Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!wuarchive!uunet!synsys!jeffj
From: jeffj@synsys.UUCP (Jeff Jonas)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: Re: Why do they insist on power cubes???
Summary: external plug is needed outside the US
Message-ID: <467@synsys.UUCP>
Date: 5 Jan 91 22:38:55 GMT
References: <191@raysnec.UUCP> <14510@celit.fps.com>
Reply-To: jeffj@synsys.UUCP (Jeff Jonas)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Jeff's House of Electronic Parts
Lines: 27

[]
In article <14510@celit.fps.com> billd@fps.com (Bill Davidson) writes:
>In article <191@raysnec.UUCP> shwake@raysnec.UUCP (Ray Shwake) writes:
>>manufacturers of external modems like Hayes moved their power supplies
>>to external power cubes which fit directly into the power line. A small
>>power lead then fed the small, stylish modem.

>At least Telebit, and some others have quit putting the plug prongs
>directly on the power supply making it possible to now use all the
>outlets on a power strip

I recall a similar discussion with a friend who was busy getting a
robotic toy ready for FCC certification.
Some contries won't allow transformers hanging off the outlet.
I agree - it places the weight of the power supply on the outlet and the
prongs.  These tend to fall out under their own weight if the outlet's
well worn.  Bad.  Very bad.  The power supply's weight should never
bear on the electrical connection or the outlet box.

My Racal Vadic modem power cube has a wire for the plug, so add one
vender to the "good" list.

A clever way to handle small power cubes is the Black and Decker
Outlet Extender.  It has three outlets spaced far enough apart for
small transformers (as used by the Dustbuster) and it's covered.

jeffj