Power Strip

[sinkingbeach]

My wife is really upset with all the cords and extension cords on the side of the tank. Besides that I'm beginning to think it's a fire hazard so I've been looking on line and came across this http://www.iscdfw.com/onlinecatalog/powerstrips/strips/powerstrips.htm

looking at the 36in. Any other soggestions are appreciated. I have 2 pc plugs, fan, skimmer, return, 2 power heads, fuge light, and a heater.

[spamin76]

I don't see why this is necessarily a better alternative and less of a fire hazzard....

Just plug it in to a GFCI and you should be fine.

[Codeman00]

I have a much better solution than that...they even come with lighted rocker switches for each of the 8 outlets outlet. I have one in my stand and it simplifies things a lot (no separate wall switches, outlets and work boxes). And its cheap. Some company in the reef world needs to jump on board this idea and make it a different shape...but all and all, its great. You can buy them at this site, but cheaper on ebay.
MBT PC-800 power center.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/src=SearchDex/search/detail/base_pid/800560

[patsan]

I agree. The DJ strip is great. Here's a place that sells it even cheaper.
DJ Strip (http://www.idjnow.com/StoreModules/SearchResults.aspx?txtSearch=pc100&SearchButton.x=12&SearchButton.y=4)

[sinkingbeach]

Originally posted by patsan
I agree. The DJ strip is great. Here's a place that sells it even cheaper.
DJ Strip (http://www.idjnow.com/StoreModules/SearchResults.aspx?txtSearch=pc100&SearchButton.x=12&SearchButton.y=4)

Do the plugs go in behind it, how did you mount this up in your stand?

Thanks

[Codeman00]

Yes, there are regular wall outlets in the back that have been snipped so that each of the 2 plugs are separate giving 8 plugs total. Its about 4" from front to back... It has mounting holes but they are set up a for a DJ audio rack...You could use them but I made a wood frame for it and mounted it in my stand in the door area. It was more secure that way.

[sinkingbeach]

Again Thanks, I'm going that route:D !!!

[patsan]

Yes, the plugs go in the back.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/patsan/TBS%20part%202/P4265418.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/patsan/TBS%20part%202/P4265421.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/patsan/TBS%20part%202/P4285440.jpg

It can handle up to 1800 watts, and has a built in 15 amp breaker. I have another one on the other tank, that my husband mounted to the wall, and I just put labels on the switches, so there's no bending under the tank in the stand to turn things on and off. Very easy, simple and convenient, and much safer than the plastic strips many people buy.:)

[BeanAnimal]

A cautionary note here.

Most "consumer" power strips are not well made. Most don't even have true "leafs" to make contact with the plug blade. Instead they have a single piece of copper that snakes through the entire strip (one for hot and one for neutral). Most also simply pinch the power cord against the copper instead of screwing it to a lug or soldering it. Soldered joints are also not a good idea when it comes to mains voltages, but that is another story.

Anyway the bottom line is that most power strips are not designed well enough for continuos (unatendeed use). The plug work loose over time and arc, causing plastic to melt and breakers to trip (or a possible fire).

Regarding the "DJ STYLE" switch boxes. Lets just put it this way.. you get what you pay for. Take at apart and look inside. Are they real recepticles wired to the switches? Are the wires screwed down or pinched into a slit on the copper?

I know some of you will say "but yeah man.. look it's UL listed" SO WHAT. If it was not designed for heavy duty use, then it's not safe to put under your stand. Bottom line! I have seen dozens of these things shorted out and melted. I have NEVER seen a commercial grade unit short out or arc.

Bean

[sinkingbeach]

Nice, I have 3x3in. square light timers will they fit on that without taking up 2 plugs?

[BeanAnimal]

The american DJ stuff does seem to be decent BTW

[BeanAnimal]

Also, guys you can buy 1U (or any height) hinged wall mount brackets for rack mount stuff. Check eBay.... or any place that sells patch panels and networking stuff... cyberguys.com, graybar, anexter, etc.

Bean

[patsan]

Originally posted by sinkingbeach
Nice, I have 3x3in. square light timers will they fit on that without taking up 2 plugs?
I have timers from Home Depot. The heavy duty outdoor timers. They have a regular 3 prong plug on them and go onto the strip with no problem. The light plugs plug into the timers. Then they can be mounted near the strip.
I PM'd you sinkingbeach.

[Acroholic]

I have 2 pc plugs, fan, skimmer, return, 2 power heads, fuge light, and a heater. [/B][/QUOTE]

Just be careful with the DJ Power Centers, they are usually rated to handle only 15 amps.