Here are some cable mount IEC connectors
http://cpc.farnell.com/c/cable-leads-connectors/connectors/power-connectors/iec-connectors
Also I just spent 15 minutes looking for the legal aspect of this issue and could not find a single case of having to re-certify either UL or CSA for components with the power cord is changed by a technician or owner
Having said that - CSA and UL really only applies to companies making devices for sale in the respective domains and not after sales mods made by customers
However, If a technician changes the power cord they immediately become liable for that repair - and as we all know, power supplies can catch fire - whereas changes to an internal circuit board will probably only fry that board, which is why most technicians will not touch a power supply - except the really competent ones
Also - if your insurance company discovers you tinkered with a piece of electronics after it’s purchase - and it actually caused a fire - you would probably not be covered.
Hopefully the fire would destroy all evidence :-)
Realistically - the number of components in the world that are constructed by DIY enthusiasts must be huge and with the right due diligence they are probably completely safe.
Using the connectors in the link above is comparable to replacing a switch or plug on a table lamp.
If the plug is polarized - for sure, care must be taken to get the polarity correct - otherwise there may be a risk of electric shock
As for UL and certainly CSA - I have encountered cable products having both of these certifications where the polarity was incorrect - which makes me wonder exactly how stringent they are at enforcement.
Next time you purchase a power cable from Home Depot - check the polarity - it might just surprise you :-)
Regards - steve
http://cpc.farnell.com/c/cable-leads-connectors/connectors/power-connectors/iec-connectors
Also I just spent 15 minutes looking for the legal aspect of this issue and could not find a single case of having to re-certify either UL or CSA for components with the power cord is changed by a technician or owner
Having said that - CSA and UL really only applies to companies making devices for sale in the respective domains and not after sales mods made by customers
However, If a technician changes the power cord they immediately become liable for that repair - and as we all know, power supplies can catch fire - whereas changes to an internal circuit board will probably only fry that board, which is why most technicians will not touch a power supply - except the really competent ones
Also - if your insurance company discovers you tinkered with a piece of electronics after it’s purchase - and it actually caused a fire - you would probably not be covered.
Hopefully the fire would destroy all evidence :-)
Realistically - the number of components in the world that are constructed by DIY enthusiasts must be huge and with the right due diligence they are probably completely safe.
Using the connectors in the link above is comparable to replacing a switch or plug on a table lamp.
If the plug is polarized - for sure, care must be taken to get the polarity correct - otherwise there may be a risk of electric shock
As for UL and certainly CSA - I have encountered cable products having both of these certifications where the polarity was incorrect - which makes me wonder exactly how stringent they are at enforcement.
Next time you purchase a power cable from Home Depot - check the polarity - it might just surprise you :-)
Regards - steve