Stupid IEC AC mains plug Q

Hi all...

Got a new ISP and they actually have some decent newsgroup coverage, so
this is my first post here in probably a decade... HA!

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same three
pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone taking a US
110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond, and then someone plugging in a nice
British 240vac (that's what it is?) line cord with a British mains plug and
the same IEC on the unit, and POWW!!!

Just curious...

_-_-bear

BTW, I sure wish IEC connectors were locking... :- )

--
_-_- BEAR Labs
- Custom Audio Equipment, Cables, Mods, Repairs -
http://www.bearlabs.com

On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 23:23:35 -0500, BEAR wrote:

Hi all...

Got a new ISP and they actually have some decent newsgroup coverage, so
this is my first post here in probably a decade... HA!

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same three
pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone taking a US
110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond, and then someone plugging in a nice
British 240vac (that's what it is?) line cord with a British mains plug and
the same IEC on the unit, and POWW!!!



Common sense + a desire not to destroy your hifi equipment?

On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 23:23:35 -0500, BEAR wrote:

Hi all...

Got a new ISP and they actually have some decent newsgroup coverage, so
this is my first post here in probably a decade... HA!

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same three
pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone taking a US
110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond, and then someone plugging in a nice
British 240vac (that's what it is?) line cord with a British mains plug and
the same IEC on the unit, and POWW!!!



Common sense + a desire not to destroy your hifi equipment?

"dave" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 23:23:35 -0500, BEAR wrote:

Hi all...

Got a new ISP and they actually have some decent newsgroup coverage,
so
this is my first post here in probably a decade... HA!

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same
three
pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone taking a US
110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond, and then someone
plugging in a nice
British 240vac (that's what it is?) line cord with a British mains plug
and
the same IEC on the unit, and POWW!!!



Common sense + a desire not to destroy your hifi equipment?

Common sense? What's that?

(whilst using a toaster in the bath)

"dave" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 23:23:35 -0500, BEAR wrote:

Hi all...

Got a new ISP and they actually have some decent newsgroup coverage,
so
this is my first post here in probably a decade... HA!

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same
three
pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone taking a US
110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond, and then someone
plugging in a nice
British 240vac (that's what it is?) line cord with a British mains plug
and
the same IEC on the unit, and POWW!!!



Common sense + a desire not to destroy your hifi equipment?

Common sense? What's that?

(whilst using a toaster in the bath)

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same three
pin IEC connectors on the back?

Yes!

If so, what prevents anyone taking a US 110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond, and then someone plugging in a nice British 240vac (that's what it is?) line cord with a British mains plug and the same IEC on the unit, and POWW!!!

Nothing!!

Except (if you're lucky) a label saying 110V and it's very common to
come across equipment that has detonated for just that reason.


Brod.


www.eurotherm.co.uk

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same three
pin IEC connectors on the back?

Yes!

If so, what prevents anyone taking a US 110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond, and then someone plugging in a nice British 240vac (that's what it is?) line cord with a British mains plug and the same IEC on the unit, and POWW!!!

Nothing!!

Except (if you're lucky) a label saying 110V and it's very common to
come across equipment that has detonated for just that reason.


Brod.


www.eurotherm.co.uk

BEAR writes:

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same
three pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone
taking a US 110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond,
and then someone plugging in a nice British 240vac (that's what it
is?) line cord with a British mains plug and the same IEC on the
unit, and POWW!!!

Absolutely nothing.
But it could be worse.
I have several appliances (old Technics integrated amp, Philips
portable radio, Teac cassette recorder) with a non-detachable
italian 6A mains plug and a 110-220V voltage selector.
Some PC also have a 110-220V selector, and some other have a
smarter PSU.

But even if you pay attention the worst could happen. Here in Italy,
you could have two kind of 3-phase system: 220V triangle (_normally_
without neutral) and 220V star (or 380V trangle) (_normally_ with
neutral). But especially if the 220V triangle is designed to have big
motors, there is also a neutral wire, and is used the same socket of
380V star.

BTW, I sure wish IEC connectors were locking... :- )

There is a locking IEC socket. Has a metal piece that pass behind the
plug and lock on a iron wire. The socket is not auto-locking, and works
with the lock open too.

BEAR writes:

Anyhow, just had a thought - does your gear over there use the same
three pin IEC connectors on the back? If so, what prevents anyone
taking a US 110vac rig and sending it over to your side of the pond,
and then someone plugging in a nice British 240vac (that's what it
is?) line cord with a British mains plug and the same IEC on the
unit, and POWW!!!

Absolutely nothing.
But it could be worse.
I have several appliances (old Technics integrated amp, Philips
portable radio, Teac cassette recorder) with a non-detachable
italian 6A mains plug and a 110-220V voltage selector.
Some PC also have a 110-220V selector, and some other have a
smarter PSU.

But even if you pay attention the worst could happen. Here in Italy,
you could have two kind of 3-phase system: 220V triangle (_normally_
without neutral) and 220V star (or 380V trangle) (_normally_ with
neutral). But especially if the 220V triangle is designed to have big
motors, there is also a neutral wire, and is used the same socket of
380V star.

BTW, I sure wish IEC connectors were locking... :- )

There is a locking IEC socket. Has a metal piece that pass behind the
plug and lock on a iron wire. The socket is not auto-locking, and works
with the lock open too.

I'm thinking of going over to Neutrik Powercons.

=== Andy Evans ===
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