Mains connector data

[Alistair D]

I am attempting to create a database of the mains connector types used on the sort of equipment that comes across our work benches.  

Does anyone know of any websites or have any old catalogues that could be scanned? Ideally I am looking for pictures with dimensions and part references but anything is better than nothing.

There is a parallel thread running over on UKVRRR with a couple of hits already. https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/show...p?t=149348

Al

[ppppenguin]

Yet another wonderful catloguing project by Alistair. Some of the mains connectors we use make rocking horse **** look commonplace. Such as for a Bush MB60 (the valved predecessor of the TR82 in the same case) , Ekco TMB272 portable TV and many more.

Curious find the other day. My new Ikea extractor hood has a mains lead with a 2 pin version of the commonplace IEC "kettle" connector. I think the shell is the same on both but I'd rarely seen a 2 pin version before. I think it's C9but not 100% sure: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-mains-plug...1831427104

If it is, then somebody is making moulded mains leads cheaply somewhere that will fit a number of Revoxes

[Refugee]

From your description in words I would sat C17 mating with C18. The common C13 should fit all be it with the earth being redundant.
http://www.plugsocketmuseum.nl/PowerCord1.html

[Alistair D]

Unfortunately, even after cataloguing the connectors are still going to be as scarce as rocking horse doo-doo but perhaps with a little more info it might be possible to track down the right rocking horse. 

Al

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
This will be very useful Alistair, a lot of work but no doubt interesting.
I could do with a spare TMB plug for 12volts, I have thought of making one.... Perhaps one day.

[ppppenguin]

Ref, I think you're right about it being C17/C18.

The TMB272 connector I think is a McMurdo part that was used in various industrial kit years ago. So at least it's not a unique consumer item. The 12V and mains plugs are the same bu with different wiring. This series could be a modern descendant: https://www.in2connect.uk.com/product/ni...340-mixed/

[Refugee]

The connector on the TMB272 was quite a fancy part considering it was essentially a domestic set.

[ppppenguin]

Ref, you're right. It's very much an industrial grade connector on a domestic product.

I wonder how many TMB272 were actually sold to domestic users. A TV was an expensive purchase back then and what would essentially be a 2nd set was a real luxury. A fair number were used by the BBC as off-air monitors and modified to use as video monitors.

[Refugee]

Perhaps the connector had the extra pins so that it was easy for people like the BBC could convert them.

[ppppenguin]

AFAIK the video connection to the BBC monitor version was made via a separate socket. Likely either a PL259 (aka UHF or F&E) or B&L aerial type.