Hi everyone,
There was a thread here about this, but I couldn't find any concrete answer on this.
So, the thing is; I have a 5 years old soldering iron which is just a regular, cheap Parkside soldering iron. And although I do plan to get a decent one rather soon, I wanted to make a simple upgrade to this one while I'm still using it. So, the idea is to be able to switch the iron on and off by a switch instead of unplugging it every time I'm not using it. I already drilled two holes in the stand that originally came with the solder iron, I've put a switch in one and C13 mains power connector on the other side. Now, originally I wanted to cut the cable from the iron and just connect it to the C13 connector (of course, live would go to switch), but I would like that I can disconnect the iron itself when I take it somewhere so I don't have to carry the stand always. As there is no too much space on the front panel, an XLR would be perfect. Female on the stand and male on the iron. However, as I do know that XLR is mainly used for audio and DMX, I'm not sure if they would be suitable for this application? Are there any voltage/current limits they can handle? My iron is 30W one.
Thanks!

 

See spec PDF.
Voltage rating: 250VAC
Test voltage: 1500VAC
Rated current: 5...16A.

 

So, my plan should work with no worries...?

 

Yep.

 

You need to look at the specific connector used. This one might work but others might not.
http://www.switchcraft.com/Documents/switchcraft_sealed_xlr_npb_604.pdf

Electrical Specifications Voltage Rating: 500 VRMS

 

While the voltage and current specifications for an XLR connector may be OK for mains voltage, since the main use is in microphone connections, please consider the damage that could be done if the connector became connected to an audio system. It would be damaging and destructive at best. At least consider using a 4-pin XLR, which is less common. I am just pointing out some of the unintended potential secondary results of the action.

 

Ahmmmm...
I'm not sure what are you referring to? This connection will be for my soldering iron...? I don't plan to reuse it later for anything, especially not for audio....
And why do you think that a 4 pin connector would make a difference? I only need earth, live and neutral wire...?

 

Ahmmmm...
I'm not sure what are you referring to? This connection will be for my soldering iron...? I don't plan to reuse it later for anything, especially not for audio....
And why do you think that a 4 pin connector would make a difference? I only need earth, live and neutral wire...?

If someone plugs a XLR microphone into the soldering iron there might be a problem but it's really a low probability if you are the only user.

 

Hahaha...
If someone plugs a microphone in my soldering iron stand, then I don't think that is his biggest problem in life.. Just kidding of course. But no worries there as I'm the only one who's even getting close to that workshop.

 

Your thread just triggered a memory...

I once heard the story of a guy that used a standard ac power plug for a wall mounted speaker. One day his wife noticed the speaker cable dangling and plugged it into a power output. There was a very loud buzz for a very short time.

 

Hahaha...
I hope everything was OK. Although I'm pretty sure that the speaker didn't sound as good as it was before that "current" song...

 

Your thread just triggered a memory...

I once heard the story of a guy that used a standard ac power plug for a wall mounted speaker. One day his wife noticed the speaker cable dangling and plugged it into a power output. There was a very loud buzz for a very short time.

Not a problem with the right speakers. Cerwin-Vega demo'd speakers all the time with a AC power plug test.