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Another DIY Single Button Power Solution
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BobA:
I have seen this built into a power bar but for those who do not want to cut the insides out of a PB here is a simple 2 outlet solution.   Your computer plugs into the always on outlet so that when it turns on it powers the switched outlet which your power bar can be plugged into.

The box is 2.5 inches W 5.5 in long and 1.5 inches deep.  It was chosen to fit the relay and the duplex outlet.  Total cost about $15 for relay, outlet and plastic box.   A relay base was not used to reduce cost and size.  The wires were soldered directly to the solder tabs on the bottom of the relay. All other info is on the circuit drawing.

It is very important to remove the 2 tabs that connect the neutral and power circuits to the two outlets.  These tabs are located between the brass and silver colored screws on the side of the outlet and allow each outlet to become a separate circuit.

This unit has been working for over 4 years in my original bartop and will be used in my new bartop.

Good luck however if you blow yourself or your computer up building this toy you do so at your own risk.  Remember you are working with 120VAC.

Edit: Spelling



Kremmit:
Very elegant.  Bookmarking now.
RandyT:
Very nice.

Provided you used one large enough to allow room for the relay, you might even be able to use a standard metal outlet box and cover plate from Home Depot.  Might be a little safer as well.

RandyT
tba:
i didnt know this wasn't a well known way of doing things, i have had my cab wired this way for a while.

if you just get a 2 outlet box from home depot and a cover you have plenty of room to work with, and you don;t have to buy a more expensive project box.

this is the website i based mine off, it describe it quite well. same thing, just uses a standard outlet box.

http://home.bendcable.com/werstlein/
BobA:
Using an outlet box is a great idea.  Would have saved me the work nibbling the holes for the outlets in the project box.  Funny I didn't think of using one of those plastic outlet boxes at the time. Great description on that website tba.  I hoped to just add to the info since I know the technique is well known.  What I really wanted to make available was the circuit diagram which does not seem to appear in any of the other diy descriptions. That is why my howto is just a couple of pics and all the info is in the circuit diagram.
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