Thoughts on power cords

[dbsupercrew]

Some of the gear I pick up has had the power cord cut or it is so mangled it is unsafe. I have found a cheap source of power cords for this kind of gear, GW!!! Start by looking at the wattage required on the gear that has the power cord cut or mangled. Then go to the section that has the irons, hair dryers,hair straighteners, etc and compare the wattage. I normally pick this stuff up for $2-$5 and salvage the cord and dump the rest of the item. Beats the heck out of paying $20-$25 for a replacement. Jus ma .02.....

 

[drknstrmyknight]

Line cords can be had for 99 cents, even IEC cords, why bother?

 

[dbsupercrew]

How about a good source

 

[Arkay]

The scrap recycling places here cut the cords off of EVERYTHING, and throw all the cords into boxes. [Later, they get stripped out of the plastic, with the copper cores to be recycled.] I sometimes find beautiful, heavy but flexible power cords there in the boxes, amidst the more plebian ones. They come from all kinds of appliances (audio gear, lab gear, photocopiers, air conditioners, signs, etc...) so all kinds of cords can be found at one time or another. Since they are usually cut off close to the gear, the cords are often fairly long, too. And CHEAP - usually around a quarter, sometimes they just say "take it!" (free)

On rare occasion, I've also found nice interconnects there, but not very often. Coax cable is a regular, though, along with a flow of audio-visual components which are usually BPC but occasionally treasures. At scrap-metal value, it's the heapest store in town!

 

[toxcrusadr]

At scrap-metal value, it's the heapest store in town!

I'm sure you meant 'cheapest' but I am imagining the heaps too. The heapest place in town around here might be my house. Whenever I scrap a broken appliance or BPC, I always keep the cord. Got em sorted into brown, black and white, light and heavy duty. More come in than I know what to do with.

I've also found that garage sales, esp. big charity ones, often have boxes of cords. I've picked up some nice stuff just by offering them a couple bux for the box.

 

[Danger Boy]

what is an IEC power cord? please explain the connectors on the end. i think I know. but not 100% sure if I do.. and does an IEC cord have higher standards then other power cords?

My friend that I just bought a Parasound pre amp from.. says it needs a new IEC power cord.