Questions tagged [socket]
For questions about electrical sockets such as wall sockets or sockets for mounting electrical components (such as ICs).
174
questions
23
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10
answers
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Are DIP sockets against overheating worth the cost?
Sockets allow easy replacement of a device and eliminates the risk of damage from overheating during soldering. [Wikipedia]
I personally never (ever) replace these ICs. For programming ...
- 333
17
votes
6
answers
14k
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Unplugging a router from the wall socket
When the internet appears to have crashed, the service provider invariably gives this advice as a first line remedy: unplug the router from the wall socket, then wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in. ...
- 273
16
votes
1
answer
3k
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What kind of socket is that?
I found that socket on a music device produced around mid 1970s in GDR and I was wondering what kind of socket it is. Unfortunately, someone painted the whole device, including the contacts. Therefore,...
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8
votes
5
answers
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Why do EU electrical sockets/plugs have two pins for grounding?
Inside a plug there is one grounding wire, while the socket has two grounding pins. I know that the wire splits into two, but why? As the wiring inside the wall is supposed to be the same between ...
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8
votes
1
answer
680
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Name for this type of connector?
Can Anyone help me to identify this board to board connector?
7 springs connector on top and 8 on the bottom.
answer
Found a Korean company producing it. Thanks.
This is the plug on the other end.....
- 81
7
votes
3
answers
35k
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Does it matter which way you plug stuff into the wall socket [closed]
I have a european socket and if you saw one you will know that you can plug stuff either way. But american sockets can only be plugged in only one way. So does it matter which way its plugged it ...
5
votes
2
answers
4k
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Why is the upper hole in a plug point bigger than the rest?
In a plug point you can see that the upper hole is bigger than the other holes in it.
Why is this hole bigger than the other two?
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5
votes
2
answers
467
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What is the name for this connector socket pin configuration?
Does anyone recognize this female socket pin layout as a standard design of any kind?
I was looking at 5-pin CB Radio Microphone sockets, and they are similar, but not the same layout.
Also, the ones ...
4
votes
1
answer
697
views
Do dead CFL or LED light bulbs consume power and is it safe to leave them mounted?
Do burned-out CFL or LED light bulbs consume power when the switch is on?
Is it safer to keep them in their sockets, removed or slightly unscrewed so the bottom center contact isn't touching?
I ...
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4
votes
3
answers
10k
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Why AC socket polarity is important?
In North America sockets and plugs design makes sure you'll be able to plug only in a certain way:
(source)
Why is this important for AC? Moreover, many plugs, such as cellphone chargers, are in fact ...
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4
votes
1
answer
124
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What are the uses for a water soluble IC socket?
I recently stumbled across water soluble IC sockets after being given a bag of them. While they do dissolve successfully from the board, I can't seem to come up for a valid explanation for why anyone ...
- 43
3
votes
4
answers
888
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Always-on socket in-between a 2-way switch?
I have access to a power cable that powers devices through a 2-way switch, basically:
Is it possible to add an always-on socket in between using L1, ...
- 132
3
votes
3
answers
622
views
Same type of jack - different current ratings [closed]
I'm looking for not expensive DC barrel female connector that can handle 8A of current. I found only barrel jack 5.5x2.1mm which can handle 3A, I couldn't find anything similar. But same type of ...
- 421
3
votes
1
answer
279
views
If a light socket only has 2 connections, how can they sell 3 prong light socket adapters?
If a light socket only has 2 connections (thus not grounded) then how can they sell 3 prong (grounded) light socket adapters? How is this legal and safe? If it's grounded, then how does that work? e.g....
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3
votes
2
answers
1k
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Why were hobbyists advised to socket ICs before, but not now? [closed]
When I was little, the general advice for electronics hobbyists was to socket all their ICs. Indeed you would find the word must referring to the need for sockets. This was to prevent thermal damage ...
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3
votes
6
answers
1k
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Why do French power sockets have a protruding ground?
French power sockets have a protruding ground. Why did they make this decision?
I can't see any major benefits from it, it saves some pennies on each power cord, but it exposes the ground connection ...
- 4,293
3
votes
1
answer
618
views
Help with identifying a PCB header connector
I have scoured the Internet trying to locate what this is - I'd appreciate any information if someone recognizes this plug/socket combination. It is currently used to carry 5V DC power of about 1A.
...
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3
votes
4
answers
1k
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Hot and neutral have similar voltage to ground - finding the problem
I have an APC battery backup and surge protector for my computer. It has a light, labeled "Building wiring fault." This light is on, and my computer will not start. I am unemployed and my landlord is ...
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3
votes
2
answers
6k
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IEC vs. UL current rating
I was doing a search on Digikey for some power entry connectors and noticed that many of the connectors are rated 10A by IEC standards and 15A by UL standards. Why is there such a large difference ...
- 1,167
3
votes
2
answers
4k
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How to connect a relay to 220 Volts outlet?
I used relays before but just for simple 5V DC signals control using a Raspberry Pi. Now I'm quite cautious and would like to ask for some help from professionals because I'm not planning to set my ...
3
votes
1
answer
105
views
Are PLCC Chips/Sockets always the same pitch?
I'm hunting down a socket for a PLCC-84 chip and none of them mention pitch spacing. Is that because PLCC is always the same spacing between pins?
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3
votes
2
answers
126
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Removing 3.5 mm jack socket from a PCB: patching the socket's switches
I sheared off a plug from a 3.5 mm headphone jack inside my Roland HP603 piano. After failing to remove the plug, I tried removing the 3.5 mm jack socket from the PCB.
However, the piano still thinks ...
- 131
3
votes
1
answer
710
views
What is the purpose of these plastic "wings" on this power plug
The plug in the picture has plastic "wings", which seem to have no other purpose than to irritate when trying to insert multiple devices into a power board. The wings do not allow cords to be plugged ...
- 31
3
votes
0
answers
89
views
12 V, 2-pin power socket identification
I’m trying to find a replacement 12 V, 2-pin plug socket for my Campingaz TE 28 LC Cooler. The socket is 22 mm wide x 15 mm deep x 13 mm high.
I can find plenty of power cords but no sockets to plug ...
- 41
3
votes
0
answers
850
views
A curious 433 MHz signal to decode
I bought a cheap set of remote controlled power sockets and I want to integrate them into my home automation system. So I got a 433 MHz receiver for 1€, connected it to my Arduino and tried to decode ...
- 141
2
votes
4
answers
1k
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For electrical outlets that have on/off switches, is energy sent to the socket when nothing is connected to it but the switch is on?
In several countries, electrical outlets have physical on/off switches used to control the energy flow sent to the connected appliance. If the switch is set to the on position but nothing is connected ...
- 131
2
votes
3
answers
411
views
Earth pin in a 3-pin mains plug [closed]
I bought a new pressure washer online and it has a 3-pin plug as shown in the picture, but there are only two pins protruding out from it.
The two pins fit into my standard 3-pin socket and it works ...
- 125
2
votes
2
answers
409
views
Strange new power supply socket effect [closed]
I bought a new power supply. I have a power strip with 5 sockets, having protection (I guess), and an on/off button. When the button is "on" the button glows red, when its "off" it ...
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2
votes
3
answers
1k
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How much 12V DC current can I safely draw from an AC 230V 13A socket and why?
In my cabin I have a sollar cell and a 12V battery that I use to power my electronics. However I'm dissatisfied with the standard CL sockets used in cars (apparently I'm not the only one) and I ...
- 127
2
votes
1
answer
288
views
Identifying a wall socket with 8 small, 2 larger holes in trapezoid/star configuration
What kind of connector is this?
Country: Germany
Location: University Building (Department of Computer Science)
The logo in the middle rather looks like an "h"
6 smaller holes form a trapezoid
2 of ...
- 123
2
votes
1
answer
612
views
How to socket 28-pin DIPs?
Recently I switched from the leaf-spring type of DIP sockets to the more expensive machined MIL sockets. The leaf-spring type were failing (by the spring parts pulling out of the socket) after a few ...
- 3,162
2
votes
5
answers
846
views
Is it okay to short earth and neutral pins in 3 pin sockets?
One of the plugs in my room did not have any wires attached to the earth pin. Whenever I connect any device that has a metal casing, I get a tingling feeling if I brush my hand against the casing. I ...
- 121
2
votes
2
answers
72
views
need help identifing parts
The first Green bit is a thermistor out of a fluke 374 clamp meter, but cant find the manufacture from the logo or what the number means.
The other is a socket pin from a single wire connector, its ...
- 31
2
votes
3
answers
916
views
Are RJ45 jack sockets universal regarding CAT-X cables
I've noticed some trade/wholesale websites list CAT-X jack sockets separately as the individual numerical version, i.e., (CAT-3 jack socket).
I'm aware CAT is a standard, and RJ45 is the socket ...
- 23
2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How to repeatedly read and write a SMD EEPROM without unsoldering it each time?
I am doing a lot of reverse engineering on SOIC-8 Eeproms in automotive ecus. At the moment it requires unsoldering the chip, read/write, solder the chip back in, test, repeat.
Most Eeproms have to ...
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2
votes
1
answer
264
views
Name of socketed PCB jumpers
What is the correct name for those little jumper cables, with a small socket each end, designed to go between header pins on PCBs. A bit like these, but singles
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Pcs-30cm-...
user32885
2
votes
1
answer
762
views
General dimensions and recommendations for a USB dongle
I'm trying to create a device that connects via USB and sits in a users computers USB socket at all times, and I'm unsure of what the general dimension requirements will be.
Ideally, this device ...
- 121
2
votes
2
answers
1k
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Smallest 2 Pin AC outlet socket [closed]
For a home automation project I need to source panel mounting electrical outlet sockets which are as low profile as possible and are rated at least 200 watts.
Something like a female version of these ...
- 31
2
votes
0
answers
53
views
Bipolar switch on UK standard wall sockets
the company where I work would like to produce and market a type of wall socket with UK standard. I have seen that some models produce by our competitors are equipped with a bipolar switch, others are ...
- 31
1
vote
2
answers
1k
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What is the difference between a 2 and a 3 solder terminals socket (coaxial jack dc)
I'm not pro with electronics and electricity and I want to replace my notebook socket so I'm looking for a coaxial jack dc socket but, as I only have two cables (a positive and a negative one) to ...
- 143
1
vote
3
answers
996
views
How Does an Unearthed Socket Close its Circuit?
From what I'm to understand, earthed sockets send their electrons (through the neutral wire (assuming no fault)) to the circuit breaker which is then wired to earth ground. How does this work in ...
- 393
1
vote
3
answers
287
views
Is it safe to slightly unscrew a light bulb so it doesn't complete the circuit? [closed]
It's dangerous to leave an open socket, but I have a light fixture that's too bright and I don't have a dead bulb to put in one of the sockets. Is it safe to put a bulb in but unscrewed enough that it ...
- 13
1
vote
1
answer
83
views
Can anyone identify this 40-pin SMT socket on the Silicon Labs BRD4180A board?
This socket appears on the Silicon Labs BRD4180A board and it might be nice to reuse the module on our projects after programming it. The socket appears to have 50-mil spacing between pins. What is ...
- 1,340
1
vote
1
answer
77
views
What type of connector is this 3-pin socket marked "DC24V" on a printer?
The device in question is a printer, I've never seen such a connector before...
- 11
1
vote
2
answers
480
views
Are there circuits to ensure polarity with symmetrical and unpolarised AC plugs?
There are many different connection systems (socket,plug) which are symmetrical and unpolarised such as
The Schuko connection system is symmetrical and unpolarised in its
design, allowing line ...
- 143
1
vote
1
answer
140
views
Are there non-unscrewable microwave oven bulbs? [closed]
I recently emptied a Samsung microwave oven of its components and came across the lightbulb, which appeared at first glance to be fitted in a diamond shaped holder.
Though when I looked through the ...
- 190
1
vote
1
answer
261
views
which 2-pin Molex connector is this?
I've been looking at Molex's website for hours and I can't identify this connector. It's the motor connector on a cheap quadcopter. Does anyone know what connector it is? Thanks for your help.
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1
vote
1
answer
226
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How would a chip socket affect the chip?
I have a little habit of socketing all DIP chips used in my circuit (so at least if the design failed I can recycle the chips easily). Now since I am trying my hands at multimeter DIY'ing (with a all ...
- 2,833
1
vote
1
answer
1k
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Alternative to ZIF socket and alligator clips
As we know ZIF socket holds ICs and enables us to add or remove easily.
Is there anything for axial elements such as resistor or diodes for holding them without bending those elements?
The problem ...
- 143
1
vote
1
answer
376
views
What kind of JTAG connector is this?
I have two circuit boards that are almost identical. One has a JTAG socket, and one does not. I want to add a socket to the one that doesn't have one, but I don't know which part to get.
This is the ...
- 113