DIY 13A Power cord [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

rikardo1979

16-02-2016, 16:38

I would like to share my simple, low budget power cord.
Length of the cable is 1m. I know is probably nothing special but still better than one which came with most of the devices.
Would like to hear your critic comments , recommendations and ideas

Parts used

Belden CYSE04.0050 (discontinued product) - 4 core screened CY, 2.5 mm
MK Toughplug silver plated
Martin Kaiser IEC silver plated
heat shrink
braided sleeving

I know this is just an entry level, parts are pretty cheap, but this is what I can afford at this moment.

I know I will not use same parts in future as the plug and IEC are pretty tight for this size of the cable.

Screen braiding is wired together with earth core on the 13A plug side but not in IEC.
4th core, black wire in the cable is not used. Is simply cut off on both ends. Now you ask why I have chosen 4 core cable where I did not need and have not used the last wire in it. :D
Simple answer is, because I have a leftover drum of this stuff here in work, so I have saved some £££ :D

http://i.imgur.com/Z07kFqJ.jpg

More photos

http://i.imgur.com/TdFsivU.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/nFmmWsS.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ko4rO2k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/AE5K1LE.jpg

danilo

16-02-2016, 17:46

Looks good. Stretchy sleeving does the trick.
Wasn't aware that one could get demountable connectors .
Did you measure resistance of the 'previous' cable and compare it to this one?

rikardo1979

16-02-2016, 17:53

no, I have not done any measurements. at least not yet.
I am about to build some power blocks but awaiting some more parts to arrive so will play with it later :)
I going to use shells from Olson
http://i.imgur.com/U9Cgrdn.jpg
Will see how is that going to turn out :D

YNWaN

16-02-2016, 18:31

Wasn't aware that one could get demountable connectors .

What do you mean by 'demountable connectors'?

-----------

Nice neat job on making up the cable :).

rikardo1979

16-02-2016, 18:47

What do you mean by 'demountable connectors'?

-----------

Nice neat job on making up the cable :).

when you receive MK toughplug you need to assemble it first :)
All the pins came in bag so it wont brake in package
http://www.soundfidelity.co.uk/media/images/products/eea51a_xl.jpeg

337alant

16-02-2016, 21:15

I just use the Original Belden 19364 cable , also for me the MK SAFETY plug is better than the Tough plug as it has better terminal connections
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BELDEN-19364-SHIELDED-MAINS-POWER-CABLE-PER-METRE-/150872772623?hash=item2320b7d00f:g:bzcAAOxyJX1TDQt 6
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/mains-plus-sockets/0325163/
I do use the same Martin Kaiser IEC plug as you

Alan

YNWaN

16-02-2016, 21:40

The 19364 is what I have used in the past (very good it is too).

YNWaN

16-02-2016, 21:42

when you receive MK toughplug you need to assemble it first :)
All the pins came in bag so it wont brake in package
http://www.soundfidelity.co.uk/media/images/products/eea51a_xl.jpeg

I don't think that is what Danilo meant as none of the pictures previously shown show the plug deconstructed in this way. Also, many plugs can be taken to pieces like that (most even) - I wonder if he just meant that the mains cable can be unplugged......

rikardo1979

17-02-2016, 06:44

Barry

17-02-2016, 11:22

Nice work.

One comment however, since you cannot use the plug's cable grip mechanism (because the cable is so thick), you ought to make the live conductor (brown) a little shorter and the earth connections a little longer. The BS1363 13A plug is designed so the live connection is the shortest, followed by the neutral, with the earth conductor being the longest. That way, if the cable is yanked severely, the live conductor will break first and the earth conductor last.

rikardo1979

17-02-2016, 11:51

Thank you for the suggestion
I am fully qualified, 17th edition certified :) So I am fully aware of all.
Unfortunately I did not have a choice here as the cable is far to big as mentioned. Life conductor is shorter so it should be pretty safe. And anyway, nobody apart from myself is going to touch that cable anyway ;)

So thats why I have mentioned I will not use same stuff again. But I did not want to throw it out as it cost money, even not much.
Unfortunately I did order 3 of these :( so I will use it again in my power blocks. I will try to come with some idea how to fasten those cables

YNWaN

17-02-2016, 13:19

rikardo1979

17-02-2016, 13:37

For future reference I don't know if you have come across the MS HD Power 13A mains plug http://www.hificollective.co.uk/power_connectors/hd_power_ms328.html. I wanted to make up a dual headed (two leads into one mains plug) cable from Belden 19364 and it was just too much for a normal mains plug. The MS HD was new on the market and I found it to be vastly easier to wire up when using big cable and really very well thought out.

thanks. that was the one I was looking at. But I went for the MK toughplug simply cos of the price. I thought is going to be pretty much same as the MS HD Power, just not that higher grade built. But seems I was wrong :) as usual
But yes, you have 3 MK toughplugs silver plated for £29.95 where one MS HD Power silver plated is £39.95 for one ;)
If I knew it before I would spent that money...

YNWaN

17-02-2016, 14:32

Yep, I quite understand as did much the same myself. However, it turns out there really is a lot more space inside the MS HD plug, the contacts have been designed to take a much larger quantity of wire and the strain relief copes quite happily with thick cable. I was really surprised how much easier the whole thing was and I even managed to do a safe, neat job of fitting two lots of the chunky Beldin cable into it.

Oh, I just went for the standard copper plug which is already expensive enough at nearly £30.

danilo

17-02-2016, 19:09

What do you mean by 'demountable connectors'?

-----------

Nice neat job on making up the cable :).

Sorry... was referring to the Black ' into the back of my Computer' type plug.
Never seen one with screws, just as solid one piece, cast types.

YNWaN

18-02-2016, 10:23

Oh, that's called an IEC plug. If you look on eBay there are loads that screw together in the same way. The Martin Kaiser brand used here are nice quality and not expensive.

Carlos-UK-2016

17-03-2016, 00:25

I've heard very good things about the missing link range. Here is an Ebay link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Missing-Link-EPS-500-Silver-Plated-UK-13-Amp-Mains-Plug-/231550206726

And here is some more info: http://www.missinglinkcables.co.uk/#!cable-research/tqk1x

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee519/sesthedude/eps-500t.jpg

Their plugs seem pretty well priced, and it looks like in their research that they tested it against the 'very expensive hi fi mains plug', maybe you guys can recognise the black plug in the picture:

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/237037_445326b0c5d043c3a23c644950a6cbb9.jpg

brian2957

17-03-2016, 08:56

That's a Furutech mains plug http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Furutech-FI-UK-1363-G-Gold-Mains-plug-/231809010406?hash=item35f8e4cae6:g:u6EAAOSw5dNWkaQ F
Looks like the gold plated version .

Cotlake

17-03-2016, 21:49

That's a Furutech mains plug http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Furutech-FI-UK-1363-G-Gold-Mains-plug-/231809010406?hash=item35f8e4cae6:g:u6EAAOSw5dNWkaQ F
Looks like the gold plated version .

Sorry Brian, I hope this does not offend. What a ridiculous price. I'm all for good basic wire like the Belden used here; use it myself, but that plug at £84 is a nonsense. It's completely unnecessary. Take a tip from those who have got well fettled systems. Many with very good components readily rely on wiring be it mains, I/C or speaker cable at the lower end of the market. Expensive plugs and sockets and other connectors are generally just trying to 'polish a turd'. Get your basic components right and almost any lead or connector will work well. Really, attend a DIY event like Owston and hear high end sound, all hooked up using very basic and affordable cables. Then again, DIY is not for everyone. Of course, if you invest in the very best kit, maybe the icing on the cake is the very best cables, but the difference compared to inexpensive wires and connectors will always be negligible.......and I've got the T shirt, so there :ner:

Edit: I should have added, nice job virus. Very similar to my own mains cable build, all within a sensible price range.

brian2957

17-03-2016, 22:05

No offence taken Greg , you pays yer money and takes yer chances mate . We had a few days of discussion on this when we met at Bristol :)
As you may remember I'm more a cables and plugs fan . For me it's about getting the best out of the equipment which you already have rather than upgrading to higher priced gear . Constantly polishing my '' turds '' am I and I've got several of those T-shirts too :lol:

I'm pretty sure your balanced mains unit cost more than this plug though :ner: :cool:

Marco

17-03-2016, 22:07

The best plug is no plug (or sonically degrading 13A fuse)... Hard-wire where possible and practical! ;)

Marco.

YNWaN

17-03-2016, 22:19

And safe and legal - of course :).

Cotlake

17-03-2016, 22:26

I'm pretty sure your balanced mains unit cost more than this plug though :ner: :cool:

Ha ha, yes, certainly it did and it's the Belden mains cable I used for it's supply lead. I think what I am trying to say is that I finally have arrived at a point where I am very happy with my system, so now I am trying to polish my own turd, and the addition of the Airlinks BPS has made a remarkable difference which I particularly like, even with all the mains cables after the attached distribution block being bog standard kettle leads. To other readers, I would just like to encourage them not to spend volumes of money on connectors before considering getting the very best they can afford in terms of main components in their systems. Fancy cables should be the very last consideration IMHO. By the way, my Airlinks BPS was second hand at £200. It's made a massive difference to sound presentation and far more than two or three Furutec 13 amp plugs might make. Old old story, get the priorities right.

Marco makes a very very good point, albeit, safety has to prevail.

brian2957

17-03-2016, 22:42

I've also reached a point where I'm very happy with my system by using '' expensive '' plugs and cables :) Never spent £200 on any of them though :) . Yes I do own one of these plugs and the reason I bought it was because the cable I use to feed my mains block was too thick for an ordinary plug . The Furutech plug fitted the bill perfectly .
Don't get me wrong , I heard the effect one of these BPS units made at Garys place when Ali brought his over and plugged it in . It wasn't subtle . This was long before they bacame popular on any of the forums ( much kudos to Ali Tait :) ) The problem is my listening room has nowhere to put one of these things and TBH I wouldn't feel particularly happy about having one in my home . Just a ''gut '' feeling on my part.
I respect your opinions on all things hifi Greg but I'm afraid '' turd polishing '' is going to continue at brian mansion for the foreseeable future mate . Well at least until Saturday when I win the lottery :D

Carlos-UK-2016

18-03-2016, 19:33

Thanks Guys, this is a useful thread, and it encouraged me to start to gather the right information to also assemble a DIY power cables too.
I was looking to see what the next step up from the Belden 19364 cable might be (If any of you guys have some suggestions, would be appreciated?)
:)

Anyway, so far thanks to AOS & Google, I have got my Belden cable shortlist started, and I have ordered this new Belden 19364/83803 Combined cable.
I've included a link to the 3 Belden cables that I had 'shortlisted'

BELDEN 19364 SHIELDED MAINS POWER CABLE £5.95 PER METRE
- ebay link here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150872772623

BELDEN 83803 AUDIOPHILE MAINS POWER CABLE £23.50 PER METRE
- ebay link here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150869246453

BELDEN POWER CABLE 19364 | 83803 COMBINED DESIGN MCRU EXCLUSIVE | £15.00 PER METRE
- ebay link here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351203220557
http://rootscript.com/_AOS/cables/Belden-1936483803-960.jpg

Here is the info on the differences:
The belden 83803 is a close 2nd to the 19364 and uses a slightly different construction this high-quality power cable has become the leading wire for high-end custom-designed power cables.
Belden 83803 is a 12 AWG cable that features (7x20) tinned copper conductors, Teflon insulation, 100% Beldfoil Shield with 85% tinned copper braid shield and a Teflon jacket.
Now MCRU brings you a genuine new Belden cable that combines the best qualities of 83803 and 19364. this cable has been manufactured by Belden USA and is a cross-breed of the 2 best selling Belden mains power cables. 11.5mm outside diameter.

This 'new' combined Belden cable is constructed from 3 x 2.08mm sq (14 AWG) oxygen-free copper conductors and incorporates the patented Beldfoil® Shield (which is in constant contact with the internal drain wire). This forms a ground loop to trap unwanted mains interference and keep it safely at the plug end of the cable, away from interaction with any equipment.

Well that's all so far, any other cable suggestions? (I have ordered some of the 'new' Belden 19364/83803 Combined cable, so I will update and let you guys know my impressions)
If you guys are interested I'll put some info on the UK mains plug & IEC connectors, that I have already ordered? The IEC connectors were a really good price (I'll know more once I can inspect the quality of the contact connections).
:)

Carlos-UK-2016

19-03-2016, 12:52

Just so I can do some sort of check my existing cables & DIY cables, I ordered a Supra LoRad Test Pen

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31e8KiZAYzL.jpg
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MGUXGWQ

I could not find a lot of info on this, but thought it would be worth the risk of £20; I will report back after it arrives & I get a chance to look at it.
There was a little more info on it here: http://www.supracables.co.uk/mainscables/lorad-spec.html

I was wondering if this Test Pen might be useful to you guys?

Also was hoping that those of you , who are more experienced (than me) might know of a device to check for DC polluting the AC (if that is possible?) ?

Gazjam

20-03-2016, 10:31

The best plug is no plug (or sonically degrading 13A fuse)... Hard-wire where possible and practical! ;)

Marco.
This ^^

Great post Rikardo1979, with good photos showing how the mains cable construction, will be helpful for a lot of folk I'm sure.

2 wires into one plug?
Bunch of big Jessies...
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/gazjamster/07977d6ac7523d03af2227309109441e.jpg
...yes, this is a work in progress photo :)

Big shout out to Marco for his reccy of Nexans solid core mains cable...sounds way better than anything Ive had in previously.
Its all you said it was mate.

In my own setup my mains cable install is totally "fit n forget" with all cables cut to the exact length and the solid core cable is clamped off behind my rack, so its not moving anywhere.
Stranded mains cable is obviously more flexible, so if your plugging and unplugging a lot I'd definately go for stranded cable as solid core can break easier and is not as practical.
For myself, in my own setup, and having tried more mains cables in my system than Im happy to mention I find solid core to sound better.

Just as a sideline, those interested in going beyond choosing mains cables and further maximising their mains should look into the work done by a guy called Roy K. Riches from a few years back.
This guy really knows his stuff.

As always, safety first folks.

Gazjam

20-03-2016, 10:59

Ha ha, yes, certainly it did and it's the Belden mains cable I used for it's supply lead. I think what I am trying to say is that I finally have arrived at a point where I am very happy with my system, so now I am trying to polish my own turd, and the addition of the Airlinks BPS has made a remarkable difference which I particularly like, even with all the mains cables after the attached distribution block being bog standard kettle leads. To other readers, I would just like to encourage them not to spend volumes of money on connectors before considering getting the very best they can afford in terms of main components in their systems. Fancy cables should be the very last consideration IMHO. By the way, my Airlinks BPS was second hand at £200. It's made a massive difference to sound presentation and far more than two or three Furutec 13 amp plugs might make. Old old story, get the priorities right.

Marco makes a very very good point, albeit, safety has to prevail.

Yup, have an Airlink blanaced mains setup myself Greg and it made a helluva improvement.

Carlos-UK-2016

31-03-2016, 17:49

This ^^
Great post Rikardo1979, with good photos showing how the mains cable construction, will be helpful for a lot of folk I'm sure.

In my own setup my mains cable install is totally "fit n forget" with all cables cut to the exact length and the solid core cable is clamped off behind my rack, so its not moving anywhere.
Stranded mains cable is obviously more flexible, so if your plugging and unplugging a lot I'd definately go for stranded cable as solid core can break easier and is not as practical.
For myself, in my own setup, and having tried more mains cables in my system than Im happy to mention I find solid core to sound better.

As always, safety first folks.

I have to say THANKS to Rikardo1979 (Richard), your post got me started thinking about all my mains cables, so I bought a LoRad cable tester & was surprised that every cable in the house was not properly shielded.
So I just started making up my DIY Belden cables (spurred on by your success).

I used the slightly thicker 11.5mm Red Belden cable (£15 a metre), it was a bitch to fit them into a plug, the conductors are SO thick I had to use pliers to bend them into shape so that I could screw them down. About 2 hours in I had thoughts that I had made the wrong decision using such a thick cable with stiff conductors (I almost gave up), it even took me about a minute just to cut through the damm cable.
Anyway, I kept going, and plugged in the cable from AC regenerator to Tube amp, and....

Bloody Hell !!! I really never thought it would make that much of a difference, but at slightly louder than normal levels my amp seems to come alive, the whole range seems to gave been effected (especially in low to midrange, much fuller).
I am over the moon, my amp has just been given a major upgrade.
THANKS again Rikardo1979, Gazjam, and others... these DIY threads have really got me hooked on this AOL forum

DSJR

31-03-2016, 18:00

rikardo1979

31-03-2016, 20:35

I have to say THANKS to Rikardo1979 (Richard), your post got me started thinking about all my mains cables, so I bought a LoRad cable tester & was surprised that every cable in the house was not properly shielded.
So I just started making up my DIY Belden cables (spurred on by your success).

I used the slightly thicker 11.5mm Red Belden cable (£15 a metre), it was a bitch to fit them into a plug, the conductors are SO thick I had to use pliers to bend them into shape so that I could screw them down. About 2 hours in I had thoughts that I had made the wrong decision using such a thick cable with stiff conductors (I almost gave up), it even took me about a minute just to cut through the damm cable.
Anyway, I kept going, and plugged in the cable from AC regenerator to Tube amp, and....

Bloody Hell !!! I really never thought it would make that much of a difference, but at slightly louder than normal levels my amp seems to come alive, the whole range seems to gave been effected (especially in low to midrange, much fuller).
I am over the moon, my amp has just been given a major upgrade.
THANKS again Rikardo1979, Gazjam, and others... these DIY threads have really got me hooked on this AOL forum

nice to see more people actually having fun with DIY. As that is main purpose of doing it. Some kind of satisfactory of using own stuff.
Not sure if you have seen but I have mentioned these plugs and connectors I used are no good for this thick cables.
I have seen those MS HD Power stuff on Bristol show and that is the stuff I go to use in future for sure. Does not cost as much as Furutech or other and would be much better. Is much much bigger and more tough and is going to be much easier to fit the wires in.

Also will use it for what ever I make in future, leads, or those mains extensions (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?43335-DIY-Power-blocks-(4-sockets))

Gazjam

31-03-2016, 21:42

You lot scare the bejesus out of me with those mains cable ideas. Next minute you'll be building a power station next door purely for your stereo's and be comparing nuclear generated to coal and gas fired.... By the way, the fruity loopy Enid Lumley clained to do just that in Absolute Sound mag some years ago.

Dave,
Hadn't hear of her, will look into what she was trying out..though I'll stop short at building power stations!

The female Jimmy Hughes?
Or more of a Peter Belt? :)

struth

31-03-2016, 21:43

...or a Yosser Hughes :lol:

Gazjam

31-03-2016, 21:47

...or a Yosser Hughes :lol:

I can do that...go on, gizza..

struth

31-03-2016, 21:55

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BpGiUNqXUCQ#t=73

one of the greatest series of all time...brings tears of joy and sadness still...

Gazjam

31-03-2016, 22:55

"I'm desperate Father.."

"Call me Dan."

"I'm desperate Dan..." :lol:

Marco

01-04-2016, 01:31

Big shout out to Marco for his reccy of Nexans solid core mains cable...sounds way better than anything Ive had in previously.
Its all you said it was mate.

Just seen this, mate. I tend not to look much at the DIY section... Glad that the Nexans worked out well. I think it's superb stuff and pretty cheap, too! You'll need to explain exactly what you've got going on in the pic you posted of your new mains installation, as I can't really follow it, but again I'm pleased that it's made a big improvement for you :cool:

Marco.

Marco

01-04-2016, 01:35

I would like to share my simple, low budget power cord.
Length of the cable is 1m. I know is probably nothing special but still better than one which came with most of the devices.
Would like to hear your critic comments , recommendations and ideas

Parts used

Belden CYSE04.0050 (discontinued product) - 4 core screened CY, 2.5 mm
MK Toughplug silver plated
Martin Kaiser IEC silver plated
heat shrink
braided sleeving

I know this is just an entry level, parts are pretty cheap, but this is what I can afford at this moment.

I know I will not use same parts in future as the plug and IEC are pretty tight for this size of the cable.

Screen braiding is wired together with earth core on the 13A plug side but not in IEC.
4th core, black wire in the cable is not used. Is simply cut off on both ends. Now you ask why I have chosen 4 core cable where I did not need and have not used the last wire in it. :D
Simple answer is, because I have a leftover drum of this stuff here in work, so I have saved some £££ :D

http://i.imgur.com/Z07kFqJ.jpg

Looks good, Richard, and neatly put together. I do like Belden cables. So are you planning to sell these, and if so, how much for? Also, I presume that you've tried them in your own system, and if so, what did you think? :)

Marco.

rikardo1979

01-04-2016, 04:56

Looks good, Richard, and neatly put together. I do like Belden cables. So are you planning to sell these, and if so, how much for? Also, I presume that you've tried them in your own system, and if so, what did you think? :)

Marco.

Thank you

I did not make these in intention to sell but for my personal use.
I can not really tell how good or bad they are as my system is not finished yet and I have nothing to compare it to.

As you know, cables like these never come cheap. If someone would like to have this I can make it. The price would be material cost+a bit :D which would be somewhere around £100 (plug £40, IEC £30, cable, heat shrink, braided sleeve)

Gazjam

01-04-2016, 07:26

rikardo1979

01-04-2016, 07:30

Rikardo,

Have you looked at the MK Safety plug?
I found it better than the Toughplug as it has differently designed terminals which clamp the mains wire much better, as well as allowing for much thicker cable.
Not sure of theres a silver plated version but to be honest I've never found there to be much difference sound wise anyway.

http://static.rapidonline.com/catalogueimages/Module/M063623P01WL.jpg

thanks for this ;) I will have a look on this for sure
From the picture you provided I do not like the way it fix the cable, those plastic wings...same as Toughplug, pretty useless on this big cables. I had to removed them to be able fit the cable in :steam:

Cotlake

01-04-2016, 20:49

thanks for this ;) I will have a look on this for sure
From the picture you provided I do not like the way it fix the cable, those plastic wings...same as Toughplug, pretty useless on this big cables. I had to removed them to be able fit the cable in :steam:

I also use this Belden cable and Toughplugs. With regard to the cable clamp wings, I found that rather than remove them, just cut them back. This will allow the cable to tightly fit and still perform the clamping they were designed for.

rikardo1979

01-04-2016, 21:20

I also use this Belden cable and Toughplugs. With regard to the cable clamp wings, I found that rather than remove them, just cut them back. This will allow the cable to tightly fit and still perform the clamping they were designed for.
I've tried but could not fit it in :) trouble is that I using 4 core cable

Qwin

03-04-2016, 14:00

The problem I have with most of the plugs shown here is that they have a bottom exit.
My sockets are very close to the floor and a decent thickness of cable doesn't like taking the right angle bend out of the plug.
Most of the plugs wouldn't take a decent shielded cable, there are some nice industrial 3 core cables at reasonable prices.

The cheapest plug I've come across with a rear entry, in-line or what ever, ie. cable in line with the pins, was this one, which is also available in more subdued colours and silver plated pins if you feel the need. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260992719473?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Been tempted to make up a lead with one of these for a while now, had it saved in watching on the bay for nearly a year, just in case.

EDIT: similar at a better price here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/The-AUDIOPHILE-ORANGE-Cryogenic-mains-cable-power-plug/221473484898?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D35308%26meid%3D4b50043f2cd34e939da0393ea6a9 7049%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D2609 92719473

Sovereign

20-04-2016, 10:09

Hi Ken

Have you thought of taking your wall sockets off and replacing them upside down, this should sort out your problem .
The problem I have with most of the plugs shown here is that they have a bottom exit.
My sockets are very close to the floor and a decent thickness of cable doesn't like taking the right angle bend out of the plug.
Most of the plugs wouldn't take a decent shielded cable, there are some nice industrial 3 core cables at reasonable prices.

The cheapest plug I've come across with a rear entry, in-line or what ever, ie. cable in line with the pins, was this one, which is also available in more subdued colours and silver plated pins if you feel the need. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260992719473?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Been tempted to make up a lead with one of these for a while now, had it saved in watching on the bay for nearly a year, just in case.

EDIT: similar at a better price here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/The-AUDIOPHILE-ORANGE-Cryogenic-mains-cable-power-plug/221473484898?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D35308%26meid%3D4b50043f2cd34e939da0393ea6a9 7049%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D2609 92719473

Qwin

20-04-2016, 11:08

Hi Ken

Have you thought of taking your wall sockets off and replacing them upside down, this should sort out your problem .

That's actually not a bad idea at all.:thumbsup:

Sovereign

20-04-2016, 11:48

Hope it helps, I've seen this in quite a few recording studios.

Simon_LDT

21-04-2016, 23:51

Carlos-UK-2016

22-04-2016, 00:21

Hello Simon,
It all depends on the diameter cable that you are using, and the gauge of the the conductors?

Now I've started making my own power cables, I'm unsure about 2 things...
1. When using the Kaiser IEC's, I assume you guys remove the included cable strain relief? (it's way too small for the cable I'm using - Belden 19364) Just use the screw clamp inside the plug itself?

Couple of things you can do. Behind the cable strain there might be a little hex area that you can file away with a round edged file, to match the width of your cable. What is the diameter of your Belden cable? BUT I would really recommend buying an IEC plug designed to fit the diameter cable that you are using, it is much SAFER.

2. When using MK toughplugs, the ''winged'' relief on that is very stiff and no way to fit the cable in with it's outer sheath/shield. What I've ended up doing is forcing each cable in separately, so the outer sheath is just behind it. It feels secure to me when I've tested tugging on it as the wings will only pull downward anyway. Just wondered if that is usual?
It is a very bad idea to force each cable in separately, as you may strip the cable (in time) and expose the wire. You need to use the main insulation (the one that goes over the 3 cables) in between the winged strain, that will give you two layers in between the winged cable strain, and offer the correct amount of strain relief.

If you cable doesn't fit, then get a plug that does fit that diameter cable SAFELY. If you are confident with your DIY skill, use a file to file down the cable strain wing to match your diameter cable.
Make sure you leave it nice and smooth. If you use cable cutters to snip the wings to a smaller size, BE CAREFUL not to leave a sharp edge on the plastic (That type of plastic is quite dense & hard, and if you leave a hard sharp edge in the opposite direction of a hard cable pull, you run the risk of cutting into your cable insulation over time).

I think you are better off buying an MS HD or Furutech UK plug, that is more expensive, but really designed to fit large cables SAFELY. This looks suitable (previously recommended by Mark) http://www.hificollective.co.uk/power_connectors/hd_power_ms328.html

I have been modding lots of IEC & mains sockets over the last few weeks (12 to be precise). I have experimented with 6 different brands of IEC connectors, all similar in style & size to the Kaiser C13 IEC & even though I have been very careful & done a really good job on making them fit large diameter cables; I have decided NOT to use them based on the fact that 'They were not designed the take that gauge & weight wire and ARE NOT SAFE.

I would really recommend getting an IEC C13 connector plug that is designed to fit & take the strain of the larger diameter power cables. It really isn't worth the risk.

The cheapest IEC C13 plugs I use (but are still GREAT QUALITY are these £7.50 delivered) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261606656667
I use them with Belden 12mm diameter cable, but they take up to 17mm diameter.

I bought some of the RED 12mm Belden cable from MCRU (mains-cables-r-us.co.uk), and phoned and asking them to send me a suitable IEC plugs to fit large diameter cable like the one purchased from them. They sent me one, promised it would fit, but even after cutting LOADS of it away, the cable was bulging the case open. It was just a waste of money based on BAD advice, and really wasn't safe.

With all of the DIY stuff, even simple mains power plugs & cables, it needs to be SAFE and designed to be FIT FOR PURPOSE. I really can't stress this enough (based on my past experience in product design)

Carlos

rikardo1979

22-04-2016, 05:07

Now I've started making my own power cables, I'm unsure about 2 things...

1. When using the Kaiser IEC's, I assume you guys remove the included cable strain relief? (it's way too small for the cable I'm using - Belden 19364) Just use the screw clamp inside the plug itself?
2. When using MK toughplugs, the ''winged'' relief on that is very stiff and no way to fit the cable in with it's outer sheath/shield. What I've ended up doing is forcing each cable in separately, so the outer sheath is just behind it. It feels secure to me when I've tested tugging on it as the wings will only pull downward anyway. Just wondered if that is usual?

I would say, use different IEC socket. I used these as I thought they good. But not for this sort of cables. As I mentioned in my post, I will not use these sockets and plugs. That is for sure.
I have some other solutions which not going to ruin my wallet :) Thanks to @Carlos

rikardo1979

22-04-2016, 05:08

Hello Simon,
It all depends on the diameter cable that you are using, and the gauge of the the conductors?

Couple of things you can do. Behind the cable strain there might be a little hex area that you can file away with a round edged file, to match the width of your cable. What is the diameter of your Belden cable? BUT I would really recommend buying an IEC plug designed to fit the diameter cable that you are using, it is much SAFER.

It is a very bad idea to force each cable in separately, as you may strip the cable (in time) and expose the wire. You need to use the main insulation (the one that goes over the 3 cables) in between the winged strain, that will give you two layers in between the winged cable strain, and offer the correct amount of strain relief.

If you cable doesn't fit, then get a plug that does fit that diameter cable SAFELY. If you are confident with your DIY skill, use a file to file down the cable strain wing to match your diameter cable.
Make sure you leave it nice and smooth. If you use cable cutters to snip the wings to a smaller size, BE CAREFUL not to leave a sharp edge on the plastic (That type of plastic is quite dense & hard, and if you leave a hard sharp edge in the opposite direction of a hard cable pull, you run the risk of cutting into your cable insulation over time).

I think you are better off buying an MS HD or Furutech UK plug, that is more expensive, but really designed to fit large cables SAFELY. This looks suitable (previously recommended by Mark) http://www.hificollective.co.uk/power_connectors/hd_power_ms328.html

I have been modding lots of IEC & mains sockets over the last few weeks (12 to be precise). I have experimented with 6 different brands of IEC connectors, all similar in style & size to the Kaiser C13 IEC & even though I have been very careful & done a really good job on making them fit large diameter cables; I have decided NOT to use them based on the fact that 'They were not designed the take that gauge & weight wire and ARE NOT SAFE.

I would really recommend getting an IEC C13 connector plug that is designed to fit & take the strain of the larger diameter power cables. It really isn't worth the risk.

The cheapest IEC C13 plugs I use (but are still GREAT QUALITY are these £7.50 delivered) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261606656667
I use them with Belden 12mm diameter cable, but they take up to 17mm diameter.

I bought some of the RED 12mm Belden cable from MCRU (mains-cables-r-us.co.uk), and phoned and asking them to send me a suitable IEC plugs to fit large diameter cable like the one purchased from them. They sent me one, promised it would fit, but even after cutting LOADS of it away, the cable was bulging the case open. It was just a waste of money based on BAD advice, and really wasn't safe.

With all of the DIY stuff, even simple mains power plugs & cables, it needs to be SAFE and designed to be FIT FOR PURPOSE. I really can't stress this enough (based on my past experience in product design)

Carlos

great complex reply Carlos ;)