Looking for ideas for in-line easy disconnect connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 07:32:35 pm
content: It is darned cold in this part of the world right now and I have a LIDL Silvercrest electric vest or backwarmer which works pretty well at 240V. The problem is that to work it needs to be plugged into 240 V and I may forget that I am plugged in and jump up from my chair and yank on the cable which is not good at any voltage but much less at 240V.I would like to insert inline some self release connector and I am thinking of ideas. I am thinking of leaving just a pigtail hanging by my side so I can walk around without the cable getting in the way.A small co-axial barrel connector would work well mechanically but they are not rated for 240 V and I want something safer.I have also seen USB connectors held by a magnet and which release easily but also not rated for 240V.I suppose another requirement is that it be reasonably priced. I am not NASA.

author: JJ_023
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 07:45:21 pm
content: I would love to hear what others suggest. However I don't think a barrel connector would work that well. IMHO. I think the force to break the connection would be too great and it wouldn't work as well as you think. I think a magnetic solution would be best. I have done something similar in the past. Basically machining a custom connector that was magnetic at the connection point. With the magnets being recessed on one end ( the power end) so that accidental contact with power was reduced in the event of accidental disconnect.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 07:47:02 pm
content: "Powerpole" connectors are rated at 600V and more amps than you will ever need. They disconnect easily in my experience and are usually used for auxiliary power connection. You don't say how many wires are involved? Is it 2 wire or 2 + ground?

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 08:08:45 pm
content: Quote from: jpanhalt on December 27, 2023, 07:47:02 pmTwo wires. Current should not be a problem as I do not see it exceeding 250 mA max.Those Powerpole do not look to me like they would release with very little force.I just want it to be safe to jerk pulling on the cable and to release with almost no force.Coax are best because of the geometry. Side by side can jam more easily if the pull is sideways whereas coax will always align.I suppose I could always take some europlug or NEMA 15 and modify the pair so they would release with very little force.Edit: I see they are rated 3 to 5 lbf which is way too much. I am thinking in terms of, dunno, 250 gr max.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 08:12:48 pm
content: Quote from: JJ_023 on December 27, 2023, 07:45:21 pmWell, low voltage barrel connectors will come out easily just pulling on the cable.Magnetic sounds like a great idea but I am afraid I would have to built it myself.I could also build a barrel type. I have done something similar in the past but I am looking for ideas.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 08:21:54 pm
content: buy a barrel male female extension cut in half. They are less prone to damage.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 08:30:50 pm
content: Quotealternative solution,make a u with the cable close to the connector and use an elastic band to hold the u closed,when you leap up the cable goes tight and you realise your still attached ,the band pings off releasing the cable loop given enough slack to asavoid pulling the cable out the connector.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 08:38:43 pm
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on December 27, 2023, 08:21:54 pmThey are not rated for 240V.What might work is to use two connectors, one for each wire. Maybe even leave one a bit looser so the other one pulls out first.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 08:42:36 pm
content: Quote from: themadhippy on December 27, 2023, 08:30:50 pmI have thought of some solutions of that type but if possible I prefer the easy release solution.I could hang the cable from the ceiling so I could even move around the room.Or put a seat belt on the chair which I would have to release after releasing the connector.

author: dmills
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 09:34:18 pm
content: Two pole lawnmower plug and coupler? Pulling apart is exactly why the things exist, and they are mains rated.https://www.amazon.co.uk/ORANGE-CONNECTOR-LAWNMOWER-CATALOGUE-MERCURY/dp/B01L4P0J64or words to that effect.

author: JJ_023
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2023, 09:42:07 pm
content: Quote from: soldar on December 27, 2023, 08:12:48 pmIn my opinion magnetic is the best solution. I went down this road with a client. The others will not release the way you want. I obviously don't know every solution out there that's why I said I would be curious to see what people come up with. But from all of the suggestions I have seen none of them would release easy enough not to prevent some sort of hazard.If you think you can build it I would definitely do it.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2023, 08:57:19 am
content: Quote from: JJ_023 on December 27, 2023, 09:42:07 pmIt is the solution I would like best but making the connector seems to me quite complicated. I have no idea where to begin.For now I am thinking of just a europlug that enters very loosely and would almost fall out. Put it on the end of a vertical, flexible whip so that gravity will keep it inserted but if pulled the whip will bend and the plug just falls out.I've already got up from the chair forgetting about the cable several times. I am using a long extension cord but it gets in the way.I need to keep thinking about this.

author: donlisms
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2023, 09:16:25 am
content: It occurs to me that gravity might also be a useful connecting force... build the thing vertically, and let it disconnect when (something) falls over and gets dragged away.

author: spostma
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2023, 10:49:43 pm
content: You could use a IEC C7 to C8 extension cord likehttps://www.amazon.com/2-Pin-Female-Figure-Adapter-Extension/dp/B07XZT4D86Alternatively, you could repurpose a defect electric kettle.Place the kettle base on the floor near you.Reduce the kettle itself the the bare minimum,with a mains wire coming out of the top, connected to your body warmer.As soon as you walk away from your chair, the kettle will release from its base and disconnect.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2023, 10:55:22 pm
content: QuoteThe contacts are going to have some stickiness, so if you make it too loose won't there be a danger of 240V across iffy contacts?Perhaps an alternative might be motorcycle gear, which is designed for 12V and a very cold environment.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 02:33:01 pm
content: Quote from: spostma on December 28, 2023, 10:49:43 pmRube Goldberg? Is that you?The extension cord would not work without modification precisely because they are made to not disconnect accidentally and require some force. I guess modifying one might work.The kettle idea is out of the question but it does give me some idea of a different approach to a different type of connector. That type of connector and magnets to keep it connected in place might work.The more I think about it the more I see magnets being in the answer.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 03:20:25 pm
content: IEC C7 leads (shrouded two hole figure 8 ) pull straight out of C8 inlets very easily, especially when worn. Unfortunately a C8 inline connector is not readily available, so your options there are either to 3D print a shell with an cord grip and strain relief to fit round a clip in panel mount C8 connector or butcher a C7 to C8 extension lead (as spostma suggested) and either do a very robust splice of the C8 side to the controller power input lead, or better, rewire the controller with it. I would also suggest anchoring the connector tail to a belt clip, so it doesn't pull on the control box.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 03:33:55 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on December 29, 2023, 03:20:25 pmYou have just given me an idea. I have several C7/8 extension cords that came with some kitchen under-cabinet lights which could be daisy chained. I will start experimenting by shaving them off a bit because as they are they most definitely do not disconnect easily.

author: sparkydog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 05:49:30 pm
content: Quote from: dmills on December 27, 2023, 09:34:18 pm(PSA)That looks promising, but I would strongly recommend looking for one from a real (i.e. physical) store. If I replace ".co.uk" with ".com", I get a product picture that obviously matches the intended product, but the description is "Adult Socks Medium Men's Athletic Socks Sweat Absorption Personality Cartoon Male (5 Pair)". I wouldn't want to buy anything that has the chance of burning down my house from a seller that plays those sorts of games with their product listings!

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 06:12:31 pm
content: I don't think that kind of listing problem reflects on the quality of the product - they are all selling the same thing, and none of them either manufacturer it or know wtf it is or does. All the listing thing is indicating is that the seller can screw up listings (intentionally or otherwise).

author: sparkydog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 06:50:36 pm
content: Quote from: PlainName on December 29, 2023, 06:12:31 pmWell, maybe not, but...Quote from: PlainName on December 29, 2023, 06:12:31 pm...that sounds exactly like anexcellentreason to not buy from them, at least not anything that has the potential to burn down my house if it doesn't work. Those sorts of things I want to buy from someone that warrants the product. I doubt a seller that "[doesn't] know wtf it is or does" can give me any such assurance.Before buying, watch(he's specifically talking about electrical connectors!). And buy from a reputable brand.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 08:18:27 pm
content: Quote from: sparkydog on December 29, 2023, 05:49:30 pmThat has absolutely nothing to do with the seller which seems to me to be the UK manufacturer of the product.It seems to me to be a malfunction of the Amazon server and, in any case, you made up that URL so it seems to me you just discovered a glitch in the Amazon website.Searching Google the same product can be found from eBay and other sources.https://www.electricals247.co.uk/2-pin-orange-rubber-connector-5a-in-line-garden-lawnmower-2pfc10-1-34925/

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 10:12:55 pm
content: Quote from: sparkydog on December 29, 2023, 06:50:36 pmYes, indeed. But you were saying that the product was probably duff because of the shit listing, not because it was on Amazon.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 11:31:50 pm
content: How about Neutrik "powerCON TRUE1 TOP" connectors? They have AC power male and female in-line twist-lock models, and are positive locking with a thumb release:https://www.neutrik.us/en-us/product/nac3fx-w-tophttps://www.neutrik.us/en-us/product/nac3mx-w-top

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2023, 01:27:31 am
content: Quote from: MarkL on December 29, 2023, 11:31:50 pmI think you are missing the point of this thread.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2023, 02:04:03 am
content: Quote from: soldar on December 30, 2023, 01:27:31 amAh, I see. Sorry for raising the noise floor.

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2023, 09:43:42 pm
content: The strain relief on the Lidl item needs to be stronger than the connector.If not you'll rip the (hot) live wires out of the heater pad. Add some extra protection maybe?see....www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/technology/misc-gadgets/tug-magnetic-breakaway-plug/hmmm....I dunno.The product types you want to have a look at are called "breakaway connectors". Do a visual search on gurgle.Very popular in the medical devices, field ITM, aerospace and the caravanning community (allegedly) . Not generally cheap but I'm sure Ali has some counterfeits on offer.I have used multipole XLRs with the latches taken out, you could remove the latches from a powercon in the same way.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 04:03:29 pm
content: Quote from: Terry Bites on December 30, 2023, 09:43:42 pmThanks, especially for the technical term "breakaway connector". That helps a lot.For now I am going to try to modify a C7-C8 as I already have some. We shall see how that goes.Quote from: MarkL on December 30, 2023, 02:04:03 amNo problem. It happens to the best of us.

author: sparkydog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2024, 05:52:59 pm
content: Quote from: PlainName on December 29, 2023, 10:12:55 pmSort of both. Amazon is full of trash. Also some legit stuff that's from reputable brands... assuming what you get isactuallyfrom that brand and not counterfeit. But the listing shenanigans also scream "dodgy seller". I'd feel fine buying a shirt from them, or something else that I'm willing to sacrifice performance for cost because the worst a failure can do is mildly inconvenience and/or annoy me. I'd think twice before buying anything whose failure can burn down my house or kill me.The .co.uk listing is full of visible HTML tags; also not reassuring. Now, maybe the manufacturer is just incompetent at making listings (although, what does that say about their competence making products?), or maybe the manufacturer isn't who made the listing, in which case, if you were to order from Amazon, who knows if you'll get an actual, branded item? This looks like the sort of thing your local hardware store probably carries, and they'rehopefullyless likely to have a dodgy product.

author: JJ_023
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2024, 06:06:21 pm
content: Quote from: soldar on December 28, 2023, 08:57:19 amI don't know what materials and tools you have at your disposal but it's not that difficult to make. You can press fit magnets into a bored hole that connect to a spring that then connects to wires that carry the necessary electrical connection. The spring will give you guaranteed contact. They sell magnets in different sizes and you can play around with the exact force necessary for breakaway for your application.As most people on this forum are aware of services that make PCB's there are also companies that will either machine or 3D print whatever you need. Just design a plug in CAD and outsource the manufacturing if you don't think you can do it in-house.

author: soldar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2024, 09:41:53 pm
content: I am still thinking about this. I know I have a bunch of C8 extension cords somewhere but, as often happens, they disappear when I need them. I am hoping they will show up sometime so I can do some experimenting.Also, I have a bunch of 2 Pin Din connectors of the kind that were used for speakers decades ago and they seem to have disappeared from speakers but they are used by Ikea for low voltage supply to lamps. It seems they are called 2 Pin Din or DIN 41529. They are the ones with one flat blade and one round pin. I think they stopped using them because they fell out disconnecting so easily ... which suits my needs perfectly except that they are meant for low voltage and ... what could go wrong?I am going to think about it and maybe do some testing.