How do I wire a switch to a surge protector

[skorpi0wn]

I'm not sure if this is possible, but I'm asking because my wiring/electicity knowledge is minimal.  I have an old Golden Tee converted to MAME cabinet with a power switch in the back.  There are two prongs coming out of the back of this switch.  I'm guessing all the switch does is complete the circuit between these two prongs.

I would like to make my MAME cabinet function like a real machine, aka when the switch is flipped on the back, power would be supplied to the surge protector in the machine which in turn would power up the pc and television.  How would I go about doing this?  Is there any documentation out there possibly?

Thanks in advance!

[whammoed]

I'm guessing all the switch does is complete the circuit between these two prongs.

Yep.  Open up the surge suppressor.  You will find 3 wires going into it: black, white, green.  The black is the hot one and is the one you want to use.  Cut it and solder one end to one terminal on the switch and the other end to the other terminal on the switch. (use some extra wire to reach switch if need be)  Functionally no different than a light switch on your wall.
You can see one i did in this pic.

[Tilzs]

Make sure you get a at least a 15 Amp 120v rated switch and use heavy enough gage wire. You don't need to start a fire.

[Bgnome]

in a lot of those cheap power strips you can actually remove the rocker switch.  then just extend the wires and mount it wherever you want.
the actual trick is making sure everything turns on this way.  have you tried and see if you can get your tv and pc to power on by plugging them in?  many folks ended up plugging their computer into something called a smartstrip that sends power to everything else when you turn the computer on.

[skorpi0wn]

I guess I was afraid of pulling apart the power strip, but after finding my little screwdrivers and working up the nerve, I finally pulled it apart.  Wow, did I feel stupid.  I don't think I've ever seen something so easily wired.

I ended up using the switch that came with the Golden Tee Cabinet and 10 Guage Wire (all Radio Shack had at the time).  It was only my second attempt at soldering, but I think I did a fairly decent job.

Anywho, first time around I plugged everything in, hooked the surge up to the wall, grounded myself, prayed, and flipped the switch.  I had power first time around!

Beforehand, I set the motherboard to power up upon power loss.  My TV being used and speakers do the same.  Now I have a one switch solution!

Thanks for the help!