Eco-Renovator's Test Box

[AC_Hacker]

I have often wanted to be able to define the duration of operation of a device or event, for economy or for safety, or for testing. The same goes for power that goes to a device.

But I've gotten discouraged by the idea of building a timer or a power controller into the device-of-the-moment.

So I decided to build a box that would allow me to define the duration or power of any device that's plugged into it, or both at the same time.

So I bought a Digital Timer and a 600 Watt dimmer and a metal 2-switch box

I hooked the dimmer and the timer in series, so that the timer is 'upstream' of the dimmer switch. This way, even if the power is drastically cut, the dimmer will still work.

Assembly was a snap, as wire-nuts were included with the timer & dimmer.

The timer will give time durations of

• 10 minutes
• 20 minutes
• 30 minutes
• 60 minutes
• Continuous

If I hadn't wanted precisely repeated intervals, I would have used a less expensive twist-timer. I tested the accuracy of the timer with my DIY Datalogger, and the timmer interval is quite accurate.

Using a Kill-A-Watt, I found out something interesting after running a resistance device (Eco-Hacked Rice Cooker) through the Test Box was that when the dimmer switch is full on, it still does not deliver full power. So a toggle switch that will short across the dimmer is in order.

The Eco-Experimenter's Test Box has been essential when doing Thermal Transmissivity Testing, as was the DIY Datalogger.

Best Regards,

-AC_Hacker