Rigid outlets for Heavy cables

Thank you for the recomendation and find.  These look very useful.

Very useful "tweak", even for non-audio related purposes.

@testpilot Oh yes!! I can’t tell you how many of those Hubbell 3 packs I bought in this 17 year old home. I wish I had learned about the plastic one’s earlier as they are more economical and very good for light switches and my "normal" outlets.

The wall plates make an outlet absolutely confidence-inspiring and I don't think I'd put a high end (i.e. TIGHT) outlet into a box without one, if only to reduce the wear and tear on the drywall.

Thanks Erik.  I'm planning to replace a lot of outlets in my home soon--especially the ones the cleaning lady plugs the vacuum cleaner into.  and some are not very flush. 

Jerry

@carlsbad2 You are welcome.  As you probably already know, Tamper Resistant is now a requirement for homes.  I use Eaton commercial/residential.  If you buy in bulk (10x) from Lowe's they are a little cheaper.

@carlsbad2 Also, same, the cleaning lady (i.e. me) had several outlets around the house which were probably spongy for that same reason.  Too much vacuuming.

Should be a like function on this forum.   good post Erik.

I use the heavy duty Furutechs outlets and covers  from vh audio with their HD outlets which don’t give since it’s only one time spend a bit extra.

whatsoever ever .I put in a great 4 wire awg  dual awg 20 amp breakers and dual ground a common and a insulated isolated ground my Audiophile Electrician installed dead quiet ,

I’ve used the hospital outlets for a diy “power bar” that I put some filter caps in. 
 

They certainly grip well. 

Nice work Eric! I have used them and they work well.

Now find me a simple plastic outlet cover with a cradle to support heavy power cords, that doesn’t cost a stupid $100, like this one or this one.

Thanks Eric, never knew these existed, ordering some soon!

@erik_squires thanks, good item to bird dog! But for now I’ll just stick with my springy, slightly detached double socket, telling myself it imparts the same suite of benefits the Townshend socket isolator that hasn’t been invented would impart on my sonics

( 😆 ).

@mitch2 well at least Sonore is upfront about the origins of their plates so any buyer considering them can rationalize the price just reflects a 100% tax for avoiding purchase of a small personal 3D printer

( 😉 ).

@erik_squires 

OMG, I have been looking for ages to find something that brings the outlets forward from the box.  I have a bunch of add on outlets and poor do-it-yourself construction in this house that we recently purchased.  Often times the metal plates don’t do the trick because the drywall doesn’t fit close enough to the outlet box.

What I have been using to bring the outlet itself forward and fit flush with the outlet cover are the clear plastic mirror holders that used to be used in the 1970’s to hold unframed mirrors.  They don’t conduct any electric charge, but come in varying thickness. 

But these spaces your have identified are the bomb!  I order a pack and will start fixing all my funky outlets.

My power cables were really sagging in the outlets so I bit the bullet and bought the Shunyata cable cradles.  Yep, pricey, but I could not find anything that worked.  At least THAT problem is solved.

Thanks Erik

@pgaulke60 You are welcome. If you find any back-stabbed outlets while you do you should probably replace them too.

Protip:  When you fold those plastic tabs you end up with one side open and the opposite closed.  Put the closed side up against the body of your outlet and the open towards the screw.  That way the plastic tabs and screws are held in place while you reinstall the outlet. Otherwise it feels like you need 4 hands.

 Just ordered a pack. Thanks for the heads up.

@mitch2 Oh, never saw those cable cradles before. A better option, IMHO is the 90 degree hospital grade plugs. They can be rotated to any angle, so pointing 45 down lets them avoid leveraging the plug out of the socket and leaves room for another below it.  They also save a lot of floor space.  I replaced the plug on my Furman voltage regulator and was able to snug up bass traps to the wall in front of the socket.

I have found that they do greatly increase the insertion force required due to the extra thick pins, hence the recommendation for outlet supports.  When I first tried inserting it I found the outlet, which I previously thought was fine, had too much play in it when I tried using it.

They don’t have to be babied to stay in. Not sure what the maximum cable thickness is though.

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the Tweek.

I began replacing my old outlets with new 'hospital grade' outlets last year. 

These plates look like a simple fix for recessed outlets, and the larger force-distribution effect is real bonus (fewer dry wall issues).  My order arrives tomorrow.

Bill

BTW, if your box is too recessed from the drywall you may need an "outlet box extender" instead.  If your outlet screws are too short this is probably the way to go. 

Hubble makes very good products 

Cablesupportplate by John Bring. Not sure if they are still around. Shunyata may make something similar. Much of the outlet strain is relieved. 

@jea48 - The two outlet screws should be to ground, not neutral. :)

To avoid confusion, the metal plate hsould NOT touch any of the side screws on an outlet. 😀

@erik_squires 

Thanks again got another handy tip!

@bigwave1 

I had looked at the John Bring interview with TAS and S’phile show report, but apparently John’s his 3D printer is out of business because the website goes nowhere.

@erik_squires 

Nice 90-degree plug but unfortunately I own too many audiophile-approved power cords to go changing plugs 😎

I could be mistaken, but read that Sonore may have grabbed the reins? I remember mine were about a buck and made of carbon fiber. 

@mitch2  I hear you, I do think there would be a market for uber cables with 90 degree plugs though.  They save a lot of floor space.

Very cool, Thanks. 

The Viborg outlet and integrated cover looks... funky.  I don't see the usual mounting screws, but there are a pair of side screws so the whole assembly (outlet and cover) seem to screw into the drywall??

Honestly I'm not even sure that's legal.  AFAIK, the outlet MUST screw into an outlet box.

Next, and I know I'm the only one on A'gon who cares, outlets must be tamper resistant in homes as well, not sure this is. 

I'm a big fan of the Viborg bananas but this one..... I have nothing but questions.

Idk, naim swears that their intentionally loose iec sockets on their equipment sound better...

@jea48 

I appreciate the effort but no, I didn't buy one. In addition to looking "funky" as Eric described it, it also looked heavy. 

If you have $100, you can still purchase the Sonore Power Cord Support or the Shunyata - Cable Cradle Wall Plate.  Audiophiles have spent more on stupider stuff so maybe not such a bad deal.

I use the Shunyata cable support. Works great 

I have a spare one of the 3D printed duplex cable support plates that I am not using if you want to buy it. 

Thanks for the topic, erik_squires...

I have had excellent experience with a version of Furutech's GTX-D (R) receptacle and GTX Wall Plate for several years now.  Their non-magnetic Stainless Steel Conductor Spring System "keeps a firm grip yet won't damage male connector blades or their plated surfaces."  This has proven precisely so, the mechanism remaining buttery smooth, yet grips solidly.  Yes, there is substantial initial cost, but, amortized over time and adding great sound were well worth it.  I elect to purchase through The Cable Company to avoid black market goods and also take advantage of their "frequent flyer program" savings.  I suppose one must qualify...I've no business affiliation with either company other than the purchase of their goods. 

Paying attention to every aspect of building a system leads to gratifying refinement.  Onwards!

More Peace      Pin            (bold print for old eyes)