Posted by Bruce Wilson on July 4, 2003, 4:11 am
> >>240v receptacles that are the same size as 120v, but with a
> >>different orientation of the "prongs" were what I thought
> >>most people used?
> >
> > That's the one. Looks exactly like a standard 120V connector
> > except both current-carrying prongs are the same size
> > (vs. the larger neutral prong for 120V) and one is at right
> > angles to the other.
> Sounds like the 20 amp 120 volt plug to me. If you see a 20 amp 120
> volt socket outlet, it can accept both standard 15 amp (flat prongs
> parallel) and the 20 amp (one prong at right angles) plugs.
> There are a wide variety of plugs and sockets available in a well
> stocked hardware or building supply store. There may be something
> there that would be suitable.
> CM
Try http://www.quail.com/locator/nema.htm
Posted by Bob Adkins on July 4, 2003, 12:36 pm
>>240v receptacles that are the same size as 120v, but with a different
>>orientation of the "prongs" were what I thought most people used?
>That's the one. Looks exactly like a standard 120V connector except
>both current-carrying prongs are the same size (vs. the larger neutral
>prong for 120V) and one is at right angles to the other.
The cords are so stiff and heavy. That means you have to build your own
cords. That means you have to use a big, clunky plug. Yes, the wall outlets
are nice.
I totally agree these connectors are the best choice. In the absence of
suitable banana-style plugs and sockets, this would be my choice for mixed
120v and 12v systems.
Bob
Posted by Rudi on July 2, 2003, 2:51 pm
There is a very good solution for 12VDC connectors. It's a system called
Anderson PowerPoles. These are sexless connectors which cannot be plugged
wrong. The terminals are also sexless and come in crimp-sleeve sizes from
18ga (3 amp) to 10ga (45 amp). There are various panel-mount versions with
2 pairs and 4 pairs available. The prices are reasonable. Check them out
at: http://www.powerwerx.com/
(PS - I don't have any vested interested in PowerWerx, just found this to be
a great source of unique components)
> Came up with a possibility for whom ever had said about using a 240V
socket
> for connecting 12V items.
> Why not get some British power sockets and plugs. You shouldn't have
> anything around to plugin except your 12V stuff.
> Now I realize I have no idea on the availability of those plugs and
sockets
> in North America, but maybe someone has an idea.
> Just my thoughts.
> Chuck
Posted by Loren Amelang on July 3, 2003, 6:12 pm
>> There is a very good solution for 12VDC connectors. It's a system
>> called
>> Anderson PowerPoles. These are sexless connectors which cannot be
>> plugged
>> wrong. The terminals are also sexless and come in crimp-sleeve sizes
>> from
>> 18ga (3 amp) to 10ga (45 amp). There are various panel-mount versions
>> with
>> 2 pairs and 4 pairs available. The prices are reasonable. Check them
>> out
>> at: http://www.powerwerx.com/
> So Rudi, is there a wall mount socket that would look nice in the living
> room? I don't think I would like wires and connectors flopping around.
Looks like with a little creative filing or nibbling, one could put the 2-
pair PowerPole into a standard duplex outlet opening. The standard hole is
about 1.0 X 1.3 inches, but oval. Open it out to a rectangle and it is
close to the 1.0 X 1.25 inch knockout spec for the PowerPole. Their trim
flange is 1.11 X 1.52 so it would cover a marginally funky modification
job. Not sure what you do with the other hole in a standard plate - provide
four taps per location?
Actually that's not a bad idea - I have lots of DC outlets that never get
used, but the ones that do, behind the computer and the stereo, are always
jam-packed. Luckily my double bananas stack on top of each other! At least
Powerwerx provides ready-made Y adapters...
Loren
Posted by CM on July 4, 2003, 3:43 am
>>There is a very good solution for 12VDC connectors. It's a
>>system called Anderson PowerPoles. These are sexless connectors
>>which cannot be plugged wrong. The terminals are also sexless
>>and come in crimp-sleeve sizes from 18ga (3 amp) to 10ga
>>(45 amp). There are various panel-mount versions with
>>2 pairs and 4 pairs available. The prices are reasonable.
>>Check them out at:
>> http://www.powerwerx.com/
> So Rudi, is there a wall mount socket that would look nice in
> the living room? I don't think I would like wires and connectors
> flopping around.
Check out some of the other areas at that site. They have mounting
kits for the sockets, as well as power panels with multiple outlets.
CM
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> >>different orientation of the "prongs" were what I thought
> >>most people used?
> >
> > That's the one. Looks exactly like a standard 120V connector
> > except both current-carrying prongs are the same size
> > (vs. the larger neutral prong for 120V) and one is at right
> > angles to the other.
> Sounds like the 20 amp 120 volt plug to me. If you see a 20 amp 120
> volt socket outlet, it can accept both standard 15 amp (flat prongs
> parallel) and the 20 amp (one prong at right angles) plugs.
> There are a wide variety of plugs and sockets available in a well
> stocked hardware or building supply store. There may be something
> there that would be suitable.
> CM