Power Center finished

S

Steven

I have just finished building my power center and wanted to share. My plan is basically the same a previously posted but I had to put mine under the sump and I did not have a lot of room. The big problem is if you are using a controller that uses the x10 modules. These modules take up space and the equipment is plugged into the bottom of the module. I finally came up with a solution to the space problem. My box that holds the outlets is 7" deep. The top row of outlets is elevated so the plugs will be right at the top. The second row is 1" lower and so on for each row. This will allow the for multiple plugs and wires in a tight space.

For those not familiar with a power center you basically wire an outlet to a plug. Then you plug the outlet into the DJ power strip. You can turn off and on the oultet by flipping the switch on the DJ power strip.

Here are some pictures.
 
This will be my next project also. If you don't mind me asking a few questions I can use all the help I can get.

Great job....
 
I am still in the planning stage. I still have not figured out all my outlets and how to best line them up correctly.

As far as being mistaken for an electrician that will never happen. Let me get my thoughts together and I'll ask away. thanks
 
Russ,

Yes, they are cad drawings. I'm a civil engineer and I work at home so I have autocad and a 24" plotter at home. It was very helpful to lay it out in cad and then I could plot it out to actual size.
 
Here is the layout of my power center with labels for each plug. Hopefully, it will be clear enough to read.

My lights, Tank fans, and vortec pumps will be plugged into an outlet above the fish tank.
 
Good stuff steven. I just finished the one for my 450G. It was a beast but I salvaged a good chunk from my last setup. Very simular concept to yours this time. I'll post pics sometime soon. Nice job again!
 
I love the power center builds. Great way to go with the X10 method.

I'm curious though if there is a reason you went with X10 modules instead of just using X10 outlets? Seems like extra expense and space required to use both.

I'm planning a build shortly myself and plan on using the X10 outlets without the modules. Each outlet has one coded plug and one uncoded plug.
 
Frogspawn,

At the time I was building the power center I was not aware of x10 outlets. I was just duplicating systems from other people.
 
The outlets, in my experiences, are far more expensive than the modules... (The modules can be found for $8ish each)...

Plus, when (It's when, not if, unfortunately) one fails, it's a whole lot easier to swap it out if it's a module and not an outlet...

(This coming from someone who's got a 30+ module X10 system...)
 
@Steven wrote:
I have just finished building my power center and wanted to share. My plan is basically the same a previously posted but I had to put mine under the sump and I did not have a lot of room. The big problem is if you are using a controller that uses the x10 modules. These modules take up space and the equipment is plugged into the bottom of the module. I finally came up with a solution to the space problem. My box that holds the outlets is 7" deep. The top row of outlets is elevated so the plugs will be right at the top. The second row is 1" lower and so on for each row. This will allow the for multiple plugs and wires in a tight space. For those not familiar with a power center you basically wire an outlet to a plug. Then you plug the outlet into the DJ power strip. You can turn off and on the oultet by flipping the switch on the DJ power strip. Here are some pictures. said:
Steven / All,
where do you find the DJ strips?

Thanks,
Mike
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