DIY Power blocks (4 sockets)

[rikardo1979]

OK guys, I would like to share my DIY, low budget power block - 4 sockets
I building two of these, exactly same and same length of 2 meters
I selected these parts to keep the cost as low as possible as this is all I can afford at this moment and also cos I doing this first time, so is a kind of trial :D If I mess with it I not going to loose much.

The design is simple as there is no filtration (as recommended by some users here). Even I have ordered some EMI filters I have not fitted those.
All the earth conductors are wired into star. And I have done same with life and neutral conductors to keep as much symmetrical design as possible.
The little light which was originally fitted is till there but as not wired in.

Parts used



Olson box E13A/4 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1QlH0mCHjNcQ0Jtd3RyRlVZcW8/view)
MK single gang socket (unswitched) K780 WHI
MK Toughplug silver plated
Belden CYSE04.0050 (discontinued product) - 4 core screened CY, 2.5 mm
heat shrink
braided sleeving
tube terminals
Wago connectors
metal nickel plated M20 gland(replacement for originally fitted plastic gland)


The shielding of the cable is wired together with earth conductor in the plug but not in the block/sockets side. Same as with the power cord (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?43286-DIY-13A-Power-cord)I have done

Regarding the contact treatment I going to use CHEMTRONICS ES7308E

http://snag.gy/zLYW0.jpg

The reason why I have used this type of cable is described here (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?43286-DIY-13A-Power-cord)

At the end I have fitted 4 rubber feet on the bottom plate so it not sit flat on floor :)
I have choose this design for one simple reason and that was as it is so spacious and I believe that it will fit what ever may come in future :D

So here is photo of the finished product (maybe, just maybe I going to spray it all black). The second one is still under construction but I could not resist to share :champagne:
Hope is not that bad :o

http://i.imgur.com/IFUymZZ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4JVw43W.jpg"]http://i.imgur.com/4JVw43W.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jDwu5PA.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/boSXnqx.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1fS14Xf.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/AzCp56k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/LUjVS16.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ko4rO2k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/FjCEXCB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Erg3kDO.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tkDu4Zw.jpg






So I have decided that I do a quick sneak peak into the power blocks I working on.
To be honest, I have no experience on these what so ever :D

I going to make 2 of these, each will have 4 single gang unswitched 13A sockets. I have used MKs
Than I going to use MK Toughplug silver plated as I already bought them. And going to use Belden shielded cable as I used for my power cord (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?43286-DIY-13A-Power-cord)

I have bought those metal casings from Olson as that seems to be only place here who selling and making such stuff. I have took out all the original earthing from it and not going to wire in the little light(not sure if I leave it there or will remove and blank it)
Also I have replaced original plastic M20 gland for metal, nickel plated.
Regarding the contact treatment I going to use CHEMTRONICS ES7308E

As for design I going to wire all the earthing into star. Shielding going to by wired in together with earth core on the plug side of the cable but not in box.
I am not sure about any EMI filters and this stuff. So maybe you guys can suggest something?


And I go to properly document this 1st post in this thread once all done

http://i.imgur.com/boSXnqx.jpg

[brian2957]

Hi Richard , can you give me a link to the Olsen metal casing please ?

[YNWaN]

I wouldn't add any EMI or other mains filtering.

[rikardo1979]

Hi Richard , can you give me a link to the Olsen metal casing please ?

sorry for my late reply. I went to listen to some speakers straight from work
Here is the link for Olson catalogue (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1QlH0mCHjNcQ0Jtd3RyRlVZcW8) where you going to find these and some more stuff.
Than just call or email them for price quote

[brian2957]

Thanks Richard :)

[rikardo1979]

I wouldn't add any EMI or other mains filtering.

hmm, I thought I fit one of the FN2060-12-06 Schaffner EMI filters.
So you recommend nothing at all? Just wired all into mains?

[YNWaN]

Yep.

[rikardo1979]

Thanks Richard :)

no problem, hope it helps ;)
They are really good when you call them. I have had those delivered next day, and I paid them afternoon over phone.

[rikardo1979]

Yep.

OK...:) I going to listen to someone who knows more than me about this ;)
I just wondering what others think about this?

[YNWaN]

I didn't say I know more than you about it, but every mains block/mains smoother equipped thing I've heard has degraded the sound.

[Ammonite Audio]

I didn't say I know more than you about it, but every mains block/mains smoother equipped thing I've heard has degraded the sound.

This has also been my experience.

[337alant]

Hi Rikardo
I like the Olson cases :eyebrows:
I would wire each socket in parallel back to a fixed point as per your star earth, not in series

Alan

[Barry]

Hi Rikardo
I like the Olson cases :eyebrows:
I would wire each socket in parallel back to a fixed point as per your star earth, not in series

Alan

With the cable lengths involved, it won't make blind bit of difference if the sockets are wired star fashion or are 'daisy chained'.

[rikardo1979]

Hi Rikardo
I like the Olson cases :eyebrows:
I would wire each socket in parallel back to a fixed point as per your star earth, not in series

Alan
that is my plan. use same length of all wires into push in connection and than out.

Thx for suggestions.
These are going to be 2m long each

[rikardo1979]

so some last missing bits arrived today :D
So lets Rock and Roll :rock:

http://i.imgur.com/98lUqXx.jpg

[rikardo1979]

so the first one is done :D
Also 1st post of this thread has been updated and all is documented there so feel free to check and ask.

http://i.imgur.com/IFUymZZ.jpg

BTW, admins or mods, how to do spoilers here? the normal bb code seems to not work??:scratch::confused: any help on this please?

[YNWaN]

Looks really well done :).

[rikardo1979]

I have decided to do Left and Right version design so it would be easier to keep it closer to the wall with plug cables facing away the wall(depends on what side of wall your socket is)

http://i.imgur.com/jDwu5PA.jpg

[YNWaN]

Don't you already know which side your wall socket is on?

[rikardo1979]

Don't you already know which side your wall socket is on?

yes I do :smoking::rfl: I have one running from left another from right ;)
I have 10 devices plugged in behind the unit :D

[rikardo1979]

It took two bloody weeks to deliver this stuff ... :doh::nocomment:

http://snag.gy/zLYW0.jpg

[danilo]

Not intending to Piss on your Parade..
But what real life differences on this Cobble Up than that what is typically found in a 1$ store "power bar"?
Beyond the tin box you've housed your efforts into??

[rikardo1979]

Not intending to Piss on your Parade..
But what real life differences on this Cobble Up than that what is typically found in a 1$ store "power bar"?
Beyond the tin box you've housed your efforts into??

If you do not see and recognise any of the benefits than you should really keep your $1 power extension lead

[337alant]

Made a nice job of them Richard
And I agree with your comment

Alan

[DarrenHW]

Does anyone know where I can source one of the Olson boxes, or similar?

[JimK]

Does anyone know where I can source one of the Olson boxes, or similar?

Have a look at post #4 on page 1

[Blueflash]

Olson Power:https://olsondirect.co.uk/

[Marra]

Thanks for the link unfortunately I can't seem to find the blank boxes.

[brian2957]

Neither can I .

[DarrenHW]

Or me.

I've been in touch with Olson and the empty mains distribution panels are still available despite not being shown online.

Prices as follows:
E13/04 - £34.29.
E13/06 - £36.25.
E13/08 - £38.70.
E13/10 - £41.86.
All prices ex-VAT and subject to a £12.00 (+VAT) delivery charge.
Email for a quote and you will receive an invoice to pay by credit card or bank transfer.
Lead time 1-2 days.

[brian2957]

Thanks Darren :)

[Marra]

Thanks Darren.

[337alant]

I like the wago connectors as well thats a neat solution :eyebrows:

Alan

[Marra]

Thanks for the link to Olsen. Just putting together a six socket strip.