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Coax power plug
 
(0) 		  [vote for,
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Many small devices already use coaxial power plugs for the connection to the wall transformer. I would like to see the same for line power outlets. The plugs would have about 10mm diameter to allow for larger conductors. That is still a lot smaller than today's plugs so cables are easier to route. The plugs can be a little longer to put the dangerous contacts deeper into the wall. For added safety the socket can have a switch deep inside that the plug actuates with considerable force to turn on power (also holds the plug against accidental pullout). A simple round O-ring in the socket can seal the plug against water spills. Installation will be a snap compared to today's sockets. All you need is a drill, no more sawing and junction boxes. Multiple outlet strips will be more compact, looking like a set of Pan's pipes.
If the world finally agrees on a common standard plug it should be coax.
—kbecker, Aug 15 2003

Neutrik Powercon http://www.neutrik....mp_productlist.aspx
Locking, coaxial power connector. 20 amp rating. UL and other approved. [Cedar Park, Oct 05 2004, last modified Aug 08 2008]

[link]






       What's wrong with electricity, you want steam engines and candles everywhere?
—kbecker, Aug 15 2003
   

       I think [shon] was speaking of the giant blackout in the US.   

       I like the basic concept - why don't we use coax for electric cords? However, all that extra plug baggage just has to go. Have it terminate in a normal plug for backwards compatibility. Let me know if I'm killing your idea.
—Worldgineer, Aug 15 2003
   

       [World] This was about the plug. Coax cable would be nice too. With ground on the outside the cat can never get shocked again when chewing on a cable.
There will be a painful time of transition. Best time to change may actually be now. The sale of adapters could boost the economy.
—kbecker, Aug 15 2003
   

       Issues:
1) //the plug against accidental pullout// bad - trip on this and part of the wall will be ripped out.
2) //put the dangerous contacts deeper into the wall// scares me a bit, especially when you talk about getting rid of junction boxes.
3)//All you need is a drill, no more sawing and junction boxes.// What keeps the end you plug into in place?		   

       Other than these I kind of like it. Oh, other than having to deal with another non-standard standard.
—Worldgineer, Aug 15 2003
   

       Baked. Neutrik Powercon. [link]
—Cedar Park, Aug 17 2003
   

       [CP] Getting close, but why do they polarize the connector? Fumbling blind under your desk for the socket is bad enough. Having to align the notches is impossible.
—kbecker, Aug 18 2003
   

       [kbecker]: They need to polarize the connector because it's a twist-lock arrangement. Yank the cord, connector stays put.   

       It's also dimensionally the same as their Speakon speaker connector, and needed a keyway to differentiate it from the other type, lest they be giving out 'Darwin Awards' to the less gifted folks.   

       BTW, I've got no idea why the link to the site chooses to bring up the print dialog box on my computer.
—Cedar Park, Aug 19 2003
   

       It also needs to be polarized because if "the world finally agrees on a common standard plug" it should realise that UK (among other) uses polarized plugs.
[Cedar Park]: Because there's a JavaScript print function in the <body> onload event.
—angel, Aug 19 2003
   
      
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