Is it me or are IEC connectors dangerous?

[greenerwheels]

Sometime ago when I built my first hub motor bike, I purchased an EBikekit.com battery pack, I had done some research on the standard IEC connector that was used. I didn't like it because of the amp rating on any one I could find was no greater than 15 amps. But something I didn't think of until tonight while surfing eBay. I came across this auction
http://cgi.ebay.com/48V-15Ah-LiFePO4-Scooter-E-bike-EV-Battery-with-Charger_W0QQitemZ120503207445QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0e8d0615
Looking at how its setup, could someone that might not be knowledgeable decide to plug the pack directly into the wall to charge the pack? I think it could happen. Personally I'd like to see any battery pack using this connector be recalled for safety reasons

Greenerwheels

 

[Lock]

...could someone that might not be knowledgeable decide to plug the pack directly into the wall...

Don't see how `cause the prongs don't protrude past its molded housing? But IEC plugs are designed for AC service and I'm curious how well this translates to DC... Usually AC stuff derates waaaay down when in a DC application... Like ya really don't want to use a standard AC wall switch in a DC circuit carrying any real load...
tks
Lock

 

[biohazardman]

Not dangerous in the sense that the chargers seldom put out more than 2 or 3 amps so they are not overloaded in any way. Could be dangerous to the ignorant though as they might get the notion to plug that battery into the wall socket here in the U.S. as you have stated. Probly more excitement than some are used to if they do that at least a few hundred dollars worth of it anyway. It's hard to protect all people from themselves all the time. Still I also think it is a very poor choice for charger/battery connections. Likely the plugs are very inexpensive and easy to make so well used.

 

[dogman dan]

fine if the connector plugs into a charger, but not good if a doofus could get a computer cord and plug the battery straight into a wall socket. Somebody will do it, for sure.

 

[Tiberius]

Things never cease to amaze me. It would be difficult to think of a more stupid choice*.

IEC connectors for battery/charger is dangerous on all continents. Whoever came up with that idea doesn't even have the excuse that its only in another region that they are used for mains (line).

Nick

*These connectors http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...l_Index/Plugs_and_Sockets_Ind_240v/index.html would be even dafter, but slightly safer since they don't get found in domestic situations.

 

[BMI]

IEC connectors are used on most of the battery packs and chargers made for e-bikes and e-scooters in China because they are a very common and cheap connector. There are no standards with regard to e-bike connectors in China so they just use whatever is readily available and cheap.
I have also noticed there is no uniformity in wiring colors. One manufacturer might use blue and brown wires for the L and N pins on the IEC connector and another manufacturer will use the same wire colors but wired to the opposite IEC pins. I have found this out first hand this week so always check!

 

[ejonesss]

i would say that IEC connectors are very dangerous in a couple ways.

1. like mentioned above it is too easy for someone to connect directly to the 110 usa or even 220 in foreign countries and destroy the battery and even cause an explosion or fire and release toxic smoke especially with normal lithium like that kind used by the cell phone and laptop industry.

2. even if the IEC connectors are being used only for the ac connections it looking at the ebay item all that stands between the prongs sticking out the back and a shock is a thin piece of shrink tubing a good well made safe power supply is going to have the male* IEC connector would be built into the case of the power supply where there is no way that hands and fingers can come into contact with the pins on the back.

the IEC connectors are used by computer power supplies and some tv's and professional hardware.



if you do decide to buy that charger you should replace the connector with anderson connector.

in the case of the ebay item they are using the IEC connector for the dc connections and the connector should be replaced.

if you get a charger that uses the IEC connector on the ac side and the male* connector is hanging off the wire then you should replace the connector with a normal plug you can get at any hardware store.


connectors designed for ac use should never be used for dc use and dc connectors should never be used for the ac cord.



* = google search calls male the connector that has the prongs ebay item calls that female.