What type of mains lead would i need? Help would be appreciated.

[beatles2011]

Hello, i have this old bit of audio equipment from the early 50's and it needs a detachable mains lead to power it which i don't have. Below i have added a picture of it. Could someone tell me the name of the type of connector / lead i need and possibly where i could get one. Many Thanks!

 

[gnuuser]

that connector looks like the type that connected to the old coffee pots we had in the late 60's
if you have the dimensions, (pin diameter, distance center of pin to center of pin and size of connector you can probably find it @jameco.com
this was most likely a bakealite connector

 

[telectrix]

i'd perhaps be inclined to fit an IEC socket and provide an earth for the metalwork.

 

[beatles2011]

Would that be easy to do myself (no electrical qualifications) or where do i got to get it done? I do have an IEC (3 pin) set but don't know how easy it would be to do especially earthing the casing.

 

[amlu]

fitting iec socket wont be that easy. cutting the metal around it to fit the actual socket especially.
better use a compression gland (drilling a round hole only needed) and get a length of flexible cable ending with mains plug.
consult a qualified electrician if you have doubts about how to wire it up.


something like that for example:
10 x 12mm Compression Cable Glands Black Waterproof IP68 M12 TRS Stuffing gland | eBay

 

[beatles2011]

How about this, connecting the wires into this and just have this hanging out, It will be a temporary job as if i go to sell it i may fit one properly but for me it's fine:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IEC-IN-LI...al_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item2a33c3935e

 

[beatles2011]

i should be able to drill a hole on top on the metal plate and feed that iec socket through as you said with the compression gland.

 

[amlu]

please use a gland when taking the cable out of the enclosure. if enclosure is metal and the hole is diy drilled it will be sharp and may nick the wire insulation, not good.


make sure the cable is securely fixed inside the enclosure, when someone pulls on it it stays where it supposed to be (otherwise you will be left with live wires hanging around, no good!)

if enclosure is metal (and looks like it is) please DO connect the metal enclosure to the earth wire.

 

[amlu]

and if you intend to go for iec plug then this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kaiser-10a-IEC-female-C13-quality-German-made-connectors-/111155276650?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Cables_Leads_Connectors&hash=item19e15eeb6a
one you mentioned will be absolute pain in the back to wire up.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

The value of the unit might be affected if you go drilling holes in it. I would remove (and keep!) the existing inlet connector, fit a plate over the inside of the hole, with the gland through that. Use a good quality gland such as an M16 Skintop that will securely anchor the cable.

If you want to follow the vintage route, the connector required will probably be a standard female 'domino' connector as used on many radios and TVs of the period. These were based on 5A 2-pin plugs but with shorter pins. This is how I would connect it, with a separate earth lead, because I like to keep old things original.

You can get lots of helpful advice on vintage audio gear like this from people who really know their technical onions, on the vintage radio / TV / audio forums here: UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum
and here:
? View forum - Radio & Audio
There are also people there who undertake repairs and restorations to equipment like this professionally, if you would prefer not to do the mod yourself.

FWIW what cutter heads do you have there? I ask because my old firm used to make and refurbish them for the BBC. We don't have any spares now though!

 

[beatles2011]

Here are some more pictures of it. I might do what you suggested and try and by a plug for the current 2 pin one and wire the earth separate. How would i wire the earth? Would i just find a nut and bolt or a screw that's on the metal work and connect it to that?

 

[beatles2011]

After some. searching, i can't seem to find a domino connector. Would be grateful if you could, read the previous reply too.

 

[overskilled]

Some links that might help possibly or just be of interest to someone.

BSR Model Quanta 720 Turntable Power Cord,RCA & Ground Cables | eBay
BSR ; Great Britain manufacturer in GB, Model types from Gre
BSR company history. (Birmingham Sound Reproducers) turntables record changers
BSR Owners Manuals, Service Manuals, Schematics, Free Download | Vinyl Engine
BIRMINGHAM  SOUND REPRODUCERS

 

[Lucien Nunes]

I am not 100% recommending the use of the original type of connector, it would depend on the circumstances. If it is in a domestic environment, it's not a good idea, because the connector when detached would not meet modern expectations of safety e.g. it's not touchproof for a child's finger. I mentioned it merely to add my personal viewpoint - I have many pieces of old electrical gear in original trim that are only accessible to electrically competent persons so it works for me.

Connecting the earth - I would look for a point that is in effective and permanent contact with the parts of the equipment likely to become faulty to the chassis, such as the motor & switch. Judging the best position to connect to, requires a certain amount of electrical experience. I would also test the continuity from that point to other relevant parts, to ensure that the earthing will be effective, before relying on it. The earth lead would also need a mechanical anchorage.

I was only guessing the type of connector required, it could also be the larger 'appliance connector' style mentioned earlier. If you can give diameter and spacing of pins this would become clearer.

Thanks for the extra pics - I never got involved with the BSR models so it wasn't familiar.

 

[overskilled]

Some more retro radio stuff

Reporting War 1944/5 - Disc Recorders