Low tech distribution panel for mini transformers

[jgreg65]

Ok Guys,

I have one area that has like 10-15 odd shaped mini electrical transformers and plus a stereo. They don't draw anything for amperage and most all aren't used as the same time draw wise. But I was thinking LOW tech like mount to a piece of plywood and lining up 3 plug strips or a device like it. (yeah I know I can hear the sighs now) But I'm not looking for a huge project on this or having a professional electrician come in because at that point I need a whole 100-200 amp upgrade just a quick low tech easy fix UNTIL I do the $7000 re-wire.

Thanks Guys

 

[prostreetamx]

We do this all the time in the trade show electric industry. We use many styles of power strips and some have wider spacing of the outlets just for transformers (wall warts). Some have the outlets turned sideways for the same reason. I just added a data center to my new garage and used 2 sideways power strips inside with the plug ends cut off and hardwired in another box that has 3 receptacles built in so there is no lump in front of those wall mounted plugs. It is not recommended that you daisy chain power strips since they each have their own surge protector circuitry built in so you should start with a cube tap to split the supply into multiple power strips. The metal encased strips are usually much easier to mount since many have external mounting tabs instead of those keyhole slots on the back. The metal ones cost more but I get all of mine for free when the vendors just leave them behind after the show is over.

 

[happy2rv]

What's the motivation? Neater appearance? Better organization? Safer installation? All of the above?

I used to never give wall worts a second thought, but with all of the fires lately, I've started giving it some thought. I'm not paranoid or anything, but I used to charge my phones on my head board inches from my head and in close contact with bed linens. After the last round of Samsung phones I decided that probably wasn't the best place to charge them.

Having that many concentrated in a single spot, I might consider a ventilated metal enclosure of some kind. That would hide everything and might make it a little safer. Either way, depending on what they are powering and the shapes involved, there are some power strips designed to accommodate transformers as well as some that have USB adapters built in. Without more information about the space and the adapters, it's hard to say. Another option might be to look for equivalent power adapters with a more conforming shape. Depending on the currents, a lot of newer adapters are designed to plug into a standard power strip side by side.

A couple of these might work:https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Outlet-Protector-TLP1008TEL/dp/B0000AI0N2

These https://www.amazon.com/HOLSEM-Outlets-Protector-Charging-Extension/dp/B01H14SFRM/ref=pd_sim_60_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QFY8QADEGW69X9B2YEGZ look promising, don't know much about the brand but they do claim UL listing.

These https://www.amazon.com/C2G-Cables-29803-Power-Splitter/dp/B000083KIH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486916659&sr=8-1&keywords=power+strip+wall+wart get the job done, but don't do much to help with organization or neatness.

If you have room for it, something like this [URL="https://www.amazon.com/Cable-LTS-12-Outlet-Metal-Housing/dp/B01MY6WY3F]https://www.amazon.com/Cable-LTS-12-Outlet-Metal-Housing/dp/B01MY6WY3F[/URL] could work pretty well. I believe Harbor Freight has basically the same power strip for about the same price.

 

[jgreg65]

Thanks! I found this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015RR9G0A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1