Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: ioplex on October 21, 2013, 10:05:51 am

Title: Power Chord Strain Relief w/ 16 AWG Cord?
Post by: ioplex on October 21, 2013, 10:05:51 am

I'm doing a build with one of these plastic wedge style power cord strain reliefs:

(http://www.hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/catalog/images/IMG_2340.jpg)

Unfortunately it seems the power cord supplied with the kit is 16 AWG and I can't make it fit. Is a 16 AWG cord really necessary? This is only for an 18 watt amp. I suppose I'll just need to go to harbor freight and get a cheapo 18 AWG cord?

Mike

Title: Re: Power Chord Strain Relief w/ 16 AWG Cord?
Post by: punkykatt on October 21, 2013, 11:03:09 am

I just take my Dremel tool grinder and inlarge the ID opening of the strain relief bushing (both halves)until the cord fits nicely. Dont take off too much or the bushing will pull out of the chassis.

Title: Re: Power Chord Strain Relief w/ 16 AWG Cord?
Post by: Ed_Chambley on October 21, 2013, 11:37:38 am

Heat the wire as it will become soft and much easier to install.

Title: Re: Power Chord Strain Relief w/ 16 AWG Cord?
Post by: Willabe on October 21, 2013, 11:41:55 am

Quote from: Ed_Chambley on October 21, 2013, 11:37:38 am

Heat the wire as it will become soft and much easier to install.

Yep. Hair dryer.


            Brad     :icon_biggrin:

Title: Re: Power Chord Strain Relief w/ 16 AWG Cord?
Post by: eleventeen on October 21, 2013, 12:25:20 pm

"I'll just need to go to harbor freight and get a cheapo 18 AWG cord?"

You can't tell me that you don't have an extra computer cord (or four) that you can chop the female end off one of them? 

Title: Re: Power Chord Strain Relief w/ 16 AWG Cord?
Post by: ioplex on October 21, 2013, 12:29:26 pm

The problem wasn't so much the gauge of the wire but the thickness of the jacket. The cord supplied is 0.33" thick.

Anyway, I just ended up cannibalizing a computer cord. It's 18 AWG with a 0.25" jacket. With a little pounding with the butt end of a big screw driver it went in just fine.

I wouldn't want such a heavy cord on a small amp anyway.

Thanks,
Mike