Power inlet options

[fantoboy]

I've seen several threads in the past where people mention using something like this to connect a power cable:

http://www.amazon.com/Interpower-8301213-Disconnects-Socket-Rating/dp/B00917Z96S/ref=pd_sim_hi_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=159FSM9SRCYS21931FMQ

I have a smart strip for the inside of the cabinet.  Should I solder something like this to the inside of the inlet:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008X0WM5U/ref=dra_a_rv_ff_fx_it_P2000_1000?tag=dradisplay-20

Or is there a cleaner way to do what I'm trying to achieve? I'd rather just have one piece, but I'm guessing something like that doesn't exist.  If not, what's the best option for securing the inner piece?  I don't think letting it dangle from the wires would be the best option.  Also, I've seen people use one with a power switch.  Has anyone had success in wiring the computer power button to the switch?  I would think it wouldn't work since it's not a momentary switch.

[BadMouth]

I originally used a slim surface mount electrical box from Lowe's on the inside.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_153257-35681-CH48S-W_0__?productId=3544302&Ntt=mono+systems+electrical+box&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dmono%2Bsystems%2Belectrical%2Bbox&facetInfo=
I painted it black, used a black cover and black outlet.

It worked and looked nice, but the plug kept getting in the way of my video card due to the way my mobo was mounted.
So I switched to a very short cord with a screw together outlet on the end.

In the end, I wish I'd just chopped the plug off the end of the power strip cord and soldered it directly to the inlet.

One other thing to note.  I used a random old pc power cable that was laying around and it ended up melting the inlet due to a poor connection.
It was probably corrosion.  Spend a couple extra bucks and buy a brand new cable that's rated for a decent amount of current.
IIRC, my current one is 14 gauge.

[keilmillerjr]

I'm using the first option. It looks like a power supply socket and cable.

[fantoboy]

I originally used a slim surface mount electrical box from Lowe's on the inside.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_153257-35681-CH48S-W_0__?productId=3544302&Ntt=mono+systems+electrical+box&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dmono%2Bsystems%2Belectrical%2Bbox&facetInfo=
I painted it black, used a black cover and black outlet.

It worked and looked nice, but the plug kept getting in the way of my video card due to the way my mobo was mounted.
So I switched to a very short cord with a screw together outlet on the end.

You used this in conjunction with a separate inlet mounted on the outside?

I'm using the first option. It looks like a power supply socket and cable.

How did you wire the inside of it?

[EMDB]

You should cut of the plug of the smart strip and solder the cable to the back of the socket outlet (the first picture in your starting post). You can also use an outlet with a switch. Connection is the same as the one without a switch.

@PL1: This should be covered in the new FAQ as it is asked a lot lately...

[BadMouth]

You used this in conjunction with a separate inlet mounted on the outside?

Yup.  The center piece in the back is punched out and it sat opposite of the inlet.
My back panel is only 1/2" thick, so it was pretty tight. 
It needs to be offset enough that the tabs on the inlet aren't close to the screws on the outlet. 

[fantoboy]

I'd love something like this that was mountable:
http://www.amazon.com/SF-Cable-prong-Adapter-60320-C14/dp/B004OC579E/ref=pd_sbs_lg_1

[PL1]

You should cut of the plug of the smart strip and solder the cable to the back of the socket outlet

Check the connections on the back of the outlet, they usually use .250" QDs.

Either way, make sure you have solid electrical and mechanical connections.

@PL1: This should be covered in the new FAQ as it is asked a lot lately...

Good suggestion.

It was already wiki'd here on the Wiring page.

Added a link to that part of the Wiring page from the FAQ here.   


Scott

[MTPPC]

I like these from amazon - search IEC

[SavannahLion]

Just to point out something that may be missed. Actually, it was brought up by the 13 year old who has an amazing way of not understanding anything I tell her.  Pink sky and green seas I guess  .

But I digress. It should be noted that the 1st photo in the 1st post is intended to be a socket that receives from the wall. In other words, it receives power. Whereas the 2nd photo is a wall socket that sources power. The two are not interchangeable if one is talking about the "same side" of the cabinet wall. I take the 13 yr olds confusion as something I should take seriously. because I can imagine some dip reading half of this thread then deciding that reversing the energy direction of one or the other is a good idea.

You don't want to be this stupid

[Brutick]

I like these from amazon - search IEC

I recently purchased a similar (10A, fused) power input module and I ended up wiring it to a female socket which will sit on the inside of my cabinet attached to a power strip. I also got a sheet metal mounting plate made to fit the snap-in module. I kind of wish I could have found a wood-mount one in my local electronics store.





Hope this helps you figure out what you want to do.

[Generic Eric]

I like these from amazon - search IEC

I recently purchased a similar (10A, fused) power input module and I ended up wiring it to a female socket which will sit on the inside of my cabinet attached to a power strip. I also got a sheet metal mounting plate made to fit the snap-in module. I kind of wish I could have found a wood-mount one in my local electronics store.





Hope this helps you figure out what you want to do.

If you wrote up a pdf or something for the wiki with some part numbers, you could be nominated for UCA Electro doo-dad 2014

Good use of pictures. 

I always thought cutting the end off power strip was poor advice.  I'm pretty sure that would void the warranty.

[SavannahLion]

I always thought cutting the end off power strip was poor advice.  I'm pretty sure that would void the warranty.

I'm pretty sure I voided the warranty on every single component for my cab three minutes after it arrives at my house.

Oh wait...do the joysticks I ordered from GGG have a warranty  I don't think I voided those yet. 

[fantoboy]

I like these from amazon - search IEC

Are you using the switch to turn off the entire cabinet, or did you find a way to turn the pc on with that?  I'm guessing you can't since it's not a momentary switch?

[EMDB]

I like these from amazon - search IEC

Are you using the switch to turn off the entire cabinet, or did you find a way to turn the pc on with that?  I'm guessing you can't since it's not a momentary switch?

You can switch most PC's by setting them to auto start on power on in the BIOS. This way the PC will start when you switch on the power for everything (PC, monitor, marquee lighting, etc.).

I did it on my cab. Works perfectly fine. I mounted the power switch on the top of the cabinet so it can be reached more easily though...

 



The mains comes in from the bottom via a cable with a power plug. It goes to the top of the cabinet were it is switched on/off and goes back to the plain power strip were all electronics including the PC are plugged in. When I hit the switch on top the PC boots into Hyperspin. On exiting Hyperspin the PC is shut down.

[MTPPC]

Are you using the switch to turn off the entire cabinet, or did you find a way to turn the pc on with that?  I'm guessing you can't since it's not a momentary switch?

I only use that switch when I want to cut power to the entire cabinet and still keep it grounded. I use a momentary button in a more convenient location for turning the PC on and off. Then I use a relay connected to the PC molex connector to cut power to the rest of the components.

[fantoboy]

I like these from amazon - search IEC

Are you using the switch to turn off the entire cabinet, or did you find a way to turn the pc on with that?  I'm guessing you can't since it's not a momentary switch?

You can switch most PC's by setting them to auto start on power on in the BIOS. This way the PC will start when you switch on the power for everything (PC, monitor, marquee lighting, etc.).

I did it on my cab. Works perfectly fine. I mounted the power switch on the top of the cabinet so it can be reached more easily though...

The mains comes in from the bottom via a cable with a power plug. It goes to the top of the cabinet were it is switched on/off and goes back to the plain power strip were all electronics including the PC are plugged in. When I hit the switch on top the PC boots into Hyperspin. On exiting Hyperspin the PC is shut down.

That sounds like an excellent solution.  What kind of power strip is that, did you cut one up?

[EMDB]

Any power strip will do. I removed the power cord and used it as inlet (it's the black one on the picture).