{"id":158,"date":"2010-09-13T20:02:45","date_gmt":"2010-09-14T03:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/?p=158"},"modified":"2018-03-23T08:51:30","modified_gmt":"2018-03-23T15:51:30","slug":"homemade-switched-outlet-strip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/?p=158","title":{"rendered":"Homemade switched outlet strip"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Before I moved into an apartment in the city, I had a house with a giant corner desk in the corner of my bedroom. \u00c2\u00a0This was back before LCD screens, so it had three *giant* CRT monitors which sucked a fair amount of power, even when off. \u00c2\u00a0That, coupled with other things that had no need to stay on all the time (ahem, always powered subwoofer speaker) made me want an easier way to turn them off to save energy. \u00c2\u00a0Leaving digitallyimported on all day, every day, probably didn&#8217;t help too much either. \u00c2\u00a0A little <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/homerenovations.about.com\/od\/electrical\/a\/artromexnm.htm');\"  href=\"http:\/\/homerenovations.about.com\/od\/electrical\/a\/artromexnm.htm\">romex<\/a>, some plastic outlet boxes (and outlets), a plug, and a couple of light switches and I had a solution. \u00c2\u00a0I left it along with the desk when I moved, and have wanted another one ever since. \u00c2\u00a0It is very straightforward &#8211; just like powering a lamp, except instead of a light bulb at the end, it&#8217;s a series of outlets.<\/p>\n<p>Please check the update at the end &#8211; I used the wrong clamps.<\/p>\n<h3>Materials<\/h3>\n<p>Consumables<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1 plug (I get two because I almost always mess up the first one)<\/li>\n<li>1 light switch<\/li>\n<li>1 light switch plate<\/li>\n<li>1 box for switch<\/li>\n<li>2 wire nuts (yellow)<\/li>\n<li>Romex\/nm cable &#8211; length up to you. \u00c2\u00a0I used approx 15 feet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For each outlet:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1 box<\/li>\n<li>1 outlet<\/li>\n<li>1 cover<\/li>\n<li>Romex to length<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7646.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7646.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-175\" title=\"outletstrip_consumables\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7646-300x249.jpg\" alt=\"Consumables\" width=\"300\" height=\"249\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7646-300x249.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7646-1024x850.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Tools I used:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li> Screwdriver (screwgun for laziness)<\/li>\n<li>Snips<\/li>\n<li>Wire Stripper<\/li>\n<li>Utility Knife<\/li>\n<li>Electric multi-tool (continuity tester)<\/li>\n<li>Needlenose Pliers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_176\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7648.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7648.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-176\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-176\" title=\"outletstrip_tools\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7648-300x252.jpg\" alt=\"Outlet strip tools used\" width=\"300\" height=\"252\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7648-300x252.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7648-1024x860.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-176\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tools used<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Attaching the plug<\/h3>\n<p>Decide how long you want the &#8220;tail&#8221; to be &#8211; that&#8217;s the part going between the switch and the wall &#8211; and add a foot for good measure. \u00c2\u00a0Strip about 3-4&#8243; of the outer shield off, and get rid of the paper around the bare copper wire. \u00c2\u00a0Push the bundle through the plug end. \u00c2\u00a0Strip about 1\/2&#8243; off the other two wires. \u00c2\u00a0The only tricky part is getting the end right &#8211; Black is the &#8220;hot&#8221; wire, and is on the right as you face an outlet. \u00c2\u00a0It also always has brass (colored) screws.\u00c2\u00a0 I always use needlenose to create the loop in the end of the wire before screwing it in. After that, it&#8217;s just left to re-attach the plug cover.<\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7654.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7654.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-172\" title=\"outletstrip_plug1\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7654-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7654-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7654-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7656.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7656.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-173\" title=\"outletstrip_plug2\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7656-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Wires connected\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7656-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7656-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7657.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7657.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-174\" title=\"outletstrip_plug3\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7657-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"reconnected\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7657-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/DSC_7657-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Creating the outlet strand<\/h3>\n<p>I start at the end of the line. \u00c2\u00a0Take one of the metal boxen, and knock one of the circles out on the end &#8211; this is the only one that will have only one open hole. \u00c2\u00a0Hopefully you&#8217;re using some sort of wire protectors &#8211; I got the wrong ones apparently&#8230; oops. \u00c2\u00a0I&#8217;ll be re-doing this with the correct ones, by the way. \u00c2\u00a0I put about a foot in between the boxes, so cut off a 18-20&#8243; length of romex and stripped it as before. \u00c2\u00a0It&#8217;s easier to put into the outlet box if you put the hook on the end after inserting. \u00c2\u00a0Outlets are the same as the plug, but there&#8217;s another hint with them &#8211; the shiny copper is the hot (black) side. \u00c2\u00a0Don&#8217;t foget the ground (bare copper) goes to the green screw. \u00c2\u00a0After that, simply mount the outlet in the box. \u00c2\u00a0Don&#8217;t forget to tighten down the protective clamp. I wait to put the covers on until I&#8217;m sure I haven&#8217;t messed it up.\u00c2\u00a0 Testing as I go makes that even less of a problem.<\/p>\n<p>After the first one, it is a very simple manner of doing the same thing for however many boxes you have. \u00c2\u00a0Basic procedure:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Knock out end(s)<\/li>\n<li>Add protection<\/li>\n<li>Cut wire to length, plus 6-8&#8243;<\/li>\n<li>Strip outer cover off romex<\/li>\n<li>Get rid of paper around ground wire<\/li>\n<li>Strip the black and white wires<\/li>\n<li>Insert wire into box<\/li>\n<li>Make the bends in the three wires<\/li>\n<li>Attach to hot side, cold side, and ground<\/li>\n<li>Repeat for other end going out the other side of the box, and to the other side of the outlet block (excepting the ground)<\/li>\n<li>Mount outlet<\/li>\n<li>Tighten protective clamps (Get the right ones)<\/li>\n<li>Test for continuity where it should be (and where it shouldn&#8217;t)<\/li>\n<li>Put covers on<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div id=\"attachment_178\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7659.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7659.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-178\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-178\" title=\"outletstrip_knockoutbox\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7659-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7659-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7659-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-178\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Knockout box with steel connector<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_181\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7662.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7662.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-181\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-181\" title=\"outletstrip_outletwiring\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7662-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7662-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7662-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-181\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Outlet partly wired, in the series<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_179\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7660.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7660.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-179\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-179\" title=\"outletstrip_finished_box\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7660-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7660-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7660-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-179\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A finished box in the series.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Connecting the switch<\/h3>\n<p>In this case, I knew where I wanted to mount my switch, and wanted both wires to come out of the back. \u00c2\u00a0(Another advantage of the metal knock-boxes, by the way). \u00c2\u00a0It&#8217;s actually hard to find single pole switches anymore, but not a big deal. \u00c2\u00a0The switch will be marked &#8220;up&#8221;, and on there back there will be a pole that is differently colored. \u00c2\u00a0That&#8217;s the &#8220;hot&#8221; or &#8220;common&#8221; one to connect to the outlet. \u00c2\u00a0That one will always have live electricity going to it, no matter how the switch is oriented! \u00c2\u00a0 I&#8217;m lazy, so I used the continuity tester to see which of the other poles would be &#8220;on&#8221; when the switch was on. \u00c2\u00a0The black wire from the wall cord goes to the always hot pole, and the black from the outlet strip goes to the one you just found that&#8217;s switched how you want it. \u00c2\u00a0The two white wires and the two bare wires get connected via the wire nut (or grounding screw on the switch).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_183\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7664.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7664.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-183\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-183\" title=\"outletstrip_switch\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7664-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7664-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7664-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-183\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Switch wired up.  (Only black goes to the switch)<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Testing<\/h3>\n<p>Connect one lead of your tester to the cold pole of the plug (left as it faces the wall). \u00c2\u00a0First, check there is no connection to either of the other two prongs on the plug. \u00c2\u00a0Then, \u00c2\u00a0going down the line, check that the meter says it&#8217;s connected to the cold half of the outlet at all of the outlets (you can just do one per pair, they&#8217;re connected within the block). \u00c2\u00a0Going back down the line check that the meter says it is *not* connected to any of the hot sides or the grounding plugs. \u00c2\u00a0Switch to the hot pole on the plug and leave the switch off. \u00c2\u00a0It shouldn&#8217;t read as connected to anything down the line of plugs now. \u00c2\u00a0Turn the switch On, and make sure it&#8217;s only connected to the hot plugs, and that the prongs still don&#8217;t read that they are connected. \u00c2\u00a0If any of those steps go awry, there&#8217;s something somewhere it shouldn&#8217;t be&#8230; \u00c2\u00a0I check once in a while as I go just so I don&#8217;t get confused &#8211; I just leave one lead in one side of the outlet at the end and check after I finish a plug.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_184\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/downloads\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7665.jpg');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7665.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-184\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-184\" title=\"outletstrip_testing\" src=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7665-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7665-300x199.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/DSC_7665-1024x680.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-184\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Checking everything for continuity<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Finishing up<\/h3>\n<p>If you haven&#8217;t already put the covers on, now would be a good time. \u00c2\u00a0I plan to mount this facing up on the square steel going horizontally across my desk back so I attached some reasonably strong hook and loop fasteners to the back of each box. \u00c2\u00a0The switch goes in the front of the desk in the upper right corner where it&#8217;s easy for me to switch on and off as I come and go, so I put it on the top and right. \u00c2\u00a0To make it easy &#8211; &#8220;measure twice, cut once. \u00c2\u00a0or better yet, don&#8217;t measure at all&#8221; &#8211; I put the other half of the hook and loop combo on the back of each box and just pressed it into place rather than trying to match up. \u00c2\u00a0It&#8217;s held up for a while now with absolutely no worries. \u00c2\u00a0Plug it into the wall (or a power strip), and plug something cheap into one of the plugs ( I used a monitor&#8230; ahem ) and flip the switch. \u00c2\u00a0Done!<\/p>\n<p>Updates, because I messed up:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get the right clamps! \u00c2\u00a0The wrong ones will either run a screw into the wire or end up fraying it causing a dangerous situation. \u00c2\u00a0I have the wrong ones in these pictures. \u00c2\u00a0I got done taking pictures and re-did the entire strip with the correct (safe) ones.<\/li>\n<li>This is not for moving around at all. \u00c2\u00a0Solid wire shouldn&#8217;t be moved\/bent. \u00c2\u00a0The only reason I&#8217;m comfortable using this is because it&#8217;s close to a permanant install.<\/li>\n<li>Plug it into a real power strip.<\/li>\n<li>There&#8217;s really not many reasons to do something like this instead of a good power strip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A couple of references:<\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.inspectapedia.com\/electric\/Electrical_Outlet_Installation.htm');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.inspectapedia.com\/electric\/Electrical_Outlet_Installation.htm\">How to wire a household outlet<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.electrical-online.com\/extra-graphics\/3wayswitch.htm');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.electrical-online.com\/extra-graphics\/3wayswitch.htm\">Wiring a 3-way switch <\/a><\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-a-Multimeter');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-a-Multimeter\">Using a multimeter <\/a><\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/hackaday.com\/2010\/04\/01\/how-to-make-a-mains-crossover-cable\/');\"  href=\"http:\/\/hackaday.com\/2010\/04\/01\/how-to-make-a-mains-crossover-cable\/\">How to wire a plug (part of a hackaday article) <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before I moved into an apartment in the city, I had a house with a giant corner desk in the corner of my bedroom. \u00c2\u00a0This was back before LCD screens, so it had three *giant* CRT monitors which sucked a fair amount of power, even when off. \u00c2\u00a0That, coupled with other things that had no [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[24],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=158"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":240,"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158\/revisions\/240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imaginarybillboards.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}