[PLUG] Cable Strain Relief - Was: New Date for PLUG Advanced Topics

Richard C. Steffens rsteff at comcast.net
Wed Mar 22 22:20:05 UTC 2006


Keith Lofstrom wrote:

> Also, I noticed a projector platform hanging from the ceiling.  If we
> can build some sort of anchor arrangement, so the weight of the cable
> does not pull my tiny little projector off it, then we can put the
> projector up there, and free up the front of the room.

I have a couple of strain relief gizmos that I've been carrying around 
in my tool box since the early 1970's. One of them might be suitable for 
your purposes. I'll try to describe them:

This device is made of aluminum. I believe it was intended for aluminum 
utility cable, as they came from my dad who worked for Cincinnati Gas & 
Electric. One end has a loop of ~1/8" AL wire about 1-1/4" across at the 
large end, tapering to about 3/4" at the small end, where it is attached 
to the part that would hold your cable. This loop can be removed from 
the other end via a keyhole arrangement.

The other end is formed so that there is a tapered piece with about a 
1/4" groove along the top. A larger piece is U shaped with curled edges 
so that it slides over the other piece and locks any cable set into the 
groove.

In use, one would open the loop, place it around some part of the 
projector platform and close it, again -- something like a safety pin. 
Then, one would lay the video cable into the other end, leaving enough 
slack so that it did not interfere with the projector. Thus the weight 
of the bulk of the cable is transferred to the platform, or its support.

I would be happy to donate one of these to the cause. We'll just have to 
find a mutually convenient time and place for me to hand it over to you. 
At this time, I don't know if I'll be able to attend the meeting. 
Alternatively, if you know an electrician, you might be able to get one 
from him/her. I suspect something like this is still on the market.

-- 
Regards,

Dick Steffens



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