Simple Power Management Build

[Adkins.its]

My first attempt at a DIY power Managment center. The next revision I will probably be using a arduino for automated control and monitoring.

The two white outlets are digital timers for my LEDs. One switch for all pumps on/off. One switch for cabinet light on/off.

 

[Adkins.its]

An update. Got it installed today. Now the tedious task of running all the wires and keeping it clean.

 

[rwb500]

looks great. lots of people use controllers for some stuff and then some of these for the rest:

http://www.amazon.com/American-Pc-1...=1419650848&sr=8-1&keywords=american+dj+power

 

[usingthejohn]

Wow this looks sweet.

 

[adamv]

That looks great. I'm guessing the face-plate wasn't off the shelf and you had that custom made? What's it made out of and how was it designed?

 

[Adkins.its]

Thanks guys! The face-plate is made of 14ga mild steel and plastidip' black. I drew in Autodesk Inventor and cut it out on a Laser cutter.

 

[Adkins.its]

Simple Power Management Build

Here it is after hooking up most of my equipment and some cabinet lights.

 

[usingthejohn]

I'm not handy by any means, so forgive the simplicity of the question.

Is this essentially a power strip/surge protector with switches for groups of outlets?
Can it safely handle multiple pumps etc without blowing a fuse?

 

[tidus10]

ugh this makes my head melt when I look in my sump that looks like a bomb went off in it

 

[NSimpkins]

Very awesome. Looks super clean and crisp. What and how did you make the face plate if you don't mind me asking.

 

[NSimpkins]

Never mind just saw the answer

 

[Adkins.its]

Simple Power Management Build

I'm not handy by any means, so forgive the simplicity of the question.

Is this essentially a power strip/surge protector with switches for groups of outlets?
Can it safely handle multiple pumps etc without blowing a fuse?

Yep! I also used wall mount timers and wired my LEDs to them inside the panel. It's mostly a big power strip that I built with max amount off outlets to fit an exact amount of space. Also, it makes it so you see a minimal amount of cables from a normal view point. (See picture below)

It handles the power draw just fine. Almost all my pumps are DC and I'm running like 70watts of led lighting. My power demand is fairly low.

ugh this makes my head melt when I look in my sump that looks like a bomb went off in it

Don't feel too bad. It took a decent amount of time to get it this way.

Very awesome. Looks super clean and crisp. What and how did you make the face plate if you don't mind me asking.

Thanks a lot! I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

 

[reefwiser]

Only mod I would do is have separate on/off for each outlet like a DJ power strip. Nice work you could always add switches to the front of your stand.

 

[Adkins.its]

Eventually I will have it all on a DIY controller similar to a apex system. Then I'll just use my phone to turn stuff on and off.

 

[jonwright]

That's really nice for sure.

Did you consider an acrylic slash guard? I like the fittings at the bottom - they are cool. I'm assuming this is plugged into a GFCI outlet?

 

[Adkins.its]

Simple Power Management Build

I hadn't really thought of it. It's pretty well protected and everything has a drip loop but that maybe something I end up adding in.

And yes the whole thing is plugged into a gfci outlet.

 

[Adkins.its]

Simple Power Management Build

I need to put together a build thread for the whole tank someday.

 

[97dezertranger]

That is a very clean setup. Very well thought out and you can tell you took pride in your work as it shows in all those pics aswell as how cleanly the wiring is. Its amazing how easy it is to learn Inventor if you invest the time into it. I send all my parts sheet and plate parts in a file to my local waterjet cutter i have been using. For the price of what waterjet and laser cutting is nowadays I cant even compare it to my time drawing it out on a steel sheet and cutting and drilling all day. well done

 

[Adkins.its]

That is a very clean setup. Very well thought out and you can tell you took pride in your work as it shows in all those pics aswell as how cleanly the wiring is. Its amazing how easy it is to learn Inventor if you invest the time into it. I send all my parts sheet and plate parts in a file to my local waterjet cutter i have been using. For the price of what waterjet and laser cutting is nowadays I cant even compare it to my time drawing it out on a steel sheet and cutting and drilling all day. well done

That you so much for you humbling praise.

I totally agree about paying to get this stuff cut out. You just can't even justify spending all the time doing that stuff with great pricing you can get on cut time.

 

[97dezertranger]

That you so much for you humbling praise.

I totally agree about paying to get this stuff cut out. You just can't even justify spending all the time doing that stuff with great pricing you can get on cut time.

Ive even got to the point of considering buying a cnc 4'x4' plasma table I have a nice miller plasma cutter thats just been sitting collecting dust because I refuse to make my own steel panels. They seem to be resonably priced I just need some more garage space. 4x4 is a pretty good size foot print.