power cord strain relief design

[nigelt]

Anyone got any rules of thumb on this topic, please?
I am interested in typical pull forces to spec too for portable equipment ( might it be: drop from height 'H' and restrain with cable - any typical height 'H'? ) I've seen clients complain that the cord moves when they whip the unit over their head like a lassoo!
Any comments vis-a-vis typical requirements for the 'push' force, given that most concerns are around pulling/tugging.

[As an aside, I got good results with a staggered slot in moulded part restraining a 1.8mm diam (over PVC sheath) 20ga stranded wire. (holding 1.8KG for 15 hrs, with a stagger of 33% of sheath diam.)

 

[lurker]

Hey nigelt,

I just posted a similar but more specific question in another thread...

There are industry standard tests that should apply to your product, for example, an IEC flex test. It may turn out that the standard test does not fit the use model (we had that happen here to another engineer) and so you would need to modify the standard tests or come up with your own.

Flex life and pull testing sound like a good start for you. Check out the standards that apply for your industry.'

Hope that helps somewhat...

- lurker