Electrical Organization - Ideas?

Gerryd

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Sep 23, 2007
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Hi all,

I am looking for ideas to minimize/consolidate the amount of wires/extensions/power strips/timers etc.

With the 6' tank and various equipment placements on either end, middle, etc, I have stuff all over and is UGLY. :eek:

Would love to simplify this somehow. Will take a trip to Home Depot and Lowes to see what they have......................

Some is caused by insufficient under cabinet space. I have a huge sump that takes up most of the space. Then the c02 cylinder and stuff, it adds up:)

Another issue is that the digital timers can take up a lot of space on the strips.

Here is a list of what I have to run everything.



Main wall two plug outlet converted to 4 outlets with plug in converter.

A. Connected to timer (a) which is connected to main MH fixture.
B. Connected to strip (a).
C. Connected to strip (b).
D. Not in use.

Strip a. On always and powers the following.

1. HOT Magnum on 24/7
2. Small RIO for extra flow 24/7
3. Main Sump Pump on 24/7
4. C02 Mazzei pump on 24/7

Strip b. On always. Needed to connect timer (b).

1. Timer (b) for Strip(c).

Strip c. Controls c02. On/off via timer (b)

1. C02 solenoid.
2. PH Meter
3. Small Hydor pump for extra flow when c02 is on
4. Larger Hydor pump for extra flow when c02 is on



Any suggestions are welcome.

My initial idea is to get a huge outlet converter that has the outlets spaced apart better (and more of them, say 10) and then rearrange placement of all the equipment where possible to run as much as possible off this new main source.

Another is to plumb the Mazzei into the main pump to eliminate the c02 pump.

Big issue is the need for multiple timers. The digital ones I use take up a good amount of space and control only one item each.

Do they sell any that can control multiple devices for differing times?

Will do a Web search and see.

Thanks in advance.
 

Gerryd

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Sep 23, 2007
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South Florida
So, on the Web, I found the following link to a 48" power strip that has 10 outlets and a 6' power cord.

SWE705-10-TL Power Strip

They seem to be spaced enough apart for me to get all my timers and other stuff in there.

Plus, I can mount on or under the cabinet or on the wall. This will reduce the distance between equipment and should also eliminate some strips.

I also found this timer that looks like it has multiple timed outlets but I need to verify if they are controlled separately (I hope).

Digital Timer - 100283 - Power Sentry®

I think this is exactly what I was looking for.

Hope this helps others.......
 

tedr108

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Nov 21, 2007
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Gerry,

With all of my timers hanging from short extensions cords, that power strip looks useful.

That timer only has 4 timer outlets -- the other 4 are on the on/off switch only. I'm fairly certain that the 4 timer outlets all go on and off at the same time and are not individually programmable.
 

Gerryd

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Sep 23, 2007
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South Florida
Ted,

Yes I agree that they are probably not individually controlled, but will still work well for me, as I have a strip light attached to the timer. Now I can eliminate some of the strips and consolidate better.

If anyone DOES see a timer that can control multiple devices, please let me know.
 

Gerryd

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Sep 23, 2007
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South Florida
Update

So, FYI on my progress.

My brother works with electrical supplies and hooked me up with the following:

1. 60" power strip with 10 outlets (3 prong) spaced 5" apart. Mfg is Wiremold. Heavy duty plug added as it did not come with strip. Multiple configs are available......

2. Heavy duty Ground Fault Interruptor (GFI) used for water based applications. Mfg was Belkin.

I got for gratis, but am pretty sure all told it was < $80......

I plugged the GFI into the wall, and then the power strip into the GFI.

Because the tank is already in place, and there wasn't a lot of room......Took me a while to get the straps mounted. Good thing I have looooong arms.....:D

I was able to mount the strip using 2 1-1/4 inch (1.25) 2 hole metal straps.

I was then able thread the strip through the two straps and then connect all the other stuff to the strip. I will use some rubber padding/weatherstip to take up some of the space inside the clamp to make it move less.....

TIP: Organize your plumbing and electrical BEFORE installing the tank. Had I planned for the future a little more, this would have been MUCH easier :rolleyes:

So, I was able to remove two of the other outlet strips, plus an outlet expander (2 plugs in the wall to 6), only one thing plugs into the wall outlet now rather than several, and things are much neater and more organized.

Also, because the outlets are no longer at ground level, I have more flexibility for placement of the additional filters, etc as the wires are now 'longer'.. Also easier to make the 'water loop' for each wire........

Still no luck on the timer issue, but have not yet given up hope! At the very least, the ones that will control several outlets (albeit on the same schedule) will eliminate another strip outlet!

later