fatkinson@mishmash.com (Fred Atkinson) wrote:
> I suspect that some of you are experiencing this or have already
> solved it. So, maybe one of you can tell me where I can find
> something to solve this problem.
> I've accumulated so many devices on my home network (and some devices
> that are not network related as well) that power strips are an issue.
> Most of these devices have the big 'calculator charger' type of power
> supply that plugs directly into the AC outlet.
> I've been looking for some type of power strip that has eight or more
> outlets that are spaced far enough apart that you can plug all of
> these things into them without overlapping each other.
> Searching the Internet, I've not found anything like this. The best
> is one of those long power strips that you usually install on the wall
> as a permanent part of the house electrical system. I think there
> might be something much better. Or maybe someone has a better
> suggestion.
> Any ideas?
Others have already mentioned the mini extension cords and power
strips specially designed for wall warts. (I just picked up two
8-outlet Power Sentry strips at Walmart for less than $8 each. These
have three outlets on one side with extra space and five on the other
with more normal space. They are cheaply constructed and are not
surge suppressors, the latter being a feature. :)
Before the market developed those targeted solutions I became rather
creative with ordinary 3-way taps. These can be used both to elevate
one wall wart enough to clear another in the next outlet space and to
move one or more wall warts off to the side. This all works best when
the outlet strip is in an outlet-up orientation.
Cheap ungrounded 3-way taps come in three basic styles: ones which do
not rotate the top tap outlet relative to the plug, ones that rotate
it 90 degrees clockwise, and ones that rotate it 90 degrees
counter-clockwise. (The distinction between the last two is important
when you are dealing with polarized plugs.) It helps to have an
assortment of styles on hand. Heavier grounded T-style taps are also
useful when (obviously) you have a (less common) grounded wall wart
and when you want a slightly more robust mounting and/or side-hanging
arrangement.
Dan Lanciani
ddl@danlan.*com
Dan Lanciani (ddl@danlan.com)