[Boatanchors] [Milsurplus] Wanted, plug-in gadget that powers AC outlet when current dr...

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

Groups,

Thanks for the considerable number of replys.  They basically boiled down 
to one report of a current sensor I could have used to build the device, 
several reports of smart multi-outlet strips, and three purpose-built units 
primarily intended to start a dust collector (vacuum unit) when the main machine 
(saw, sander or planer) started.

I should have said in the original post that my saw draws 13-14 amps full 
load and the shop vac 6.5.  So in round numbers call it 20 amps at 125 VAC or 
2.5 KW (+/- PF).

As I said originally, I don't really want to have to build the unit so 
although I did look at the current transformer with built-in switch, it wasn't 
really what I was looking for.  

The information provided in the multi-outlet strip ads didn't give any 
pertinent electrical ratings (other than designed for 115-130 VAC) but my take 
is that they're for light duty applications.  Less than 1 KW total.  

The Craftsman unit is marketed as being for the purpose I want it for, and 
by far the cheapest of the lot, but aside from saying it is for 110 VAC 
(sic) the Sears.com site gives no electrical ratings.  And it had several bad 
buyer ratings.  So pass.

The DGC Products Inc i-Socket 110M is rated at 15 A 120 or 125 VAC.  The 
photos on the web also don't show how it's connected to the supply circuit 
(line cord or fixed male plug(s) on the rear of the box.  

The iVac (Intelligent Vacuum) Switch Box appears to be the best bet.  It is 
wall mounting and has two input cords each feeding 12, 12.5 or 15 amp 
breakers (depending upon which web site you believe) with manual reset breakers 
for the master and slave outlets. It appears that one cord would feed the saw 
and one the vac.  Apparently designed for houses with 15 amp 120 volt 
outlet circuits and a total load exceeding 15 amps.  Ads don't say what would 
happen if the two circuits are on opposite sides of the 240 or what happens on 
the end of the second cord if you only plug in one :-).  But not a problem 
as I'll plug both cords into a double-duplex box on a single 30 amp circuit.

Anyway, it appears this will do the job.  Thanks to all.

Robert Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480