Safest Power Board with 8 plugs and individual switches

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eme

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#140904 24-Feb-2014 10:32

Has anyone recommendations for a

Safe Power Board with 8 plugs and individual switches

It is intended to be on all the time and able to switch off individual plugs / devices.

Niel

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#993438 24-Feb-2014 16:34

Define "safe". All electrical products sold in NZ are required to be tested for safety (but not quality). Products that are also sold in US need to comply with UL which includes tests like dropping a steel ball on it while at -40 degC (depends on the product) and testing the material fire rating. Best if you can find a product that is both UL listed and C-Tick (which might have changed to some other marking, can't remember details now).

If you want to add quality to the requirements, look at 19" server rack power boards.

You can never have enough Volvos!

gzt

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#993449 24-Feb-2014 16:57

Imho server rack boards are unlikely to be individually switched but maybe there are some out there.

Safe could be also dependent on how much current the OP plans to have going through and for what period of time. Every time I see a friend or relative using one with a heater for any length of time I show them the discolouration and the not uncommon melting of the plug and advise them to never use one of these with a heater.

I've also seen many flimsy examples which begin to separate at the case sides with repeated plug unplug operation in normal domestic use. In a wall mounted example, I saw complete separation of the shell totally exposing the mains rails during a normal unplugging operation.

Manufacturers may test these for the standard but I suspect the standard does not cover robustness in actual use from typical user operations like plug/unplug. It's easy to lose confidence in the whole idea after seeing a few of those : )*. I suspect there are many dangerous examples lurking in the stores waiting for innocent buyers.

*Edit: Having said that I have never looked at the standard marks on these examples. For my own purchases in future I'll be following Niel's advice above also.

Niel

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#993478 24-Feb-2014 17:40

I assumed rubbish like Elto would not be considered, which might not even make contact when new (but is still safe). Safety is required to sell electrical products in NZ, but longevity/quality is only implied in the consumer guarantee act.

PDL is probably one of the best brands for electrical fittings (in my opinion).

http://www.proleads.co.uk/shop/rack-mount-power-distribution-unit-switched-p-377.html
This kind of thing is not that common with individual switches, but is available. Typically with "kettle plugs", which might be fine if your application is permanent installation. I thought either Jaycar or Surplustronics has, but can't find it now.

You can never have enough Volvos!

eme

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#993614 24-Feb-2014 20:25

Thanks for the info guys. The rack ones look safe to me. I asked about safely because I have seen some that actually melted, no heaters just computer stuff.

st

richms

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#993691 24-Feb-2014 22:04

eme: Thanks for the info guys. The rack ones look safe to me. I asked about safely because I have seen some that actually melted, no heaters just computer stuff.

They probably cost $3 tho.

IME once you are out of the elto junk and into HPM's then you get enough quality for them to do what they are supposed to, but none of them will survive constant unplugging and replugging in, they are not made for that as they just have bent springy brass for the contacts, nothing sliding or sprung like a proper socket will have.

If a plug is hard to go in and then makes a crunch and goes in, throw the power strip out, as you have just bent over half of the springy bit and it will make hopeless connection from that point on.

If it is getting warm, again, throw it out.

Richard rich.ms