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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: s_busby_uk on May 09, 2014, 09:40:07 am

Title: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 09, 2014, 09:40:07 am
I'm eyeing up this to put in the back of my cab:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/10a-fused-snap-in-iec-chassis-plug-with-switch-n94cz (http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/10a-fused-snap-in-iec-chassis-plug-with-switch-n94cz)

Bearing in mind I'm a complete amateur:
a) is it fine from an electrical/safety point of view (I'm using a fairly predictable first-time MAME setup - PC, LCD etc);
b) what should I be wary of when buying it (ie, wires I might need to buy to help in setting it up etc);
c) how do I mount it to the cabinet (ie, do I just route a hole to fit or is there some other mounting bit these things usually come with?)?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: Generic Eric on May 09, 2014, 09:47:42 am
Search your local hardware store for something like this.  Then you don't have to worry about cutting the end off.

You should buy some heat shrink tubing also to fit over the leads. 

When I looked in my local store, I didn't find any receptacle.  But its supposed to "snap in" To what, I don't know.  Sometimes, they don't even come with fuses. Let alone mounts.


Someone posted a nice picture of the one they did.  Hopefully someone will post it again.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: wp34 on May 09, 2014, 10:19:20 am
Here is a picture of mine.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,136690.msg1414899.html#msg1414899 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,136690.msg1414899.html#msg1414899)

These guys cover everything you would need to know about wiring one up.    :cheers:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135461.msg1399293.html#msg1399293.htmll (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135461.msg1399293.html#msg1399293.htmll)

Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: Sarver Systems on May 09, 2014, 10:20:53 am
The wiki pic was posted by me. Its here on the forums. A quick search should turn it up.

Mine did not come with a fuse, and its not a normal 3AG or whatever they're called fuse.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: Sarver Systems on May 09, 2014, 10:22:09 am
BINGO! See above.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: BadMouth on May 09, 2014, 10:31:01 am
Just want to add that after doing a good job wiring up my inlet, I had serious issues caused by using a random old PC cable that was laying around.
The connectors on the old cable were either corroded or worn out to the point of not making solid contact.
The added resistance caused the connection to heat up and melt the end of the cable.  It took me a while to track down the burning smell because there was no smoke and the damage wasn't visible from either side of the EIC inlet.

This is not a normal occurrence, but the lesson is that you're better off spending the money on a new cable and knowing everything is solid rather than using a 20yo pc cable from the parts bin.  I redid everything exactly the same, but with a new cable and have had zero issues.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: Generic Eric on May 09, 2014, 10:46:40 am
Found it
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,138190.msg1428028.html#msg1428028 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,138190.msg1428028.html#msg1428028)
(http://i.imgur.com/elAMlgd.jpg)
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 09, 2014, 11:07:57 am
Thanks everyone!

I recall seeing that mounting plate already, but I don't have access to any metalwork so I need something a bit more immediate - shame as it looks real nice.

Had been eyeing up the inlet with the red switch but I was going to have to wait 10 days to receive one and I'm impatient! May keep looking for quicker shops...
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 09, 2014, 11:50:29 am
One last quick q - I'd need to use my router to make the hole for this, right? Like, there's no easier method?

Also, may get one of these:

http://www.sinolec.co.uk/en/emi-filters/432-emi-filter-fuse-switch-10a.html (http://www.sinolec.co.uk/en/emi-filters/432-emi-filter-fuse-switch-10a.html)
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: wp34 on May 09, 2014, 08:48:17 pm
I don't know if it is easier but here's how I did mine.  I found a forstner bit that was the diameter as the width of my opening.  I made a couple of holes and then cleaned out the waste with a chisel. 

Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 09, 2014, 09:04:37 pm
Thanks! I'm feeling a bit more confident with my jigsawing after doing my cp today so may try that way carefully.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: wp34 on May 09, 2014, 09:25:49 pm
Jigsaw should be fine for this.  Doesn't need to be pretty.

One tip I would recommend would be to make shallow cuts and do test fits.  There was much less "shoulder" on the power outlet than I expected.  You don't want your hole to be too big.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: PL1 on May 10, 2014, 02:14:56 am
Another method to consider is chain-drlling -- small holes close together in a line.

That way there is less material to chisel away than the Forstner method shown above.


Scott
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 13, 2014, 07:38:00 am
http://www.amazon.co.uk/IEC320-Inlet-Module-Switch-Socket/dp/B0050HH70E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399980777&sr=8-1&keywords=iec+inlet (http://www.amazon.co.uk/IEC320-Inlet-Module-Switch-Socket/dp/B0050HH70E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399980777&sr=8-1&keywords=iec+inlet)

Can anyone who bought the IEC inlet with the red switch being talked about here (linked above) confirm if the dimensions of the back section are 4.7 x 2.7cm (as listed in the Amazon link)? My one is coming form China so won't arrive for a while and I'd like to get the hole made so I can start painting soon if possible.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: Sarver Systems on May 13, 2014, 08:57:26 am
I can help you with that, but I am at work right now. I'll get you some pics and measurements when I get home.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 13, 2014, 09:03:39 am
That'd be amazing, thanks!
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: Generic Eric on May 13, 2014, 11:04:50 am
Search your local hardware store for something like this.  Then you don't have to worry about cutting the end off.

You should buy some heat shrink tubing also to fit over the leads. 

When I looked in my local store, I didn't find any receptacle.  But its supposed to "snap in" To what, I don't know.  Sometimes, they don't even come with fuses. Let alone mounts.


Someone posted a nice picture of the one they did.  Hopefully someone will post it again.
The link didn't post.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-660-515CV-0CV-Connector-Grounded-Yellow/dp/B000FPCHUQ/ref=pd_cp_hi_3 (http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-660-515CV-0CV-Connector-Grounded-Yellow/dp/B000FPCHUQ/ref=pd_cp_hi_3)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AVG-QEqDL._SY355_.jpg)
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: Sarver Systems on May 16, 2014, 11:30:40 pm
The dimensions for the cutout are:

1 1/16" W
1 7/8" H

The holes are 1 9/16" apart. I would wait to drill the holes after it has been installed though.
Title: Re: Mains inlet IEC
Post by: s_busby_uk on May 17, 2014, 06:43:28 am
You are a star Sarver Systems, many thanks.