Portable Electric Panel

Hi Guys,

Firstly, my background in electrical wiring is very basic. I've only replaced a light switch and outlet once with existing wiring. So I will need to take this slow and make sure I get a thorough understanding of what I am doing before diving into this project.

I need some help in planning an electrical outlet/switch panel that I would like to mount on the side of my stand. I would like to be able to control individual pumps, lights, heaters, reactors etc from the flip of switch in pairs rather than an entire power strip or unplug them individually as I do now. The solution needs to be portable as I am currently renting, and cannot make a permanent electric panel in my place nor create a dedicated circuit for this.

I only have 1 wall outlet to work with right now, and am not sure if it is on a 15 or 20A circuit. I will check later, though I'm pretty sure it's 15A as it's in the living room.

Here's what I want to accomplish:



Questions:
-Is something like this even feasible? Im basically just tring to make my own powerstrip with switches..

-how do you wire something like this together? Do I provide power to outlets 1 and then piggyback off it to 2 then piggyback to 3 etc..?

-How many outlets could I get away with max? 6-8?. I would Imagine 6 total would work.. 3 off of each plug... basically the same as a powerstrip for each plug?

-There are no GFCI outlets in my apartment should #1 on each plug be a GFCI? can I go from GFCI to "standard" easily for #2 and #3?

I imagine something like this has to have been done before? Does anybody have any suggestions, advice, walkthroughs, pictures?


BONUS QUESTION:

How can I go about overriding the timer for my lights on a switch? My moonlights and refug lights are hooked up to 1 timer. and then actinics and 10k's on different timers. If at midnight, my moons are on and I want to switch on both the actinics and 10k's individually how can I get them each wiredto do that?
ex.
switch up = override -> LIGHTS ON
switch down = standard -> lights on timer schedule


Thanks!

 

They make portable switch panels--they look like surge protectors on one side and have lighted corresponding switches on the other--kinda looks like a power strip. I was looking into this option as well---just havn't had time to get around to it yet. I have see pics so I know they exist. Saw it on someones build thread. The proper name I cant remember but I think it is actually computer hardware for server racks if that helps

 

ok i see what you want to do,start off by replacing the plug you are going to use with a GFCI, then with the plug to be pluged into the gfi, start at outlet #1 and wire up the common (white) and ground (MOST IMPORTANT) to the #1 and then just piggie back to the #2 then 3 then to 4, then take the hot (black) off the plug to switch #1 then to 2 to 3 then 4 then off the bottoms of the switch go to the hots on each recept, follow for bottom row of switches and recepts,, REMEMBER you only have 15A so max load is about 11AMPS, hope this helps some, with the timer thing they have timers that have on off switches built in them, they cost a little more than the rotary cheap ones....

 

OK crank2211, I am a master electrican. Maybe I can help. For starters If you put all that stuff together it will take a huge amount of space. I just happen to bein thesame boat as you. I actualy am working on a box to do just what you want. I am however taking it a step further and using relays so the switching is low voltage with pilot switches so they light when on. Any way back to your project. First you can buy a switch outlet the switch is on top outlet is on bottom of device. This alone cuts your system to half the size. Next if you could get acouple of four gang boxes it would clean up the look. You would have to order plate. They make a eight gang box but if you use this you will pay like 80$ for plate. Next I would put the gfi in the wall if you are going to be there a while. 12$ If you have all your equipment already pluged in it is fine to use exsisting circuit. I can help you out with the wiringof all this if you want. It will not be easy on line. It is also something i could pm you if you want

 

Thanks for the reply guys, I think I'm beginning to see how this could work.

firstly, I'll add the GFCI outlet right on the wall, good suggestion! :thumb_up:

mile high reefer, I especially like the suggestion about the switch/outlet combination paired with the 4 gang boxes. I think you're right about it cleaning up the look, and having individual switch and outlet boxes would definitely take up a lot space.

I haven't looked at the switch outlets yet so am still hazy on how to get them wired in series. I have a feeling it might still be similar to how hydrojeff had suggested wiring the switches and outlets separately.

2 more questions..

Do they sell grounded plugs that go right into household 12-2 or 14-2 wire? (Could I get away with 14-2 wire here if we're running off a 15A circuit?)

The other just slipped my mind as I was typing so I'll come back with it later :

edit: just remembered

Should I employ the uses of a junction box for all of these switches and outlets? any pros/cons to using it vs. not?

 

Not sure I under stand this question? all your devices and wiring must be in box.