Is this awesome instructables project safe?


  #1  
Old 02-03-16, 12:29 PM
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Lightbulb Is this awesome instructables project safe?

I'd like to hear from the electricians before tackling this great project.

Web Controlled 8-Channel Powerstrip - All

Thanks to the masters,
D
 
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Old 02-03-16, 03:00 PM
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Issue #1: Box is not a UL listed enclosure.

Issue #2: 18ga wire is too small. All the wire should be 14ga for a 15 amp circuit or there should be some type of overcurrent protection (fuse) to protect the 18ga wire.

Issue #3: There is low voltage and high voltage in the same enclosure. And what is with the goofy plug inside the box for the transformer?

Issue #4: Cord should be minimum 14ga wires.

Issue #5: I could not see the ratings but the relays need to be rated for 15 amps.

It is an interesting home project but it is not something that would pass an inspection. If you do decide to make one I would suggest installing an inline fuse on the black wire of the cord and install a 15 amp or less fuse. With that many receptacle available I could see it getting overloaded quite easy.
 

Last edited by Tolyn Ironhand; 02-03-16 at 06:11 PM.
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Old 02-03-16, 03:29 PM
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Thank you Tony. Your response is very helpful specially the inline fuse suggestion. Would you place the fuse right before the the connection to the red wires?
 
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Old 02-03-16, 04:53 PM
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Tony? How do you get Tony out of Tolyn? And, as I recall, his real name is Scott.
 
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Old 02-03-16, 05:15 PM
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Yikes I fudged! I must have read it too quickly. Sorry, Tolyn. I still value your expertise.
 
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Old 02-03-16, 06:10 PM
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How do you get Tony out of Tolyn?
I have been called Tony more times then I can count. People must just read it quick. Yes, I go by Scott in "Real Life"

Install a inline fuse holder on the hot (black) wire of the input cord.

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Fuse holder: http://www.littelfuse.com/~/media/el...asheet.pdf.pdf
 
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Old 02-03-16, 07:32 PM
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thank you, Scott. I will definitely add the inline fuse to the design.
 
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Old 02-06-16, 01:06 PM
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Install re-settable fuse/breaker instead of fuse. Many power strips have a small breaker.
That way you can easily reset from overload.

Something like this.
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...069-ND/1628640
 
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Old 02-06-16, 01:47 PM
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Install re-settable fuse/breaker
Fuses are fuses. Breakers are breakers. They work in different ways. What is a fuse.breaker?
 
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Old 02-06-16, 03:18 PM
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What is a fuse.breaker?
I meant resettable fuse or breaker. Although resettable fuse actually is a breaker, some manufactuers call them resettable fuse.
Not to be confused with PTC, which are also called resettable fuse some times.
 
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Old 02-06-16, 05:19 PM
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I suppose you could build this thing for under $100, but there are existing products that do this.

Robot Check

Robot Check

Those are two inexpensive items I found on Amazon. Search for IP managed power strip.

If you build, don't buy the cheapest outlets. Get the preferred level. It matters.
 
 

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