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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: edekoning on March 19, 2015, 03:50:26 pm

Title: power strip alternatives
Post by: edekoning 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:
(http://newwiki.arcadecontrols.com/images/thumb/c/ca/IECPowerStrip.jpg/274px-IECPowerStrip.jpg)
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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: JDFan 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 (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

(http://www.govgroup.com/images_products/2700366_large.jpg)
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: BorgDog 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 (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.

(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=143354.0;attach=324723;image)
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: Vigo on March 19, 2015, 05:26:14 pm
(http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/48/48e3c7e0-0390-45b7-84df-a9eab8fd351b_400.jpg)

+

(https://icdn.tonzof.com/8/4/9/849078477335307/Leviton_R01-WBR15-Y_15_Amp_Weatherproof_Outdoor_Outlet.jpg)

+

(http://www.tormach.com/uploads/images/Gallery/products/milling_accessories/controllers_and_cables/30191_Computer_Power_Cord_lrg.jpg)
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: big10p 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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: Vigo 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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: edekoning on March 20, 2015, 10:49:34 am
Thanks for the suggestions.

Quote from: JDFan on March 19, 2015, 04:10:59 pm
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.

Quote from: BorgDog on March 19, 2015, 05:06:53 pm
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.

Quote from: big10p 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.
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?
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: big10p 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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: EMDB 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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: pbj on March 20, 2015, 04:31:28 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/fVGoph9.png)

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

Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: mgb 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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: DaOld Man on March 21, 2015, 08:04:34 am
Quote from: pbj on March 20, 2015, 04:31:28 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/fVGoph9.png)

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

The NFPA is watching you boy...  :bat
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: big10p on March 21, 2015, 08:12:00 am
Quote from: DaOld Man on March 21, 2015, 08:04:34 am
Quote from: pbj on March 20, 2015, 04:31:28 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/fVGoph9.png)

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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: edekoning 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:.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: Slippyblade on March 21, 2015, 06:21:41 pm
Quote from: pbj on March 20, 2015, 04:31:28 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/fVGoph9.png)

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://i.imgur.com/kwwlHsI.jpg)
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135366.msg1397710.html#msg1397710 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135366.msg1397710.html#msg1397710)
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: edekoning 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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: BorgDog 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.
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: edekoning on March 28, 2015, 10:56:49 am
Quote from: BorgDog 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.

From a European webshop:
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/736301/Strain-relief-Adels-Contact-196003-White-1-pcs (http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product/736301/Strain-relief-Adels-Contact-196003-White-1-pcs)
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: big10p on March 28, 2015, 12:01:10 pm
Neat job, edekonig.  ;)
Title: Re: power strip alternatives
Post by: mgb on March 28, 2015, 10:07:31 pm
Very clean looking  :applaud: