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Author Topic: power strip alternatives  (Read 2402 times)

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edekoning

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power strip alternatives
« on: March 19, 2015, 03:50:26 pm »
On the back of my NES bartop I have a IEC power inlet with fuse and lighted switch. On the inside I wanted to use a small power strip, and attach its cord to the back of the power inlet. So something like this:

I did that on my Magneto cab and it worked great. However, on my bartop I do not have the space for a power strip, so I was wondering what 'safe' alternatives there are for me to explore. I only need to power  a 17" lcd, and a 60w laptop adapter.

JDFan

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2015, 04:10:59 pm »
Maybe just a dual outlet extension cord - cut the one end off to attach to your power inlet and the 2 connectors for the devices Amazon has similar ones for about $6 ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L18Z34/ref=pd_luc_rh_sbs_02_01_t_ttl_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) - off to the side monoprice has the same item for $5.99 shipped

« Last Edit: March 19, 2015, 04:25:57 pm by JDFan »

BorgDog

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2015, 05:06:53 pm »
I needed 3 outlets so used about the smallest  power strip I could find http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003625068, although I think the Y adapter JDFan posted would give more flexibility.

Can see mine in the back of this pic on the lower back piece, 9.5" wide.

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Vigo

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2015, 05:26:14 pm »


+



+


big10p

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2015, 05:36:52 pm »
Or just buy a terminal block for a few pennies and wire your mains supply into one side, and all you devices into the other.

Vigo

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2015, 05:44:44 pm »
That was my first thought as well, but he emphasized on "safe" and I am not sure an open terminal is the safest option in a tight bartop. There might be some safety terminal block options though.

edekoning

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2015, 10:49:34 am »
Thanks for the suggestions.

Maybe just a dual outlet extension cord
I really like the dual outlet extension cord, so I will see if I can find one locally.

I needed 3 outlets so used about the smallest  power strip I could find
I think a power strip with just 2 ports will fit, but the only one I found costs 18,-, compared to just 4,- for a 3 port one.

Or just buy a terminal block for a few pennies and wire your mains supply into one side, and all you devices into the other.
I still have some scrap pieces of wood/plexi left over, so I could make a small cover myself. I am correct that I could then wire it like in the picture? Any preference for one way or the other?

big10p

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2015, 11:20:39 am »
Either is fine but I'd go for the simpler first option, personally. However, if you find you have to connect more than a couple of devices, fitting all the wires into the terminal block may be a problem, in which case I'd opt for the second option.

EMDB

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2015, 04:18:48 pm »
Just cut the plugs from the 2 power cords and directly mount the wires to the power inlet.

pbj

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2015, 04:31:28 pm »


Snap the ground pins off your plugs or melt holes in this with your soldering iron.


mgb

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #10 on: March 20, 2015, 10:58:23 pm »
I agree with Vigos outlet in a single gang box.
is that a smart switch you show in your post?
If you do need the functionality of a smart switch, you can pull a relay off your PCs PSU to switch the outlet on when the PC powers up.

DaOld Man

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #11 on: March 21, 2015, 08:04:34 am »


Snap the ground pins off your plugs or melt holes in this with your soldering iron.

The NFPA is watching you boy...  :bat

big10p

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #12 on: March 21, 2015, 08:12:00 am »


Snap the ground pins off your plugs or melt holes in this with your soldering iron.

The NFPA is watching you boy...  :bat
Indeed. That was some of the worst advice I've read on the internet.

edekoning

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #13 on: March 21, 2015, 05:48:43 pm »
I had to look up the NFPA  ;D

I might just try it though, just to see the look on my wife's face when I drill the holes using a soldering iron  :laugh2:.

Slippyblade

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #14 on: March 21, 2015, 06:21:41 pm »


Snap the ground pins off your plugs or melt holes in this with your soldering iron.

This advice brought to you by the guy who did this:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135366.msg1397710.html#msg1397710

edekoning

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #15 on: March 28, 2015, 10:21:59 am »
I went with a terminal strip to which I added these ... ehm ... things that provide strain relief for the power cords. I glued all that to a spare piece of plexi for easy mounting.

BorgDog

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #16 on: March 28, 2015, 10:30:56 am »
where did you get those strain relief.. things.. :)  Those look like they might come in handy for lots of things.
My Projects:
MisSpent Youth a Vigolix bartop,  Little Bastard a rotating tablet/display bartop,
Pin-Dog a mini pin-cab on vpforums.org  Star Wars a wedgehead pincab on vpinball.com

edekoning

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #17 on: March 28, 2015, 10:56:49 am »
where did you get those strain relief.. things.. :)  Those look like they might come in handy for lots of things.

From a European webshop:
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/736301/Strain-relief-Adels-Contact-196003-White-1-pcs

big10p

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #18 on: March 28, 2015, 12:01:10 pm »
Neat job, edekonig.  ;)

mgb

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Re: power strip alternatives
« Reply #19 on: March 28, 2015, 10:07:31 pm »
Very clean looking  :applaud: