EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance IEC60320 C17 connector

I think I can guess the answer but here's the question:
I want to make up some 'special' mains leads for a Class II operating table with a C18 mains inlet. I've searched high & low for a source for a rewireable C17 'hot' connector without success & I've contacted several specialist suppliers of this type of product but all say they can't do it but have not given me a reason why this type of rewireable connector does not appear to exist - does anyone out there know why? Any members of the IET who could pose the question on their Forum?

Breathless anticipation

Am I missing something here, Paul ... why not just get a BS-1363 to C17 cable (and cut off the 13 A plug, if that's what's needed)?

OK ... let me guess ... you need a long cable!

It may be easier to just go for a C13 connector instead. See Schurter for instance.

As to the why (not)? Who knows?

The length is part of the equation. The OEM lead was about 5 metres but what happens is the users trap it under a descending table & it's then kaput. Doing this on a regular basis & with 4 tables & the OEM's replacement cost of £77 each it's a somewhat costly business so I was going to try a brightly coloured (orange) coiled flex which I would have to terminate at both ends, the idea being that when the table started to touch the coiled area it hopefully would be pushed out of the way - any flaws with this idea?

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Why not use re-wireable C13 connectors (which are commonly obtainable)?

We got them from Farnell, but had to buy 2500 I seem to remember. Every class II piece of kit that comes in gets a "free" new lead, saves running your hands down them to check insulation

Perhaps you have half a dozen available for Paul, then!

I'm sure if the ones we have are suitable for his application we could come to some kind of gentlemans' agreement

just measured and they are only 3m long, sorry :-(