested, on what grounds would you fail it?

Originally Posted by Abug

Yes this is a good idea, but... Being soldered may not be the best. Depending on the amps drawn through the soldered connection, the cable and connection may heat up a bit and may cause the solder to weaken and let go.

That's why most higher powered tools etc have screwed or crimped terminals.

Yes I am a sparky and no I would not tag it.

But if it does the job and your happy. Your choice.

The loose connectors I used have screw terminals and the moulded connectors I used are wired to the tools' internals with identical crimped, insulated terminals. What's the problem?

Originally Posted by Abug

Depending on the amps drawn through the soldered connection, the cable and connection may heat up a bit and may cause the solder to weaken and let go.

if the wire gets so hot that it melts the solder you have much bigger problems. the plastic insulation on the wires will melt long before a soldered joint will

Originally Posted by billyj_86

if the wire gets so hot that it melts the solder you have much bigger problems. the plastic insulation on the wires will melt long before a soldered joint will

True, solder melts at around 190 deg C. I'm still waiting for a reason to fail it.

This may seem a pretty stupid question to a very good idea....why not use the conventional 240 plugs on a short lead?................AL

Originally Posted by 46150

This may seem a pretty stupid question to a very good idea....why not use the conventional 240 plugs on a short lead?................AL

They're big and ugly. The IEC connectors are small and don't get in the way. Other than those, there's no reasons really.

One reason is the manufacturers specification for that tool / appliance is to be supplied with a lead with the 3 pin 240v plug to connect to a socket outlet or ext lead. This is a modification away from the manufacturers spec.
Where I work, the company is strict on safety and a lot of responsibility is put onto us. They have us follow the AS guidelines but are a lot more strict on frequency of testing etc because of the work environment we and contractors work in.

If it were a 240v clear plug with the insulation on the pins, that is fine.

All electricians and qualified test & taggers need to realize that if something goes wrong and someone gets hurt and your licence number is on the tag and they deem it unsafe, then they may come after you.