I'm looking to build my own power distribution box. And hoping that someone out there can help with a few points.
I'm getting a dedicated 20A circuit installed in my house later this month. And a whole house surge protector. So I'm looking to build a unit without surge protection or power conditioning. Just clean and simple power distribution.
I'd like to build a 10-outlet box using five Hubbell HBL5362 duplex receptacles. One of them will be un-switched, or possibly have a separate switch. For connecting to the wall outlet (also HBL5362), I plan to use a 12AWG shielded cable. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to things like this, but my trusted audio tech has agreed to mentor me on this one.
So here are a few questions:
1) What's the optimal type of enclosure and material? Seems many go with machined aluminum.
2) Does anyone sell "blanks" for power distribution boxes?
3) How important is a ground terminal? Many (usually higher end boxes) have them. Many don't.
4) Better to somehow solder the power cable in directly or use an IEC socket?
5) Should I install a circuit breaker in the box?
6) I'm assuming each duplex should be wired directly to the IEC socket rather than wired in series.
I think those are my main questions. But I'm happy to take unsolicited advice too. I don't want to show up to my tech knowing nothing...(!)
I'm getting a dedicated 20A circuit installed in my house later this month. And a whole house surge protector. So I'm looking to build a unit without surge protection or power conditioning. Just clean and simple power distribution.
I'd like to build a 10-outlet box using five Hubbell HBL5362 duplex receptacles. One of them will be un-switched, or possibly have a separate switch. For connecting to the wall outlet (also HBL5362), I plan to use a 12AWG shielded cable. I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to things like this, but my trusted audio tech has agreed to mentor me on this one.
So here are a few questions:
1) What's the optimal type of enclosure and material? Seems many go with machined aluminum.
2) Does anyone sell "blanks" for power distribution boxes?
3) How important is a ground terminal? Many (usually higher end boxes) have them. Many don't.
4) Better to somehow solder the power cable in directly or use an IEC socket?
5) Should I install a circuit breaker in the box?
6) I'm assuming each duplex should be wired directly to the IEC socket rather than wired in series.
I think those are my main questions. But I'm happy to take unsolicited advice too. I don't want to show up to my tech knowing nothing...(!)
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this reply come from oversea country with differents rules but you may have similar guide lines.
Each house show differents caracteristics due to causes from outside (distance from transformer, numbers of customers, seasons...) and inside (cooking, air conditionner...).
So check for symptoms before select medecine 😉
- choose differential switch with curve adapted to sensible apparatus
- dedicated line multistage filter even with earth filtering (schaffner or similars manufacturers)
- rigid enclosure is better
- always connect ground for security inside outlets.
Each house show differents caracteristics due to causes from outside (distance from transformer, numbers of customers, seasons...) and inside (cooking, air conditionner...).
So check for symptoms before select medecine 😉
- choose differential switch with curve adapted to sensible apparatus
- dedicated line multistage filter even with earth filtering (schaffner or similars manufacturers)
- rigid enclosure is better
- always connect ground for security inside outlets.
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@downupside - As this is a mains powered device you should be aware what you are doing is potentially lethal and in most countries the distribution outlet would be a classified as a product that needs to meet electrical safety standards which is typically overseen by a government regulatory authority.
Save time, effort and money by driving down to your nearest electronics or electrical outlet and purchase a couple of approved power distribution boards.
There is no need to or advantage in building such a device.
Save time, effort and money by driving down to your nearest electronics or electrical outlet and purchase a couple of approved power distribution boards.
There is no need to or advantage in building such a device.
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My tech's main job is working on high-voltage power lines. And he's an audio expert. As I said in my original post, I wouldn't trust myself to do this alone. Because it's mains power. But I trust him.
All your questions should be easily answered by your 'tech' friend in under one minute.
I won't even comment on the "12g shielded cable" aspect.
I won't even comment on the "12g shielded cable" aspect.
Don't know why I bother with this forum. I mean, why respond at all if you're not gonna be helpful. And snarky to boot. Thanks a bunch.
You can buy all the parts at any electrical supply house. That includes the case. You can get surface mounting boxes and get the parts to link them together including the cable protection bushings. Do not go there either first thing in the morning when they open or at lunch time. That is when they are busy. If you are nice they should tolerate you. If you go closer to closing time on Friday with a case of cold beer in cans, they just might be very helpful.
Be sure to get the proper wire stripper. They should also get you the right 12 gauge cable. Shielded is not a version I have seen that is rated or legal for this. As that is not needed....
Be sure to get the proper wire stripper. They should also get you the right 12 gauge cable. Shielded is not a version I have seen that is rated or legal for this. As that is not needed....
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Thank you Simon. That's helpful and I appreciate it.
I figured I'd post on a DIY site to try and learn a little and see if anyone had insights before getting started. I figured I'd have to endure some snark, but glad there are helpful souls out there too.
I figured I'd post on a DIY site to try and learn a little and see if anyone had insights before getting started. I figured I'd have to endure some snark, but glad there are helpful souls out there too.
We're not here to pander to your ideologies, only to inform that what you are attempting to do can be lethal. Neither you or your expert friend understand electrical safety standards and the risks of electrocution.
In Australia this device is not permitted, a electrician would refuse to build such a device because of the legal ramifications.
In Australia this device is not permitted, a electrician would refuse to build such a device because of the legal ramifications.
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Additionally when using your new fan-dangle mains power distribution box of death, make sure you use only one hand to plug in any device, wear rubber soled shoes and mount all devices on rubber matting.
Words to live by. Box of Death has a nice ring to it. Maybe I'll mount it in a wooden coffin for effect.
But seriously, I'm not going to build it or test it or use it without professional guidance. I promise. I'm a novice at electrical stuff. But I'm a sensible person with a healthy understanding of science and respect for the unknown.
My tech knows power, circuitry, and audio components of all kinds, and we have electricians friends we can call in too.
But seriously, I'm not going to build it or test it or use it without professional guidance. I promise. I'm a novice at electrical stuff. But I'm a sensible person with a healthy understanding of science and respect for the unknown.
My tech knows power, circuitry, and audio components of all kinds, and we have electricians friends we can call in too.
If your so-called expert friends are professional their advice should have been to dissuade you from this pursuit in the first place, you can buy power distribution boards from any electronics/electrical store.
More stupidity - How to make a "super" extension cord (aka power distribution box) - YouTube
More stupidity - How to make a "super" extension cord (aka power distribution box) - YouTube
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I've done a lot of power distribution. For what you ask, just buy it.
I have done a LOT of work with the Belkin metal 10-hole:
https://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F9D1000-15/
https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Metal-Power-Strip-Protector/dp/B000BVC0WO
Others which may be OK:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/ProHT-1...er-Strip-with-3-ft-Power-Cord-03198/308491759
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ed-On-Off-Switch-6-ft-Cord-M620BZLS/205469893
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ed-On-Off-Switch-15-ft-Cord-UL210BD/205469945
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ighted-On-Off-Switch-6-ft-Cord-R8BZ/205469915
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...5-Foot-14-3-SJT-Cord-Beige-5300-H15/301975754
"Shielded" is totally pointless. Power is unshielded inside your walls. Outside they stick it up on top of poles and cross-wire it with your neighbor's welder. Anyway "utility power" is a hundred volts of an In-audio tone which is not in-tune with most music. Your gear is already adapted to reject it, mostly.
I have done a LOT of work with the Belkin metal 10-hole:
https://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F9D1000-15/
https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Metal-Power-Strip-Protector/dp/B000BVC0WO
Others which may be OK:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/ProHT-1...er-Strip-with-3-ft-Power-Cord-03198/308491759
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ed-On-Off-Switch-6-ft-Cord-M620BZLS/205469893
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ed-On-Off-Switch-15-ft-Cord-UL210BD/205469945
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...ighted-On-Off-Switch-6-ft-Cord-R8BZ/205469915
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...5-Foot-14-3-SJT-Cord-Beige-5300-H15/301975754
"Shielded" is totally pointless. Power is unshielded inside your walls. Outside they stick it up on top of poles and cross-wire it with your neighbor's welder. Anyway "utility power" is a hundred volts of an In-audio tone which is not in-tune with most music. Your gear is already adapted to reject it, mostly.
@downupside,
A 20A circuit in the US is sufficient to power only 1 or 2 duplex receptacles if I recall correctly.
Also the new wiring work will need to be inspected by a designated authority at several stages before permission is obtained to energize the wiring from the local electric utility The inspector is usually an employee of the state or city, or an employee of an electrical supply utility. The considerations are utility network integrity, personal safety and fire hazards in that order. That said, some states have fewer rules alas.
A 20A circuit in the US is sufficient to power only 1 or 2 duplex receptacles if I recall correctly.
Also the new wiring work will need to be inspected by a designated authority at several stages before permission is obtained to energize the wiring from the local electric utility The inspector is usually an employee of the state or city, or an employee of an electrical supply utility. The considerations are utility network integrity, personal safety and fire hazards in that order. That said, some states have fewer rules alas.
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