Yesterdays service call

[BillESC]

I received a call from a church that was having a problem with their sound system. The powered mixer would only work intermittently. I arrive to the church at the appointed time and follow the woman into the sanctuary where she powers up the system by plugging an IEC cable into the back of the mixer. The lights came on for a few seconds then blinked out.

I proceeded to the rear of the mixer and wiggled the IEC connector discovering it was a very loose connection. With needle nose plyers I carefully bent two of the mixers IEC prongs ever so slightly inward then plugged the power cord back in. Nice tight fit. Total time - 2 minutes - earns a one hour service call.

 

[headcrab]

At least tell me she pulled on the plug body to turn off the mixer, not the cord.
I assume the mixer had a power switch? And generally it takes less effort to flip a switch than unplug and replug an IEC connector? And what of the fact that a connector is supposed to carry the rated current, while the switch is supposed to break the rated current?

 

[SteveB]

At least tell me she pulled on the plug body to turn off the mixer, not the cord.
I assume the mixer had a power switch? And generally it takes less effort to flip a switch than unplug and replug an IEC connector? And what of the fact that a connector is supposed to carry the rated current, while the switch is supposed to break the rated current?

Ya not getting the concept here. On the NEXT service call, he'll show them the power On/Off switch. (grin).

 

[BillESC]

Yup, they only get so much for $ 90.00

 

[CSCTech]

Did the mixer actually have a power switch? I have a small 6 channel mixer and there is not power switch, only way to turn it off is removing the powercord.

 

[BillESC]

You know what? I didn't notice. Just saw what I thought the problem might be and fixed it.

I'll be installing an ALS, new podium mic and new wireless mic next month and will instruct them of proper usage should I discover a switch.

 

[cpf]

I have problems with those plugs all the time, not so much the connectors are loose but cheap connections inside the plug get sketchy. A quick and scientific treatment with some "calibrated" channel-lock pliers generally solves the problem, although I haven't felt the need to charge for those 15 seconds of work yet Not sure if this is the same problem though, the equipment I work on is all medical-grade, so problems like loose connectors just don't happen.

 

[Studio]

There is always a powerstrip with a switch.

 

[FMEng]

After enough of that kind of treatment, the IEC cord should be replaced. The contacts inside may be pitted and burned. If left to get in bad enough condition, it is a fire hazard.