Can you identify the name of this part? 2

[stevec77]

I need to source the thin brass terminal strip inside a power strip. Can't for the life of me get it to pop up on any search. Does anyone know the name and better a supplier?

 

[IRstuff]

I don't see why that would be an off-the-shelf item, given that it needs to conform to a specific physical design of a particular power strip. Have you considered contacting a brass component supplier and having them make it for you? Or just buy a pallet of power strips from a supplier on Alibaba?

TTFN
faq731-376

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[stevec77]

Once I know what to call it, I intend to contact manufacturers or suppliers who deal in components like this. I'll need considerable quantities.

 

[jraef]

You do realize that you are almost literally playing with fire here, right? I mean, there is a REASON why the plugs are incompatible. The power systems are not always the same, in fact they are RARELY the same or even compatible. So sure, you can find SOME devices that accept a universal input, because many electronic things now have what are called Switched Mode Power Supplies that just convert AC to DC, and can be easily made to accept a wide range of input voltages and frequencies. But that is only SOME devices, and if you make a power strip that allows Susie Homemaker on a trip to the FIFA World Cup to plug her 115V 60Hz hair drier into a 230V 50Hz socket, and the blow torch that it becomes catches her hair on fire, your dreams of riches will go up in smoke with it.

"Will work for (the memory of) salami"

 

[VEBill]

Power Strips with "Universal" receptacles are an off-the-shelf product, assuming that the universal pattern accepts the exact plug you require (probably does). These type of universal receptacles (wall mounted) seem to be quite common in hotels in certain 'International' locations such as Hong Kong.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-5-OUTLET-POWER-STRIP-SURGE-PROTECTOR-220-240V-/360349638076

Your search may be difficult. There's probably an unknown little factory in China somewhere cranking out half the world's supply of the brass terminal strip thingies used inside power strips. Good luck.

 

[stevec77]

I'm not trying to make the universal plug receptacle that the article is about. I'm trying to identify the name of the brass strip terminals commonly found inside that receive NEMA plug blades. I selected a poor photo because the article accompanying it is dubious, I agree. The device I am making will be submitted to U.L. or comparable testing labs for approval.

Does anyone know what those brass strips are called? Better photo attached.

 

[VEBill]

"...playing with fire..."

The world's markets are full of power plug adapters that would allow unsafe connections. Also, there are locations that use "North American 120Vac" style 2-pin receptacles for 240 volts AC; e.g. Philippines. Your warning is correct, but Susie Homemaker is already injured or worse 20 times over, if she travels much. Apparently we (humans) are past the point where such perfectly reasonable and rational safety concerns are accepted as 'show stopper' objections. To be clear, it's a fair warning, but we're way past it.

Speaking personally, when we travel, I carefully purge the gadget collection of anything that is not a Universal input (100-240 Vac, 50/60 Hz). Had to reject a Nintendo DS adapter once.

 

[VEBill]

My Google-fu is strong today.

The phrase "电插座金属" (Electrical socket metal) seems to work.

Drop this into Google Images and then scroll down a bit. You'll soon see some bent brass metal thingies. Follow the links.

Good luck.

 

[mcgyvr]

try etco.com

Typically though the company designing the power strip will design their own internal components and have it stamped out for their own use and will not likely sell it to anyone else.

 

[stevec77]

@mcgyvr that might explain why they don't turn up anywhere ins a search. Seems an odd item to make proprietary. I would have thought them to be ubiquitous and inexpensive in volume.

 

[stevec77]

@VE1Bll Thanks for this suggestion, however the only results I get with those search terms are other types of sockets and plug metal parts not the terminal strip I seek. If you saw one [please past the url of the company making/supplying it?

 

[VEBill]

Yes, I've read that Google results can sometimes vary by user.

Here's one Google image leading to link that caught my eye:

http://www.xiangma.com/product.asp?class1=2

Of course the ones on exhibit on that page might not be precisely what you want, but they're obviously in that market segment.

Maybe you can wrangle a week or two in China (business trip)? Good luck.

 

[itsmoked]

I agree, they're usually proprietary bent metal. The reason is that the "connection" is not just the bent metal, it's also intimately related to the plastic housing that defines the "receptacle" or "plug". Often the injection molded body where the prongs are received or projected has to hold the brass bits and provide tracking distance and prong isolation from a radical angle plug-in. So, the whole thing is engineered. You can't usually just buy a component and you're done. (unfortunately)

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[adamsworsham]

I don't know if you're still looking, but Heyco has some parts that could point you in the right direction.

http://www.heyco.com/Power_Components/index.cfm

 

[RonShap]

Maybe like this receptacle yolk?

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab332/jphotos_2009/groundstrap.jpg

 

[telecomguy]

Might try Google Images for 'brass electrical contact strip' and look at all the shiny pictures to see if something jumps out at you.

https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=brass+electrical+contact+strip

-tg

http://xternal.me