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Locking IEC Cable? Input Amps?

Pocket Dave

Pocket Dave

Aug 5, 2022
3,595
8,958
Funky Town, North Texas
#1
I've got a 410 cab that sounds awesome, but vibrates more than heavier, better braced cabs. I use it with an Ampeg PF500 D-class head, which I've learned to isolate and secure by folding a section of toolbox shelf liner in two and putting it between the head and cab.

Which leaves the challenge of the IEC power cord vibrating loose on some louder gigs.

So before ordering a locking IEC cable, has anyone used them before and what are your thoughts/experiences?

Also, I notice some are rated at 10amps and some at 15 - does it matter on the PF500?

Thx!
 
#3
Look at the current rating of your supplied power cord, meet or exceed that spec. A 15A rating is better than a 10A.

Check that the cabinet is sitting square on the floor. If not, a pad there might help more with the vibration than one under the head. A thicker foam pad under the head would help.
 
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#6
Pocket Dave said:
I've got a 410 cab that sounds awesome, but vibrates more than heavier, better braced cabs. I use it with an Ampeg PF500 D-class head, which I've learned to isolate and secure by folding a section of toolbox shelf liner in two and putting it between the head and cab.

Which leaves the challenge of the IEC power cord vibrating loose on some louder gigs.

So before ordering a locking IEC cable, has anyone used them before and what are your thoughts/experiences?

Also, I notice some are rated at 10amps and some at 15 - does it matter on the PF500?

Thx!
Click to expand...
I'd be curious about how a replacement IEC cable "locks" to a standard IEC power input connector.

I see things like this...

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Computer-Connector-P007-L03/dp/B07GX6DDZG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=19AZY338IJJTK&keywords=locking+iec+connector&qid=1670337646&sprefix=locking+iec+,aps,164&sr=8-4&th=1

or this...

https://www.amazon.com/PA130100DBK-Rewireable-IEC320-C13-Connectors-Disconnections/dp/B07NP7DVWY/ref=sxin_15_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295:amzn1.sym.4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295&crid=19AZY338IJJTK&cv_ct_cx=locking+iec+connector&keywords=locking+iec+connector&pd_rd_i=B07NP7DVWY&pd_rd_r=450b6052-76c3-47a6-ae8b-f81e5e6f5c7d&pd_rd_w=pbcKY&pd_rd_wg=oAriy&pf_rd_p=4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295&pf_rd_r=T2ZCHWAFNHMWJX72V7EM&qid=1670337951&sprefix=locking+iec+,aps,164&sr=1-2-a73d1c8c-2fd2-4f19-aa41-2df022bcb241-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFHVlpGTDRRVzNFODgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNzEwODMyS1c0QkxaMlJYN08xJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3ODA4ODgxTElBVzNJUEc5M1lJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3Bfc2VhcmNoX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

but I don't see how they would "lock" without also having a corresponding lock mechanism on the amp's IEC input connector.

It is an interesting concept, but I guess I need to be better schooled on how these work before I can judge their effectiveness.

Will continue looking, but if someone can shed some light, I'd appreciate it.
 
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#7
Old Garage-Bander said:
I'd be curious about how a replacement IEC cable "locks" to a standard IEC power input connector.

I see things like this...

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Computer-Connector-P007-L03/dp/B07GX6DDZG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=19AZY338IJJTK&keywords=locking+iec+connector&qid=1670337646&sprefix=locking+iec+,aps,164&sr=8-4&th=1

or this...

https://www.amazon.com/PA130100DBK-Rewireable-IEC320-C13-Connectors-Disconnections/dp/B07NP7DVWY/ref=sxin_15_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295:amzn1.sym.4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295&crid=19AZY338IJJTK&cv_ct_cx=locking+iec+connector&keywords=locking+iec+connector&pd_rd_i=B07NP7DVWY&pd_rd_r=450b6052-76c3-47a6-ae8b-f81e5e6f5c7d&pd_rd_w=pbcKY&pd_rd_wg=oAriy&pf_rd_p=4e7a2229-074e-44de-95c4-9fd858f46295&pf_rd_r=T2ZCHWAFNHMWJX72V7EM&qid=1670337951&sprefix=locking+iec+,aps,164&sr=1-2-a73d1c8c-2fd2-4f19-aa41-2df022bcb241-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFHVlpGTDRRVzNFODgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNzEwODMyS1c0QkxaMlJYN08xJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3ODA4ODgxTElBVzNJUEc5M1lJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3Bfc2VhcmNoX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

but I don't see how they would "lock" without also having a corresponding lock mechanism on the amp's IEC input connector.

It is an interesting concept, but I guess I need to be better schooled on how these work before I can judge their effectiveness.

Will continue looking, but if someone can shed some light, I'd appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Some lock by grabbing onto the safety ground pin. No inlet modifications are required. I’ve seen others with interlocking male and female components that must be used as a set.
 
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#8
beans-on-toast said:
Some lock by grabbing onto the safety ground pin. No inlet modifications are required. I’ve seen others with interlocking male and female components that must be used as a set.
Click to expand...
Yes. Thanks.
Found a video.


I wouldn't pick up a Bassman 300 by the cord with one of these, but it looks like it will solve the OP's vibration issue.
 
Last edited:
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#10
Usually the friction on the contacts should be plenty to keep a plug in. I've never had a problem yet with decent quality IEC cables.
Unfortunately not all plugs fits the same. I got one on Amazon that was terribly loose and immediately threw it away.
I haven't felt compelled to look into locking solutions yet. (Apart from the proprietary QSC/Quilter which has been fine, but I'll go ahead and mix & match in a pinch, thereby ditching that locking action.)
I'd try some different standard cables first & see if one just fits more firmly. But failing that, that Webber plug does appear to be legit.
Also, a little strain relief can go a long way. For powered speakers up on stands, I wrap the cables around so their entire weight isn't tugging downward. I avoid having the wall plug hanging midair if at all possible (especially on a power strip!). If I were worried about a bass head connection, I might try running the power cord through a speaker handle or between cabs, or deploying some gaff tape to minimize the strain on the connection.
 
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#12
Jefenator said:
Usually the friction on the contacts should be plenty to keep a plug in. I've never had a problem yet with decent quality IEC cables.
Unfortunately not all plugs fits the same. I got one on Amazon that was terribly loose and immediately threw it away.
I haven't felt compelled to look into locking solutions yet. (Apart from the proprietary QSC/Quilter which has been fine, but I'll go ahead and mix & match in a pinch, thereby ditching that locking action.)
I'd try some different standard cables first & see if one just fits more firmly. But failing that, that Webber plug does appear to be legit.
Also, a little strain relief can go a long way. For powered speakers up on stands, I wrap the cables around so their entire weight isn't tugging downward. I avoid having the wall plug hanging midair if at all possible (especially on a power strip!). If I were worried about a bass head connection, I might try running the power cord through a speaker handle or between cabs, or deploying some gaff tape to minimize the strain on the connection.
Click to expand...

Thanks - I use strain relief on instrument and mic cables to help prolong cable life. Unfortunately, I don't trust a cab's handle for a power cord when the cab is the source of the vibration. And while I carry an emergency roll of gaff tape that stays in a go-bag in the vehicle, I really don't want to use it every night. Just one more thing to unpack, apply and remove - The game, for me anyway, is he-who-loads-out-his-crap-first-wins. ;-)

Think I'll stick to the locking IEC idea. We've already got speakons for speaker cables; Seems like it might be a logical next step.
 
#13
You can attach, or wrap, some electrician’s tape around the IEC plug to male it snug.

Or try a different cable. Most will be plenty snug not to vibrate out of … virtually anything. IMO something unusual or slightly out of spec is happening with the socket or plug.
 
#14
We have printers at work that have IEC female sockets that have a little metal locking bail that you flip down which grabs the back of the male connector. This would allow you to use any IEC cable. A quick Google search doesn't turn any of them up. I'll have to see if I can find a part number.
 
#15
Pocket Dave said:
Thanks - I use strain relief on instrument and mic cables to help prolong cable life. Unfortunately, I don't trust a cab's handle for a power cord when the cab is the source of the vibration. And while I carry an emergency roll of gaff tape that stays in a go-bag in the vehicle, I really don't want to use it every night. Just one more thing to unpack, apply and remove - The game, for me anyway, is he-who-loads-out-his-crap-first-wins. ;-)

Think I'll stick to the locking IEC idea. We've already got speakons for speaker cables; Seems like it might be a logical next step.
Click to expand...
Neutrik makes a connector called Powercon, that is based on the same mechanics as a speakon. It has a positive lock, although I've only seen it on pro audio gear, and industrial / military gear.

Not all molded IEC connectors are equal. I've found some molded with a hard plastic that isn't retained very well in the device chassis connector. Others I've seen have a more flexible rubbery feel to them, and they lock in quite well.

I'm sure the device chassis connector quality has some bearing on how well the plug fits, too.
 
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#17
Pocket Dave said:
I've got a 410 cab that sounds awesome, but vibrates more than heavier, better braced cabs. I use it with an Ampeg PF500 D-class head, which I've learned to isolate and secure by folding a section of toolbox shelf liner in two and putting it between the head and cab.

Which leaves the challenge of the IEC power cord vibrating loose on some louder gigs.

So before ordering a locking IEC cable, has anyone used them before and what are your thoughts/experiences?

Also, I notice some are rated at 10amps and some at 15 - does it matter on the PF500?

Thx!
Click to expand...
We've got locking extension cords on the job. It works just fine. Push the button, push it in. Push the button, pull it out.

I wouldn't really say it locks, but it does lessen the hassle of cord snags. They stay together pretty good.
 
#18
Old Garage-Bander said:
Yes. Thanks.
Found a video.


I wouldn't pick up a Bassman 300 by the cord with one of these, but it looks like it will solve the OP's vibration issue.
Click to expand...

Yeah, same idea as our extension cords. The video makes it seem like there's no way to pull it out though. They haven't met me yet :)
 
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