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| Thread ID: 69092 | 2006-05-21 23:04:00 | Local Source for American multiway boxes (power connector strips). | Billy T (70) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 456681 | 2006-05-21 23:04:00 | Hi Team I need to plug four items into a 230-115v stepdown transformer but it only has two outlets. That is easily resolved by using a multiway box or power connector strip, depending on what you like to call them, and they are in the RS Components catalogue. However, they were listed as POA (always a bad sign) and when I rang, they wanted $210 for a simple 4-way adapter. :horrified Hopefully there is a shop somewhere in Auckland or a local mail order service that sells these bits and pieces for US emigrants who bring over a range of appliances, so does anybody know of a source for these? If you are around Surfer Joe, can you tell me what they are called in the US? I might have to get my clients to buy one and mail it over, but they are very non-technical and at present there is a bit of a communication problem in getting them to understand exactly what it is that I need. Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 456682 | 2006-05-21 23:42:00 | Have you considered using a combination of NZ 3-pin multiboxes with US-NZ travel adaptors (about $3-4 each)? eg. One of these: www.dse.co.nz A normal NZ multibox and 4 of these: www.dse.co.nz A bit expensive at DSE, but I'm sure they can be bought much cheaper elsewhere ($2 shop maybe??) |
somebody (208) | ||
| 456683 | 2006-05-22 00:29:00 | Yes, I considered that, but I would still need a US plug to go into the transformer . Since posting this query I have found a convenient local source for "naked" chassis mount US sockets (Surplustronics, where else?) but they don't have any plugs . However, I do have a spare US plug to IEC socket computer power lead, so with the addition of an IEC chassis mount plug and a plastic box I will have the makings to build a connector strip, but that is not necessarily the best use of my time or my client's funds . I'll hold out a day or two to see if anything else pops up but this is one time that Google isn't being very friendly! Maybe SJ can refine my search terms with the correct americanism . :D Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 456684 | 2006-05-22 01:45:00 | The first link I listed is going from NZ socket to US (2pin) plug. | somebody (208) | ||
| 456685 | 2006-05-22 03:11:00 | The first link I listed is going from NZ socket to US (2pin) plug . Umm . . . . . . . Yes . . . . . . . Thanks anyway, but as I wrote in my second post, I need to plug into a US 3-pin socket (115V output from a stepdown transformer) to feed multiple US sockets for the US plugs on the equipment I want to run . I can't interfere with the equipment leads either, hence the need for a US multiway box . Like I said, I now have access to everything I need to build it, but I'd rather procure one locally if such exists, it will be a lot faster and less effort . Cheers Billy 8-{) |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 456686 | 2006-05-22 06:05:00 | According to Radioshack what you need is a power strip. www.radioshack.com Edit:like this one from my junk box, about $8 from Radioshack, $210 is beyond the pale......... www.imagef1.net.nz |
Terry Porritt (14) | ||
| 456687 | 2006-05-22 07:41:00 | According to Radioshack what you need is a power strip Ah....So that's what they call them! Edit:like this one from my junk box, about $8 from Radioshack, $210 is beyond the pale......... Aw gee! So who cut the earth pin off, Terry? If that hadn't happened I might have offered you at least $200 for it. :D As it is, I find I can build one for about $15. Turned out I had a NZ 3-pin socket to US 3-pin plug adapter from my travel kit that I'd forgotten about, so all I need is a chassis mount IEC plug from Jaycar, four US sockets from Surplustronics and a spare half hour in my workshop. I have everything else and I'll get it faster that way. Have to charge the client for engineering design though. :p Cheers Billy 8-{) :thumbs: |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 456688 | 2006-05-22 07:53:00 | It actually belongs to my Canadian son. He's left it here for when he comes over. The earth pin was cut off so the plug would fit the American 2 pin socket on a step down transformer :) On the back, it says: 'Relocatable Power Tap'. Ive done a bit of a search too, but can't find a local source. |
Terry Porritt (14) | ||
| 456689 | 2006-05-23 11:43:00 | Surplustronics: 1 x Large plastic jiffy box 4 x US three-pin panel mount sockets 1 x IEC chassis mount plug 1 x Nice illuminated switch to dress it up a little 15 minutes carparking Total cost $14 incl GST Cheers Billy 8-{) :D |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 456690 | 2006-05-25 01:34:00 | No fuse or circuit breaker? Tut. Tut. :cool: | Graham L (2) | ||
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