Safe to cut and swap IEC connectors?

James Peach · 5 Sep 2021 at 11:43

I have an IEC connector (think it's c16) that I want to swap for a right-angled one.
I bought an adaptor but space is tight and the adaptor is fairly huge.
Is it good practice to cut the wires and resolder them to another right angle connector?
Are there any better ways?

Delvis · 5 Sep 2021 at 13:58

Buy a right angled connector preferably

Can you not get an extension to right angle and hide it?

James Peach · 5 Sep 2021 at 14:05

Delvis said:
Buy a right angled connector preferably

Can you not get an extension to right angle and hide it?

I'm building a sort of music box for my effects pedals inside an old school desk. Space is really tight.

LuckyBenski · 5 Sep 2021 at 20:47

It's far easier to cut and swap a 13 amp plug than it is to replace an IEC. I think they've always been moulded since they were invented? Basically it's sensible to buy a cable with the plug you need, they're generic surely.

My rule of thumb with anything mains voltage is, if you can buy a connector designed to be fitted by hand e.g. with solder or crimp connections, use that. If not, find another solution. I try to avoid ever soldering mains stuff - better to use a terminal block or similar, even an inline module.

builder22 · 5 Sep 2021 at 21:05

you can get rewirable ones...dunno what they're like in size to a moulded one or adapter tho

eg...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Right-Rewirable-Connector-Certification/dp/B00XOV7PWI

Delvis · 5 Sep 2021 at 22:01

Depending on the length needed I'd honestly just replace the damn thing

PurplePhoenix · 5 Sep 2021 at 22:31

builder22 said:
you can get rewirable ones...dunno what they're like in size to a moulded one or adapter tho

eg...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Right-Rewirable-Connector-Certification/dp/B00XOV7PWI

I used them before off CPC, never had an issue and passed many PAT tests

James Peach · 6 Sep 2021 at 10:48

Delvis said:
Depending on the length needed I'd honestly just replace the damn thing

Here's what I'm dealing with.
Not 100% sure what to do.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8cmrxgalmy5gu91/IMG_5316.MOV?dl=0

sovietspybob · 6 Sep 2021 at 11:07

As long as you use a proper rewirable one you'll be fine, we've used plenty of those at work over the years without issue. I personally wouldn't want to mess around with a moulded plug otherwise.

LuckyBenski · 6 Sep 2021 at 11:50

Cute dog

That makes things much clearer! As you have a few connectors needed I'd be tempted to start at those, on the device end. You can get the sizes/angles you need and work back from there. You'll just need a little area to bridge them all together that can be sealed off. Could be a terminal strip, or a little connection box. But I'd make it so nothing can lean on those mains connections you make, so they don't get loosened or shorted etc.

Also it might be worth getting some spade terminals and crimps for the inside of that exterior IEC socket. I prefer a firm spade that you can remove, to a soldered join.

DXP55 · 7 Sep 2021 at 10:24

My school desk was like that - when teacher walked past you dipped your pen in the ink and flicked it down back of his jacket

I had no idea what a IEC connector was untill I recognised one in the picture

james.miller · 7 Sep 2021 at 10:43

i would buy a couple of wago 222 style connectors, house them in a small abs box. easy peasy.

Just like that.