On Mon, 10 May 2010 17:06:51 -0400, "Wild_Bill"
wrote:
If you're referring to 2-wire AC power cords for double-insulated
applications, you might want to look around for cooking appliance cords with
a very rubbery covering.
The rubber (RHW or RHH) cords seem to work best. Unfortunately, most
cheap plastic cords have an intergrated strain relief molded into the
plastic, making replacement with a different type of cord rather
tedious.
These are a specific type of heat resistant cord, intended for moderate
current (not light duty) heat generating appliances like roasters, waffle
irons and similar units.
These cords wouldn't get stiff even if placed in a freezer.. like real
rubber, not plastic.
Good idea. I have a roll of 3 conductor 14AWG RHW for replacing power
tool cords and extension cords. I never thought of using it for
kitchen appliances.
Ummm... why would I put something electrical in the freezer? Never
mind, I don't want to know.
I'm regularly annoyed by various types of signal connecting cords that are
so stiff they keep their original bends even after use.
I keep finding USB and video or low voltage cords that are a nuisance to use
because they're extremely rigid, more like poly air hose than a low voltage
cord.
Yep. Same problem. There's a customer perception that a thicker cord
somehow signifies a high power or high current device. It's common
for laser printers and copiers to arrive with huge diameter cords,
that are mostly plastic, not copper. Compared to the common power
cord of half the diameter, the wire guages inside are identical. Of
course, the added plastic makes them rigid, inflexible, difficult to
manage, and impossible to coil.
With video and USB, the problem is not the plastic but the shielding.
There's no easy way to provide superior shielding and still have a
flexible cord. Braid is more flexible than foil, but foil has better
coverage. The exception is non-wicking braid, where the plastic
jacket is molded into the braid, which can be used to hammer nails.
--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060
http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558