Need help identifing the connector on Smartpool Nitro cord, any electrical geeks?

[blueenergy]

The other day my Nitro Pool Cleaner would not start, so I tried to unplug it when the plug on the cord cracked apart in my hand. I called SmartPool and they said they can only sell me a new cord for $100+. :shock: They would not tell me what the connector brand and type is.

I am hoping somebody (electronic/electrical geek) can recognize the plug on the cord and the socket on the transformer so it can be repaired.

Here are a couple of pictures.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/blueenergy/18faa82a.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/blueenergy/e905360c.jpg

If someone can identify the connection type, brand and model then I would be able to solder one on pretty easily. Which hopefully can be done for less that $100.

Thanks!

[PoolDoc]

Hi Blueenergy;

I'm not real hopeful of your success finding someone to ID those for you.

I checked, and then went ahead and hot-linked your photos -- the moderated subscriber users groups aren't allowed to hotlink.

Anyhow, here are your photos:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/blueenergy/18faa82a.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o74/blueenergy/e905360c.jpg

But I'm afraid you probably will need to go yourself, rather painstakingly through some online electroncis catalogs like these:


http://www.alltronics.com
http://www.allelectronics.com
http://www.jameco.com

There are others online, as well, that possibly some here are familiar with, and can post information about. However, some of the best suppliers are really wholesale, and tend to make their product line available only with a hefty minimum purchase requirement.

Good luck.

PoolDoc

[blueenergy]

Thanks for posting my question. I have looked through many electronic supply catalogs and can not find something that looks like this plug.

So I believe that is might be more of a industrial electrical plug use on machine that weather tight connection.

I really do like the Nitro as a automatic pool cleaner that run independent of the main pump and filter. Hope to get this working soon.

[CarlD]

Unfortunately, it looks like both the plug and the socket are damaged--the plug more so. I'd guess your "Plan B" would be to find a similar weather-proof 4-prong plug and jack and re-wire it yourself. If the unit is NOT under warranty, and you are good mechanically, why not try?

[blueenergy]

Yes, I want to do a Plan B. Hopefully somebody recognizes the model of plug.


Unfortunately, it looks like both the plug and the socket are damaged--the plug more so. I'd guess your "Plan B" would be to find a similar weather-proof 4-prong plug and jack and re-wire it yourself. If the unit is NOT under warranty, and you are good mechanically, why not try?

The cleaner is out of its one year warranty. So I want to find a compatible plug to replace it. I would like to find the same one that the unit comes with if possible. That way I can replace the whole cord in future if I need to.

Thanks for the help.

[chrisexv6]

It looks like a "pin and sleeve" connector. But, everywhere I look they are NOT CHEAP. Ebay had one for 75.00 but Im not sure thats the correct one for your application.

Hate to say it but the best deal might just be to order it from the company.

[thilbert]

Looks like Chris is right about those prices, WOW! Here is a link that may help, though I am guessing you've found this site: http://store.jbn-duraline.com/duraline_multipin_plugsandconnectors_4wire.htm

Here's another possible site: http://www.electronicplus.com/content/ProductPage.asp?maincat=wc&subcat=wma

http://www.laddinc.com/our-products/online-catalog.html?layout=category
http://www.connectdsc.com/search_results.asp?waterproof=on
http://www.theelectricalresource.com/category/waterproof-connectors.html (""http://www.theelectricalresource.com/category/waterproof-connectors.html)

Looks like they are called multi-pin waterproof / marine connectors.

[chrisexv6]

Yep, and dont forget www.mcmaster.com for basically any thing on the planet!

They have them too, but again really expensive for some reason. Not counting the work that would probably go into replacing the female portion (the part thats in the actual power supply)

[blueenergy]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have look through way to many catalogs now trying to find a match. Since there are no markings on the plug or socket I can only guess that this a "made in china" knock-off and not to spec connector. Most of the connectors in the catalogs look to be of higher quality. I even stopped at a local professional electrical supply store and they could not identify it.

I also sent email with the photos to Mouser sales department and they call me back stating that they have forwarded it on to the tech support. So I hope to hear back from them in the next couple of days.

If a replacement plug can not but be found, I am can going to just solder the pins back on the cable and silicon them into place. Then to untwist the cable, I will turn the transformer instead of disconnection the cable.

[Poconos]

Another thought is to do as you suggest, siliconing a wire right to the unit. You may then find a cheaper waterproof connector and put it in-line so you can still disconnect. You would have a short pigtail on the unit.
Al

[CarlD]

Try Lashen Electronics' web site. It's www_dot_lashenelectronics_dot_com. They MAY have what you need. It looks a lot like a microphone barrel connector and since these cleaners are low voltage, that may do the job.

[Jim_G]

blueenergy how many terminals is used in the connector. i only see 3 being used in the first picture.. if it is only using 3, Pos, Neg, ground try your local radio shack.. they carry alot of amature radio connectors. you can waterproof many of them yourself.