Power cord strain reliefs

[MrBoZiffer]

I've installed a couple of 16-3 power cords and need strain reliefs. I got the cords at Lowe's, but they don't seem to have the reliefs I need. Does anybody know where I can get some?

[Blue Strat]

www.mouser.com (http://www.mouser.com) has a bunch of them. Also try www.mojotone.com (http://www.mojotone.com)

[MrBoZiffer]

Trying to sift through mouser is a nightmare for me. Mojotone only has 18-3 reliefs, but maybe I can use one of their rubber grommets. Is the measurement of the grommets the diameter of the cord or the hole which it should fit? Seems like the cord diameter to me.

[Blue Strat]

No idea. Picking those things was always a headache for me too. Since they're about 15 cents each, get at least 2, maybe 3 different ones. Reordering will cost more than throwing 2 away.

[MrBoZiffer]

That's good advice. I think I'll measure the diamter of the chassis hole to try and narrow it down. Thanks!

Btw, I buy my tubes from you Mike. Always excellent stuff!

[Blue Strat]

That's good advice. I think I'll measure the diamter of the chassis hole to try and narrow it down. Thanks!

Btw, I buy my tubes from you Mike. Always excellent stuff!


Thanks! I 'preciate it!

[UR12]

I've installed a couple of 16-3 power cords and need strain reliefs. I got the cords at Lowe's, but they don't seem to have the reliefs I need. Does anybody know where I can get some?


Shoot me a PM with you address and I'll stick you a few in the mail.

[mark norwine]

1.) The Heyco catalog has a selection guide...there shouldn't be any confusion about what to use after you've read it.

http://heyco.com/products/sec_03/pdf/3-14.pdf
http://heyco.com/products/sec_03/3-14.html

2.) other brands seem to (more often than not) use a part number scheme that more-or-less mimicks the Heyco scheme, so you're covered there, too. (Eagle, from Mouser, comes to mind) http://mouser.com/catalog/636/2251.pdf (http://mouser.com/catalog/636/2251.pdf)

3.) why are you using a 16AWG cord on a guitar amp? Overkill, IMO.

4.) if you intend to do more than 3 cords, just breakdown & buy the stupid tool. I went years using pliers....stupid me. The insertion tool is just too wonderful for words. Just buy one. MOuser # M-561-0022. $50 bucks, buit you WON'T regret it.
http://mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=aMhq8tLCHhWYqeB6MVpoVQ%3d%3d
http://mouser.com/catalog/636/2251.pdf

mn

[MrBoZiffer]

Thanks! That's helpful stuff. I will probably get that tool as I expect to do this more in the future.

The only reason I used 16's on these two amps is because it's all I could find on short notice. The only 18's I could find had IECs and I didn't want to deal with cutting them off. Also, the 16's at Lowe's are 8' long, which is kind of nice too (although I just noticed Mojo Tone has 10' cords). I'm waiting to put in a big order with Weber, so when I do, I'm planning on getting a bunch of 18's.

Also, it's my understanding that a 16AWG cord won't make any difference on power supplied to the amp. Please correct me if I'm wrong so I can know if I'm making a terrible mistake!

[mark norwine]

There's nothing electrically wrong with using 16.

Depending on the strain-relief manufacturer, some (not all) product offerings for 16/3 SJ-type cordage require a chassis hole that's larger than the pre-punched hole in the amp.

If you stick with Heyco, the 6N3-4**** see edit should be fine.

Also.....I posted links for Heycos that are too big. You need this chart:
http://www.heyco.com/products/sec_03/pdf/3-13.pdf

Sorry....

EDIT ***** the 6N3-4 selection is based on a Fender chassis, which you never claimed to be upgrading. You may need something entirely different....

[MrBoZiffer]

Thanks! One's a Fender and one's an Ampeg, so they might be different. I'll be sure to measure everything tonight, just so I make sure the dimensions are correct.

Very helpful info!

[mr coffee]

i"ve been buying them out of my local non ace hardware affiliated store for years...

[Axekisser]

i"ve been buying them out of my local non ace hardware affiliated store for years...

Ditto that! Most hardware stores carry some.

[phsyconoodler]

There are modern options available that are much easier to use than those old style ones that are near impossible to get through the hole.They use compression fitting style clamping systems and fit onto the same size holes as the ones they replace.Check Heyco.Do you not have a local electronics store nearby?

[MrBoZiffer]

Besides Radioshack and Lowe's, there isn't much. There's one store I can try though. I'll go there tomorrow. Thanks!

[phsyconoodler]

Here's what I use
http://www.electronicproducts.com/images2/TURR_INTERPOWER02_MAR2008.gif

The go through the hole and have a nut(plastic) that fits on the inside.They have compression fingers inside that grip the cable tightly as you tighten the nut.The ones to use are three piece.

[Washburnmemphis]

Here's what I use
http://www.electronicproducts.com/images2/TURR_INTERPOWER02_MAR2008.gif

The go through the hole and have a nut(plastic) that fits on the inside.They have compression fingers inside that grip the cable tightly as you tighten the nut.The ones to use are three piece.

Where do you buy these? Do you have a source in Canada?

[BluePat]

I went with 14 gauge (thick-a$$ stuff) on my Marshall... Logic? Matches the 14 gauge solid core used throughout the house. :) Re-used the existing strain-relief that came with the amp, but had to bore out some of the material to get it to fit.

[phsyconoodler]

Electrosonic in Toronto.

[Washburnmemphis]

Electrosonic in Toronto.

Thanks!

Sorry, it took me awhile to get back to this thread.