DIY Powerstrip Recepticles Help

BlennytheWise · 12/08/2013, 08:03 AM

Hi all,

Im just getting to work on my own DIY arduino controlled powerstrip, I'm using an 8 relay module.

My problem is sourcing a suitable recpticles here in the UK. The only thing I have found so far is 4 way power sockets and these have presented me with the following issue:

Four Sockets looked good, I wanted to control each individually

[IMG]

[/IMG]

But the seems to be only one power input on the back:

[IMG]

[/IMG]

The output side shows the four receptacles, they are all connected:

[IMG]

[/IMG]

I wonder if I can control each separately by removing the on/off switch and connecting the relays to those conductors:

[IMG]

[/IMG]

BlennytheWise · 12/08/2013, 04:51 PM

Ok so I think I cam up witha solution, I'll try and post pics tomorrow. What I did is I left the ground and neutral connections between all 4 of the recpticles. They all connect to a one set. I separated the live connections on each of the sockets. These now each run to their own switchs as before, but I'll be soldering a relay output to each them. Problem solved I hope.

Only Issue I see if that I had to remove the single fuses from each of the 4 way power socket. I want the power strip to be safe however, any tips on how to make it safe?

JAnwyl · 12/10/2013, 03:28 AM

http://arduino-aquarium.blogspot.com/

I made this and used Ethernet cords to control the relays

Gorgok · 12/10/2013, 05:43 AM

This was harder to find than i expected... I did find this panel mount power receptacle that probably would work. But i don't know if its too simple for the standards over there.

Then i looked up what the actual plug arrangement is called and got BS 1363 which helped alot. Here is a single plug version of what you found: BS1363 white panel mount

BlennytheWise · 12/10/2013, 06:10 AM

Thanks for your help, I am happy with the 4 plug version, I'll solder everything up today and see if it works. I just need to find ways to make this thing safe. Fuses?

I'm using Ffluorescent acrylic for the enclosure and it will be built as a tower. This will keep everything dry in case of a spill

BlennytheWise · 12/10/2013, 12:55 PM

First successful test of 8 relay module - I reconfigured this code

[IMG]

[/IMG]

JAnwyl · 12/12/2013, 12:25 AM

I used a inline fuse in mine on the hot line, but I forget the details on its amperage.

12/08/2013, 08:03 AM	#1
BlennytheWise Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 30	DIY Powerstrip Recepticles Help Hi all, Im just getting to work on my own DIY arduino controlled powerstrip, I'm using an 8 relay module. My problem is sourcing a suitable recpticles here in the UK. The only thing I have found so far is 4 way power sockets and these have presented me with the following issue: Four Sockets looked good, I wanted to control each individually [IMG][/IMG] But the seems to be only one power input on the back: [IMG][/IMG] The output side shows the four receptacles, they are all connected: [IMG][/IMG] I wonder if I can control each separately by removing the on/off switch and connecting the relays to those conductors: [IMG][/IMG]

12/10/2013, 12:55 PM	#6
BlennytheWise Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 30	First successful test of 8 relay module - I reconfigured this code [IMG][/IMG]

12/08/2013, 04:51 PM	#2
BlennytheWise Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 30	Ok so I think I cam up witha solution, I'll try and post pics tomorrow. What I did is I left the ground and neutral connections between all 4 of the recpticles. They all connect to a one set. I separated the live connections on each of the sockets. These now each run to their own switchs as before, but I'll be soldering a relay output to each them. Problem solved I hope. Only Issue I see if that I had to remove the single fuses from each of the 4 way power socket. I want the power strip to be safe however, any tips on how to make it safe?

12/10/2013, 03:28 AM	#3
JAnwyl Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA Posts: 239	http://arduino-aquarium.blogspot.com/ I made this and used Ethernet cords to control the relays

12/10/2013, 05:43 AM	#4
Gorgok Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 1,904	This was harder to find than i expected... I did find this panel mount power receptacle that probably would work. But i don't know if its too simple for the standards over there. Then i looked up what the actual plug arrangement is called and got BS 1363 which helped alot. Here is a single plug version of what you found: BS1363 white panel mount

12/10/2013, 06:10 AM	#5
BlennytheWise Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 30	Thanks for your help, I am happy with the 4 plug version, I'll solder everything up today and see if it works. I just need to find ways to make this thing safe. Fuses? I'm using Ffluorescent acrylic for the enclosure and it will be built as a tower. This will keep everything dry in case of a spill

12/12/2013, 12:25 AM	#7
JAnwyl Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA Posts: 239	I used a inline fuse in mine on the hot line, but I forget the details on its amperage.