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So you go buy a power strip, the multi-outlet device to plug in all your doodads. And when you rearrange the room you now need a power strip with a longer cord so you go buy one and stick the short one in a drawer. And then a longer one next month for something else.
Computers (in the US anyway) all
use the same detachable, trapezoidal ended power cord, available in various lengths. I propose the same deal for these outlet strips in place of a hardwired cord. Easier to store, it would allow reuse of old PC power cords and you wouldn't have to keep buying the entire thing when all you needed was a longer cord.
A good idea that someone else had
https://www.lowellm...s-1507-power-strip/
[a1, Jan 31 2024]
50 foot PC power cord
https://www.amazon....nitor/dp/B00150OPEG
C13 Female to NEMA 5-15P Male Plug, 3 Pin, 18 AWG, SVT, 10 Amp [a1, Feb 01 2024]
Here's a $20 consumer grade one
https://www.amazon....tand/dp/B075QBXDS7/
[a1, Feb 01 2024]
https://extrastaruk...-leads/cable-reels/
[xenzag, Feb 01 2024]
Best plugs in the world
https://www.fastcom...0easier%20to%20fix.
[a1, Feb 01 2024]
[link]
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// Computers (in the US anyway) all use the same detachable, trapezoidal ended power cord, available in various lengths. // |
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Actually, they don't anymore, some use what I call a "mickey mouse" plug. And while yours is a good idea, someone else already had it before you (link). |
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//"mickey mouse" plug// - do you mean a “cloverleaf” plug? |
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[+] Available from RePlug: an adapter from PC oval 2-prong female to standard triangular 3-prong male wall plug. Now you can daisy-chain all your old PC power cords! |
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// do you mean a “cloverleaf” plug? // |
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Yeah, some people probably call it that. It just always reminded me of the Mickey's ears. C5? I don't know the correct name or spec number. |
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You can open the casing and fix a longer cable to the contacts inside. At least you used to be able to when this kind of thing was all assembled with slot headed screws. |
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// someone else already had it before you (link) // |
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For only $175. Only! Jesus! I was thinking of <$10 for my version above. And it does predate mine so I can't complain even though I will anyway. And why can't I find these things online when I search? Sometimes I think you ARE the internet, [a1]. |
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{stomps off grumbling about worm holes, time dilation and who drank the last beer} |
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It's just a matter of finding the right search phrases. I used "power strip with detachable cord." I also had a hunch I'd seen the like in server rooms. High price of the one I linked probably reflects intended market segment, corporate users. Didn't look for cheaper consumer grade products. (edit - I did later, see link) |
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This wouldn't be too difficult to make. Although the plug you're talking about (c13, usually) I've never seen on anything more than a 6" cord, so I think you'd be back in the same boat. |
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// I've never seen on anything more than a 6" cord // |
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And the search phrase is "20 foot pc power cord" ... or 50, and keep incrementing until you don't find any. |
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This is idea is specific to North America where the electrical system is primitive, compared to UK, where long cable reels with multiple outlets are commonplace. See link |
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Yes! UK power outlets and cords ARE better than the one in the USA (and most places in the world, really). |
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But even acknowledging that - cord reels with their own multiple outlets and circuit breakers are also widely available in USA. I dunno if [whatrock] was really after that level of versatility or if he just wanted and easy way to get a cord a foot or two longer. |
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[xenzag] I was always taught to fully unreel the cable before using, because otherwise you have a nice little induction coil which might do strange things. Not sure if this is true or not though. |
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Basically just that, [a1], longer cords easily mated to a standard power strip connection on the cheap for use by primates in our primitive electrical system. |
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[pocmloc] In a land where power fails irregularly, unpredictably and often, we are cautioned not to coil the heavy duty wire from a generator to your load or panel. I have felt the heat from the coil. |
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// Sometimes I think you ARE the internet, [a1]. // |
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No, just an elderly and distant relative. |
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Can't you half twist every loop so it goes back and forth instead of round and round? |
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//otherwise you have a nice little induction coil// It’s true - I’ve had digital projectors, which use very little power, activate the cut-off trip switches in an extension lead that wasn’t fully unwound. |
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[pocmloc] That "unreel the cable fully" thing matters only if you're drawing a lot of power. If you're charging your phone it's OK; if you're operating heavy power tools, then maybe unreel the cable fully |
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