Sagging power cable at IEC outlet - any remedies?


My power amp has its IEC outlet going into the back flat, and every cord I have tried including the light stock cord sag from the cords weight behind the amp. So in all likelihood the connection isn't as strong as it should be. I know connection strength matters at the other end of the cord going in to the wall outlet, is it the same here?

For others suffering from this problem have you found a way to prevent the cord sagging out?
soliver
I can suggest that you take the portion of the IEC male plug that goes into the IEC socket on you amp and wrap it with a couple of layers of electrical tape. It's not the prettiest fix, but it works.
In addition if you take an actualy roll of electrical tape, and turn it in its side , it can provide additional support, you may have to peel off some of the tape to get a good fit, and you just want a little support , not anything that will have too much pressure. I use both methods simultaneously.
Soliver, this is becoming a common problem due to some of these ridiculous, non-flexible cables hitting the market. You may find Velcro to help. A piece of "hook" attached on the BOTTOM of the component, directly BELOW the connector, with another piece of "hook" on the REAR of the component directly ABOVE the connector will provide two points of attachment for the use of two "loop" straps. These straps would be located at a point where they would be maintaining pressure along the back of the connector (one on each side of the cable), also retaining the connector in the socket.

Also, the "loop" material is very soft and won't scratch anything when applying/removing. Most Home Depot stores or the like, sell Velcro kits with a spool of hook and loop 1/2' wide. It is perfect for this application. Adhesion will always be enhanced with a thorough alcohol cleaning before applying the hook.

Hope this helps, Ed
A business proposition. Cable lifter for your heavy power cords, adjustable height to accomodate your wall plugs.
I tried creating hooks to suspend the power cords, didn't work. The cords were too heavy. Then carved some supports out of closed cell packing foam to support them from below, which rest on the surface of the amp stand - works well. Since it's foam, and the stand itself supposedly isolates the component from vibration too, that doesn't seem to be a problem. I really can't imagine that any IEC socket could support heavy power cords - that just isn't what they are designed to do.
How about a 5 foot power cord that weighs less than 1 pound, and a strong gripping IEC?
How about coming up with "locking IEC's" ? Like balanced XLR's ? Closer tolerances ?
I've tested several batches of Schurter and Wattgate IEC320s. The Wattgates have an average separation force of 16 pounds; the Schurter only 4 lbs. I use the Schurter for lighter-weight PCs for source components, but the WattGates for heavier PCs for amps, etc., or as an upgrade. Ern
Get rid of the connector. Power cords should be hard soldered, to the transformer primary unless there is a power switch.

By the way, a little sag might actually improve contact. Isn't that what we do with a lamp plug when it doesn't work?
Electrical tape works, but 3/4" heat shrink sold at most hardware store is better and cleaner. Depending on the
gap between the plug and IEC outlet, a second layer might be needed.
I prefer the little plastic tripod that comes in pizza boxes to prevent the top cover from touching the surface of the pie. Chop down the legs, and slide under. Cheap (free), efficient and unobtrusive without altering the PC. Of course, my IEC is near the bottom of the chassis - if you are up higher, I suppose the suggestion is moot. Good listening,

-Richard
Richard , thats actually pretty funny and innovative, and Im not usually a worry wart when it comes to such things, however since it is right near the inlet , I would not want to use any material that is flammable.
Legos, I stacked a few under the cable to take the pressure off the connection to the amps. My kid has never missed them.
I measured and cut some wood blocks for under the connectors of my geat.

I also like the Lego idea!
What I did was glue a piece of plastic (the thickness of a piece of a cd jewel case) to the top of the plug. This created a snug fit and stopped the sagging. However, for added assurance I then used a strong rubber band and affixed it to the top of the handle I have on the rare of the amp. This has worked fine over the years. OBTW, thess are all things I had laying around the house.

Good luck with your solution,
Lou