SixLinks: Build an Auto Shutdown Power Strip

Guide: Build an Auto Shutdown Power Strip

Do you keep forgetting to unplug or turn off the power strip to you devices? Make it impossible not to turn off the load by installing a timer in line with it. Since you must turn the timer on to use the device, you are guaranteed it will get turned off every time (no matter how forgetful you are). This guide shows how to modify a power strip by installing an auto shut-off timer so that it will turn itself off once the timer expires. This allows you to turn on something that has a parasitic load, use it and then have it turn off automatically.

Steps:

1 Acquire Power Strip and Autoshut-off timer

You will need a power strip that you are willing to modify and an Intermatic Auto Shut-off Timer (FD60MC).

These can both be bough at Lowes or Home depot and probably a local hardware store. Gotchas:

2 Open up the power strip

Next you need to open up the power strip. Most will have a set of screws going in from the bottom. Take these out and put them somewhere you will remember. Be careful when pulling the strip case apart and watch where any pieces that come loose came from (You need to put it back together in the end) Gotchas:AC wiring can be dangerous. If you aren't sure what you are doing consult with someone who does and have them make sure you are doing things safely. If you even considered doing this step with the strip plugged in stop now and go ask someone why that is a bad idea.

3 Unsolder the wire going from the cord to the power strip board

Find the black wire that comes off of the cord and is soldered into the circuit board inside the power strip. You need to unsolder this wire from the circuit board. Gotchas:If the wire is not long enough to reach the timer, you will have to extend it.

4 Drill 2 holes in the power strip case

You need to drill two holes in the power strip case to allow the wires to go to the timer. Drill these approximately the distance of the two entry holes on the timer. The drill bit should be slightly larger than the diameter of the wire you are using. Gotchas:Do this with the case apart and make sure there is nothing behind where you are drilling the holes since the drill bit will likely grab in the plastic and pull itself through faster than you intend.

5 Wire in the timer

Solder a piece of wire to the board where you unsoldered the black wire from the cable. This will be the return from the timer. Make sure this is long enough to reach the far terminal of the timer.

Slide the 2 wires through their respective holes in the power strip and into the slots in the timer. Tighten the screws on them to make the electrical connection. Gotchas:

6 Mechanically mount the two together

The power strip and timer are now connected only by the wiring. Add in whatever mechanical support you are able. Best is if you can screw them together or screw a plate under both, but good duct tape will work if you don't care how it looks or just want to try it out.

7 Turn the timer whenever you need to use a device on the power strip

Just turn the nob and the timer will stay on for the corresponding amount of time. Gotchas:The way this is wired means the power strip button must be on as well as the timer.

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