Detachable power cords... Why?

[beans-on-toast]

I prefer detachable power cords. It is easier to move and store an amp with the cord removed. If someone trips on the cord, it will be pulled out of the amp and not topple it.

The regulations for an attached cord are more involved. For instance, if the cord is pulled out of the chassis, the safety ground needs to be the last wire to break. So it needs to be longer and there are requirements for how it should be attached to the chassis. It does involve more testing which means more expensive. Certified parts are more cost effective. Some people use external power supplies for that reason. You buy a power supply that comes certified. All you have to do is connect it to your device.

 

[beans-on-toast]

My Swart STR-Tremolo has it's IEC power connector facing down on the bottom of the chassis. Michael adds a strain relief to the cord onto the side of the cabinet to prevent this from happening.

I have that on some amps. They use a power cable clamp to tie it to the side of the cabinet. It removes strain from the connector. Not sure if this is legal but it sure is convenient for the user.

 

[Sid Fang]

1. Product management for international markets - you don't have to track separate builds for every plug standard.
2. Flexibility - users can get extra long cords, etc., on the open market.
3. Safety - I look back on some of the chewed-up built-in AC cords I've seen on amps over the years, and shudder.
4. Stowage/shipping - my vintage SVT was built with hooks on the back panel to wrap and stow the power cord. With every other amp I've had with an integrated power cable, it's an eternal hassle to keep the cables from snagging, dragging, or otherwise getting in the way in transport.

 

[Spent]

The best reason I can think of is it can be replaced. I had a 1970's era pramp with an attached power cord. It eventually became unusable and it was a huge pain in the neck to replace. I also had power cord accidentally cut on an old peavey combo. Again, real pita to fix.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I always keep in my bag spare power, speaker (1/4 and speakon) and guitar cords, wrapped with a velcro tie.

 

[groucho]

The main reason is that they are a "wear item"...subject to wear and tear (cracking of jacket, damaged pins etc)
In my line of work I change out fixed install power cords all the time (mostly way older gear) and it can be a real
PAIN to replace a fixed install cord! Sometime necessitating substantial dis assembly of the box.
Like the old IVP preamps where the cord is soldered into a PC board and directly to a power switch.

 

[BAG]

Personally I prefer the detachable cables. I have yet to show up at a gig without one. If I did, the venue would no doubt have a few kicking around.

Yep!!

I'd be surprised if there is a venue out there that doesn't have at least one spare kicking around. I know I have about five or more in my office and that's after giving a few away to muso's who forgot theirs. My kids did a gig last year and were one short. Eventually found a kettle in the staff room with one. Got the gig done.

 

[SirMjac28]

I Think it has something to do with tone the electrical impulses are different between an attached cord and a detachable one I'm sure B or Beans could explain it much better.

 

[Flatbass]

I prefer detachable ones as well, for all the reasons already mentioned.
Also, being able to choose the length of a power chord keeps rack rigs clean and tidy.
And take a look at a European Furman PL-8CE, it has IEC outlets instead of 'wall sockets'! Fixed power chord would be useless here...

 

[Bassamatic]

1) Easier to replace when damaged.
2) Easier to make units to sell in different countries.
3) Cheaper - attaching a socket and buying a pre-made IEC cord made by the millions and used on nearly everything is usually less expensive than the labor of prepping and attaching a large, fixed cord with an approved strain relief and then attaching the leads to the circuit board.

I keep 2-3 extras in my cable bag - they fit the mixer, and every amp.

I did not know about the locking cable - thanks so much for that! The ONE negative of my Markbass combo is that the cord hangs down vertically and can work it's way out of the socket over time. I added a cable clamp to attach the cable to the cabinet so it can't be pulled out, but this is better, I think!!

EDIT - Seamonkey - what is that connector you showed us? I can't find it. Do you know if it requires a special socket??

 

[beans-on-toast]

I Think it has something to do with tone the electrical impulses are different between an attached cord and a detachable one I'm sure B or Beans could explain it much better.

For what they cost, fancy schmancy detachable power cables must sound better.

Who wouldn't want to be the first on your block to own one of these: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]


Invalid Link Removed

 

[SirMjac28]

For what they cost, fancy schmancy detachable power cables must sound better.

Who wouldn't want to be the first on your block to own one of these: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

lol when someone asks you "how rich are you?" pull out that cord and say "this rich"

 

[Jeff Scott]

I have that on some amps. They use a power cable clamp to tie it to the side of the cabinet. It removes strain from the connector. Not sure if this is legal but it sure is convenient for the user.

I know that Fender, and others, have been using this method since when, the '50s?

Legal? Leave that to the attorneys, we just want to not pull our power cords out, until needed.

 

[beans-on-toast]

lol when someone asks you "how rich are you?" pull out that cord and say "this rich"

Audiophiles will swear that these cords make a difference in their high end equipment. Maybe people that can afford those sort of things have special power lines behind their walls. But the really good thing about a high end detachable power cord is that you can upgrade whenever a new model comes out.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I know that Fender, and others, have been using this method since when, the'50s?

True. I was thinking of the power cord clamps on my Fenders when I posted my comment.

 

[SirMjac28]

Audiophiles will swear that these cords make a difference in their high end equipment. Maybe people that can afford those sort of things have special power lines behind their walls. But the really good thing about a high end detachable power cord is that you can upgrade whenever a new model comes out.

I also find that amazing I wish I could create a product that could tap into that endless supply of money.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I also find that amazing I wish I could create a product that could tap into that endless supply of money.

Being a Beatle would be a lot more fun and would afford an endless flow of cash. I vote for that. Now if i could only write some songs that are as good I'd be all set.

 

[megafiddle]

I wonder though if it has anything to do user convenience.

Have you ever seen an IEC cord advertised as a feature?

-

 

[B-string]

I wonder though if it has anything to do user convenience.

Have you ever seen an IEC cord advertised as a feature?

-

Yes, not so much anymore, but in the first couple of decades.

 

[Rugmaster]

I only worry about getting mine mixed up with someone else's cord since they all look similar for the most part.