[sdiy] Covers / shroud for unused header pins?

[Nathan Trites]

I completely agree, opening and closing the case isn't the issue here -
precaution is. Maneuvering and working with live circuits is an inherent
part of diagnostics and repair, and depending on the device there are
infinite ways to cause shorts during routine work.

Personally, I'm surprised there's 20 posts of advice in this thread and no
one's asked exactly what kind of header/connectors James is working with!
Since it's an old arcade cabinet, I'd assume a mix of edge connectors and
molex? Immediate advice: put heat shrink over the spade terminal. Any
bigger free floating connectors just use larger diameter heat shrink (1"
etc) long enough so it doesn't make contact with other parts. If you need
to easily remove and re-insulate, some kind of tape. Florian's initial
advice is the right move for most friction connector types.

Think thru the scenarios:

If the header is always exposed and could be considered a design flaw or
allowed to happen due to other design choices (e.g. you need to have
various connectors unsecured in order to work on it), having a way to cover
the headers when not in use makes perfect sense. I'd create a dummy
connector of the same type (with crimps inserted if needed), and if the
connector type doesn't have a cover or covered version available, fill the
cable opening with silicone RTV or hot glue.

If they were left exposed in the course of repair and the risk of shorting
is there again... If they're low voltage/current I'd probably just put blue
painters tape over them until they're needed again, or some type of
Kapton, PTFE, or electrical tape which all have other compromises. If
they're higher voltage or current, secure the loose connector as best as
possible so it doesn't pose any risk, or create a dummy connector for the
exposed header and insulate the openings with hot glue or something. As
above, cover any free connectors on cables with appropriately sized heat
shrink.

Nathan


On Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 10:23 AM Florian Anwander <fanwander at mnet-online.de>
wrote:

> Hello
>
> Am 06.09.24 um 14:17 schrieb cheater cheater via Synth-diy:
>
> i'm still confused as to how unplugging a thing from the wall is too
> difficult
>
> hmmm, when I am repairing a device and I have to do measurements or
> trimming, I will have to open and close the lid a hundred times to change
> settings on the frontpanel and then get back inside to continue my
> measurement. Of course I don't want to unplug or switch off the device, for
> each move of the lid...
>
> Florian
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