Power Line Connection to 555 (or any component for that matter)

Posted by: Harty601 on 28 March 2016

I've not used a power line before, and I just wanted to check if the 'delicate' connection I have is correct or if I have something wrong.

When I say the connection is delicate: if I lightly brush my hand against the plug of the power line (going into the 555) it is enough to sever the connection and kill the power to my power supply and 272. This afternoon I swapped out the ethernet cable on the 272 (very carefully) and the pressure of the ethernet cable lightly brushing against the cable of the power line was enough to kill the power.

Also concerned that it may not be doing the power supply any favours, effectively pulling the power out of the back of it, rather than powering down form the front button. 

Posted on: 28 March 2016 by Geko

It sounds like something might be wrong. However, do be aware that Powerlines have very strong connection points and require a fair bit of pressure to engage properly in the back of the component you are trying to connect. The kettle plug entry should go all the way in. If it's not then it might explain why you are getting an intermittent connection. Make sure you only grip the plug by the silver barrel when you push it in.

Posted on: 28 March 2016 by Harty601

Thanks Geko - problem solved - it does indeed take a fair amount of pressure - I had been nervous about damaging something but the power line has inserted further and now the connection is much more robust.

Posted on: 28 March 2016 by davidf

sounds like the PL was not inserted all the way.  You really have to push hard while supporting the front of the Naim box.  Needs to snap into place.  It should not come out with gentle pressure if inserted properly. david

Posted on: 28 March 2016 by Mike-B

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...s-properly-connected

You need to push until the first major resistance - some stop there thinking it's in, but it's not, at least not properly. It then needs a much firmer push to open up the very tight jaws to make a proper grip on the pins. As you do so you'll see the back part of the plug push backwards.  

Just be sure you are holding on to the front of the kit because otherwise the force needed will send it flying off the shelf.  Also make sure you only handle the outer case of the IEC (i.e. don't push from the back), otherwise the back end of the plug won't push back and decouple properly.

Posted on: 28 March 2016 by Harty601

Thanks Mike, I had seen this and had put considerable force into it, was at the point where I was worried I was going to damage something. Geko's point about the kettle plug going fully in gave me the confidence to push harder (as it were!!).

Posted on: 28 March 2016 by Mike-B

When I had PowerLine,  & since then when using the fancy fat body style IEC320 plugs,  I used a loose male socket plug to practice on.  It really helped give the "feel" of the PL's unique action & it snapping into place.  Plus it helped me find design defects in a few of the fancy IEC320's as well.    

Posted on: 28 March 2016 by Harty601
Mike-B posted:

When I had PowerLine,  & since then when using the fancy fat body style IEC320 plugs,  I used a loose male socket plug to practice on.  It really helped give the "feel" of the PL's unique action & it snapping into place.      

That's a good idea Mike, I'll try that.