Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   Marklar
   Member

   Hi,

   As most people do, I have a TV, DVD, stereo etc in a cabinet with all of the cords, powerboards, powerpoints etc behind the entertainment cabinet. I would like to switch off all of the appliances at the wall when not in use, but getting behind to the switch is something I try to avoid. Does anybody know of a device that will enable me to place a switch on top of or in front of the TV etc? Essentially an extension cord with a large switch in the middle that goes between the power point and the powerboard but has enough length that the switch can be put in a convenient place to isolate everything easily with one switch.

   Thanks,
   Mark

   Posted Saturday 31 May 2008 @ 8:47:33 am from IP #
2. 

   munter
   Member

   I built something like this using a regular power board and an inline switch from bunnings. The switch cost about $4 and I use it to cut the standby power to my PC. I believe that all 240v wiring is supposed to be done by a qualified electrician.
   I think I saw something similar advertised in ReNew also.

   Posted Friday 9 Jan 2009 @ 2:01:19 am from IP #
3. 

   Sunshine
   Member

   You can buy the powersaving power boards from Bunnings for $20. It is a power board with a master socket, normal socket and 4 slave sockets. I have four of them at home and they work very well. The only problem is the master socket has a limit of 30 watts, when a device is switched off or on standby mode. If the appliance draws more than 30 watts when switched off, or on standby, then it won't work as the master (and slave) socket/s will always be on.
   I found out my Fisher and Paykel washing machine draws more than 30 watts even switched off this way !! It wasn't the power board at fault, as I tried several of them, and they all did it, hence proving the washing machine is power hungry even when switched off! (not at wall though).

   Posted Friday 9 Jan 2009 @ 3:40:15 am from IP #
4. 

   Solgen
   Member

   You can buy a remote controlled switch - Arlec model RC3. It just plugs into the GPO and then you plug your power board of whatever into it. Using the remote you can simply switch the load off and on as required.
   I bought one in a hardware store for around $30? It has three controlled switches in the pack.
   I have out them very useful particularly for sound/TV systems that are controlled from difficult to access power points.

   Posted Friday 9 Jan 2009 @ 7:57:19 am from IP #
5. 

   TomC
   Member

   Recently I picked up a "TEVION Digital Home System" in the chuck out pile at Aldi for $15. This has battery operated remote control and 5 slave units for five power points. I use them for turning on & off my computer and ancillaries. I don't know what the original price was or if they are still available but it works and solves the problem of inaccessible power points. The only problem is that each slave unit is wider than the normal spacing on a double GPO which means that only one outlet is available on the GPO but with suitable juggling of power boards I made a useful system.
   Tom

   Posted Sunday 11 Jan 2009 @ 4:05:01 am from IP #
6. 

   munter
   Member

   TomC - do you know what the standby power consumption of the switch is?

   Posted Monday 12 Jan 2009 @ 2:20:07 am from IP #
7. 

   Sunshine
   Member

   I failed to mention that with the powersaving power boards from Bunnings for $20, the TV is the best device to plug into the master socket. So by pushing the on/off button on the TV, all other devices get switched on/off as well. Very simple, with no standby power used at all.

   Posted Monday 12 Jan 2009 @ 2:30:28 am from IP #
8. 

   TomC
   Member

   Munter,
   The handbook for the Tevion home digital system says <1watt power consumption. I presume this is for each switch. It is too small for my power consumption meter to measure. The remote controller operates off a 12 volt (type23A) battery - the same as is used in many garage door remote controls. I don't know how long it lasts, I have only had it in operation for about 3 months.
   Tom

   Posted Monday 12 Jan 2009 @ 4:32:58 am from IP #
9. 

   guy
   Member

   some people who are electricians build their own

   it involves a sheet of ply, old secondhand mounting blocks, secondhand socket outlets and old leads snipped off dumped washing machines during the night and some cable ties to secure the cable.

   for joe public just buy the powerboards found in places like bunnings.

   the real place to start is by making it law that isolation points be placed on convenient places on the wall, what also need sto be law is the governing of where lightwsitches are placed, that is when you enter any new house the light switch is always on the inside left of the wall/ door frame most doors open using the right hand the most logical place for the light switch should be on the left around shoulder height.

   by having isolation points in legislation you would be able to switch off appliances normally left on standby.

   Posted Saturday 14 Mar 2009 @ 1:38:23 am from IP #

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    Unregistered

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