16 Sep
2007
16 Sep
'07
11:34 p.m.
Tony Duell wrote:
You got me curious, so I just ran a search on Farnell's database for DB25
connectors rated to 500V; it coughed up 60 different ones.
I can't think of an example where I've actually seen it done with D-types, but
I've certainly come across it on telecomms stuff before using DIL-type card
connectors (what I've always called 'euroconnectors', but I'm not sure
what
the official term is)
It always looks a bit worrying to be running mains type voltages over that
sort of thing, but I expect it's well within the limits of most parts.
[wall warts]
power on
connector pins where it's possible to insert the connector
"upside down". Or using a power connector and wiring it differently
than the rest of the world (e.g. MD2 diskette drives as opposed to
anyone's 3.5" diskette drive). I believe that a few old Calcomp 8"
floppies actually put mains power through the signal connector on a
couple of models.
I find that very hard to believe. I would be suprised if most (if any)
signal connecotres met the approvale requirements for a mains connector. It also suprises me how few devices have even
revers-polarity protection
on the input. I would have thought it would be worth including a diode in
each device, but anyway...
I bought one of those wall warts with a range of interchangeable connectors
when I was in the US last. Seemed like a good idea at the time; the connectors
were reversible so that you could swap polarity just by changing the connector
through 180 degrees on the cable, not to mention that it came with about ten
different sizes of connector. (the kids were getting through batteries in toys
with lightning speed :-)
It was only when I took the packaging off that I discovered the flaw: the
terminals at the end of the cable are marked for polarity - but there are *no*
markings on the interchangeable connectors which give an indication of which
of the two pins goes to the connector's ring, and which goes to the tip.
Without any test gear it's random as to the polarity of the plugged-in connector.