Individual Outlet Switches

SVOboy · 11-06-08, 04:16 PM

Thought these suckers looked pretty interesting: Harriet Carter Household Helpers Computer & Electronics Outlet Switch

I'd rather use a power strip, but for some uses they makes sense to me. Anyone tried them?

cmittle · 11-06-08, 04:54 PM

I prefer power strips as well, and where possible Smart Strips.

Tony Raine · 11-07-08, 09:53 AM

that is a pretty cool idea, but not for that price. i can get a 3 outlet power strip for a dollar at a local dollar store.

insaneintenti0n · 11-07-08, 12:13 PM

I just use GFCIs as on/off switches in my kitchen
Electrical > Ground Fault Protection > GFCI Receptacles > RECEPTACLE,GFCI,15 A,Commercial,Gray : Grainger Industrial Supply

knowbodies · 11-07-08, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmittle

I prefer power strips as well, and where possible Smart Strips.

I just bought and tried out an APC smart strip but it didn't work out for me.The lousy power supply in my computer uses too much power when the computer is off or in hibernate (10W). According to my Kill-a-watt, I actually use more power than when my computer is off but connected to a regular power bar. I'm taking it back to Staples and I will watch for the Energystar label next time.

cmittle · 11-07-08, 03:21 PM

I didn't realize it initially but for the first week mine did not deactivate the other things plugged in when my computer was turned off either. Eventually I did realize this and adjusted the sensitivity knob so that the other devices did turn off when I shutdown my computer. Did yours have a sensitivity knob?

knowbodies · 11-07-08, 04:09 PM

Nope, no sensitivity knob. It's going back to the store.

GenKreton · 11-09-08, 02:36 PM

This seems like a cool idea but I already arrange my power strips so I just flip the switch. However, I fell in love with the power squids and those can definitely be worth the money. I, as many people do, have a lot of strange sized adapters and the manufacturers haven't figured out how to make them so it's cord, AC-DC converter, then cord except in very few cases, so the power squids design is amazing.

knowbodies · 11-09-08, 09:07 PM

I was speaking to a co-worker the other day who is in the planning stages of an off grid home. One of the features he is planning is a switched green circuit with the master switch by the front door. The outlets for the green circuit will be distributed throughout his home. That way he can easily turn off all his phantom loads with a simple flick of a switch when he leaves and turn them back on when he gets home just as easily.

Tony Raine · 11-10-08, 01:05 AM

I went to home depot today and saw these single outlet switches for less than that online price. just thought i'd throw that out there if anyone is considering getting some....

11-06-08, 04:16 PM	#1
SVOboy Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 291 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Individual Outlet Switches Thought these suckers looked pretty interesting: Harriet Carter Household Helpers Computer & Electronics Outlet Switch I'd rather use a power strip, but for some uses they makes sense to me. Anyone tried them?

11-06-08, 04:54 PM	#2
cmittle Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 56 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I prefer power strips as well, and where possible Smart Strips.

11-07-08, 09:53 AM	#3
Tony Raine Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	that is a pretty cool idea, but not for that price. i can get a 3 outlet power strip for a dollar at a local dollar store.

11-07-08, 12:13 PM	#4
insaneintenti0n Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 183 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I just use GFCIs as on/off switches in my kitchen Electrical > Ground Fault Protection > GFCI Receptacles > RECEPTACLE,GFCI,15 A,Commercial,Gray : Grainger Industrial Supply

11-07-08, 03:21 PM	#6
cmittle Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 56 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I didn't realize it initially but for the first week mine did not deactivate the other things plugged in when my computer was turned off either. Eventually I did realize this and adjusted the sensitivity knob so that the other devices did turn off when I shutdown my computer. Did yours have a sensitivity knob?

11-07-08, 04:09 PM	#7
knowbodies Home Improvement Goon Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Moose Jaw, SK, CA Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Nope, no sensitivity knob. It's going back to the store.

11-09-08, 02:36 PM	#8
GenKreton Lurking Renovator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This seems like a cool idea but I already arrange my power strips so I just flip the switch. However, I fell in love with the power squids and those can definitely be worth the money. I, as many people do, have a lot of strange sized adapters and the manufacturers haven't figured out how to make them so it's cord, AC-DC converter, then cord except in very few cases, so the power squids design is amazing.

11-09-08, 09:07 PM	#9
knowbodies Home Improvement Goon Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Moose Jaw, SK, CA Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I was speaking to a co-worker the other day who is in the planning stages of an off grid home. One of the features he is planning is a switched green circuit with the master switch by the front door. The outlets for the green circuit will be distributed throughout his home. That way he can easily turn off all his phantom loads with a simple flick of a switch when he leaves and turn them back on when he gets home just as easily.

11-10-08, 01:05 AM	#10
Tony Raine Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 57 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I went to home depot today and saw these single outlet switches for less than that online price. just thought i'd throw that out there if anyone is considering getting some....