Smart Strip - does a UK version exist?

[Sumanji]

Hey,

I'm looking for a product similar to the Smart Strip, but I can't find one which uses UK plugs

Can anyone point me in the direction of an alternative product? I basically want it so I can turn on a Zalman Reserator system at the same time as the machine it is hooked up to...

Cheers,

Suman

[peterb]

Are you buying it for teh surge protection? If so, I really wouldn't bother. Surge protection is quite specialized - basically there is no easy way to tell if the surge protection is working. Surge protectors have a finite life - once they have absorbed so much energy, they need replacing - but you can't easily tell when that is.

If you are after a multiple distribution socket, get one from B&Q - they cost about £4.00. If you still want one with surge prtection, Belkin make a range.

[Agent]

Are you buying it for teh surge protection? If so, I really wouldn't bother. Surge protection is quite specialized - basically there is no easy way to tell if the surge protection is working. Surge protectors have a finite life - once they have absorbed so much energy, they need replacing - but you can't easily tell when that is.

If you are after a multiple distribution socket, get one from B&Q - they cost about £4.00. If you still want one with surge prtection, Belkin make a range.

Any surge protector worth their salt will have a light to indicate if its functioning correctly. Commonly these will be the red "flicker" type, which are designed in such a way that when the surge protection falls below a certain threshold, they will not light.
Also some (such as certain models from Belkin) will simply not power the sockets if the surge protection is dead.

You are correct that they have a finite life though - but then again, with basic surge protection costing around £10 for a 8 way multisocket, its really not very much when most of us will happily spend between ten and twenty times that on one computer part. Granted, the protection from a £10 Belkin is going to be basic, but after having ripped on to bits after being board, I was pleasantly surprised at the build quality of them.

Its also worth mentioning that there are different tyes of surge protection - its a fairly huge topic to be fair

I much prefer a surge protector that shows that the surge protection is active and that its earthed. The number of electrical sockets that I've seen incorrectly / not earthed is shocking (pun not intended )

[Sumanji]

Guys I don't need it for the Surge Protection...

I basically want it so I can turn on a Zalman Reserator system at the same time as the machine it is hooked up to...

Have a read of the link in the OP - the Smart Strip basically powers all the other sockets when the device attached to a "master socket" is switched on from standby.

Suman

[Agent]

What you're after is a "OneClickPower" - Google that and you will get loads of UK hits

Although if its for a res. / watercooling - there are devices that will simply connect to a floppy connector off your PSU and turn on / off with the PSU power. I use one with my pump

[aidanjt]

Zalman is external

You can get any of these 'smart' power strips in Argos or Maplin, look for model names there and froogle about for savings.

[Sumanji]

Sweet thanks dudes

Also does anyone know where I can buy a Reserator 2? Can't find one anywhere in the UK

Cheers,

Suman

[Sumanji]

Started a project log here