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How do I wire this Power Entry Module?
leapinlew:
Ok, so I ordered a power entry module and I want to install it. What I have is the power entry module and a power strip. I want to cut the plug off the power strip and wire it to the entry module.
I have 5 quick connects on the back of the power module. They are labeled A B C D there is another disconnect on the lower portion of the plug.
Before I snip off this plug and potentially ruin this power strip, can anyone tell me how this guy gets wired up?
quarterback:
I don't have the full answer but, since I have this same module, I'll tell you what I've figured out using my multi-meter
The "fifth pin" (the one at the bottom) is the ground. It's wired directly to the 'bottom' pin on a grounded AC plug/outlet
Of the four at the top... I admit to being a bit confused. TWO of them (a and b, I think... I don't remember for sure) are connected to the other two holes in the front of your plug. The trick is that both of those are fused. Meaning that you need to put two fuses into the "module" to get them to connect from the holes in the front to the pins in the back.
I don't know what the other two (of the four) pins are for. That being said, I don't have any fuses in mine either. I just poked around with my multimeter on "continuity" to figure out what was connected to what.
leapinlew:
so when I cut off the end of this surge protector, there will be 3 wires.
I put the ground on the bottom pin and then would I be safe to plug the remaining two wires to A and B?
Excuse my ignorance when it comes to these things. I know nearly nothing when it comes to electricity.
quarterback:
--- Quote from: leapinlew on March 31, 2006, 08:04:11 pm ---so when I cut off the end of this surge protector, there will be 3 wires.
I put the ground on the bottom pin and then would I be safe to plug the remaining two wires to A and B?
--- End quote ---
Something like that, but you definitely want to double-check to make sure it's really A and B.
--- Quote ---Excuse my ignorance when it comes to these things. I know nearly nothing when it comes to electricity.
--- End quote ---
No problem, it's better to ask than fry something. The best way to think about it is just as 'straight wires' from one piece to the next. You have an outlet and you have plugs. You just want everything to line up properly. So, these would be the steps I'd take.
(1) get some fuses for the module. Without any fuses in there, nothing will connect to anything.
(2) test the continuity with a multi meter. If you don't have one, you should get one. I say this because (2a) they're cheap and (2b) they can do a lot of things to help prevent you from blowing stuff up :)
(3) After cutting the plug off of the power strip, attach the 'wide prong' wire to the back of the module. Attach it to tab that connects to the wide-prong hole in the front of the module
(4) Take the 'skinny prong' wire from the power strip and attach it to the tab that connects to the skinny-prong-hole in the front of the module.
(5) attach the ground.
Actually, I'd attach quick-disconnects to your wires. The square tabs on the back of the power module look like they're the size and shape of .25 qd's. It will just make the connecting of wires a simpler process than trying to get in between each tab with a soldering iron or whatever.
A multi meter, the quick disconnects, a crimping tool (to attach the qd's) and fuses can all be had at your local Home Depot or Lowes. But, if you wanna save some money, you can get the $3 multi-meter from Harbor Frieght. Heck, you might be able to get all the stuff from Harbor Frieght.
The only thing that bothers me is that I don't know what the other two tabs are for or are connected to. Like I said, I think it'll be easier to figure out once I have some fuses in there.
leapinlew:
Thanks for the good info.
I didn't realize it didn't come with fuses. You probably just saved me 2 hours of work. I guess I can pick them up at Lowes. I'll let you know the results. Thanks again!