Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

i would never ever use a phono plug (3.5mm, even 6mm i would not use) for
mains current.
this are definitly low voltage connectors, you can't tell when and where
the pins are touching each other
when inserting. also they are for very small currents designed. nothing to
use a drill..

if you buy a footswitch with a "microswitch" in it, which is capable of
switching enough amps and volts then i would
cut off the cable, install proper connectors if needed (or hardwire it).


but if i had to go for the little current, little voltage phono plug
version (or the switch in the foot pedal is too weak) i would
use a relais (or a conductor) which has low voltage coil.
but this requires a second sorce of this low voltage so i would surely use
other connectors if this is not available
for other purposes already.


so guys, please if you really are making pc boards you can get a bit more
serious
and install this properly... mains voltage is lower where you live, i know,
but phone plugs are not suited.


maybe get a suitable plug (maybe with cable attached from other dead
machine) and the plug socket (cable mount version)
abd wire it up with a footswitch. this would be useable for other machines
too...

at least where i live you can buy a plug which has a socket on his back.
this would be perfect for this application.


good luck....


regards
stefan