This is a semi-new thread, branching off the discussion related to cable
connections that started on "Tubes vs. Solid State" then went on to "Soldering
vs. Crimping":
I hope it isn't too stupid a question, but I have been long curious as to why
there is a different convention and custom as related to RF cable and the
connectors used on them vs. the male and female connectors used on AC power
connections. In the case of AC power cables, for reasons of common sense,
safety and the National Electric Code, the male connectors go onto the "power
using" loads or sinks, and the female connectors are on the AC power sources.
Obviously, it would be a bad idea to have the protruding bare metal prongs on
male connectors "hot" with 115 VAC (unless one is trying to reduce the circle
of one's acquaintences), so the "hot" leads are and should be in female
sockets. However, RF cables seem to have PL-259s on both ends, and the devices
to which they are attached seem to have SO-239s, with the corresponding
opportunity to touch a "hot" center prong, as well as the chance for reversing
what should be the inputs and output on the device. Am I the only reader of th
is that has a bag of barrel connectors, and occasionally gets annoyed at
having to use them, when the AC power convention works so well?
I know that SO239s do not have their metal connection "buried" as deeply inside
as female 115 VAC power sockets do, so don't furnish as much protection from
contact with a "hot" lead. Still, how and/or why did we depart from the power
cord convention, when it would at least provide some visual warning of a "hot"
lead?
Gene May
WB8WKU
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