Is there a cheap ALI express (or other) eqivalent for this Olson? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bifferos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 12:01:53 am
content: I'm looking for something like this and don't really want to spend the money.https://olsondirect.co.uk/product/4-way-13a-switched-socket-neon-flat-pdu/It looks like a steel box, with a series of 1G bays, a 20mm knock-out for the gland.Can I get that box from somewhere and make it up myself, or alternatively buy a budget version of same?thanks!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 12:39:43 am
content: What are you going to use it for?- Make one out of sheet metal- Search your local suppliers for a metal power bar- Search your local suppliers for sheet metal enclosures

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 09:14:27 am
content: Have you tried ebay. There are usually a few Olsons around for not silly money. You may need to replace a round industrial connector with a 13A plug but that's all. Much better than the Ali crap.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 09:33:36 am
content: Hong Kong use 13a sockets, but likely cheap plasticky ratherthan industrial.You could make something similar by screwing together some metal-clad 13a socketshttps://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Metal_Clad_Index/Metal_Clad_1/index.html

author: bifferos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 01:34:02 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on March 06, 2024, 09:14:27 amGood call, yes there are many 19 in rack mount units, but I'm looking for tabs at the back, or not tabs at the front if you know what I mean. I suppose I could hack off the tabs, but that's a bit nasty. They will still be pricey even 2nd hand.

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 01:43:05 pm
content: https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005005476434588.htmlPlastic but a lot cheaper

author: bifferos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 01:46:43 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on March 06, 2024, 09:33:36 amI'm happy for 'cheap', metal is metal. This isn't a million miles from what I want:https://www.electrixinternational.com/en-gb/stainless-steel-electrical-enclosures/stainless-steel-sockets-and-back-boxes/stainless-steel-back-boxes/elec-2g-s-base-surface-mounted-back-box-2-gang-stainless-steel/But it would be nice if it had more openings, and of course if you have to ask the price it's usually too expensive!

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 02:18:09 pm
content: Quotedone that loads of times,use 20mm nipples and lockrings to join the boxes together,with a lock ring between the sockets to get enough space for the lids.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 02:20:05 pm
content: Something like this maybe ?https://www.rapidonline.com/brennenstuhl-1391003018-premium-alu-line-8-way-extension-lead-3m-black-aluminium-23-0529

author: bifferos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 02:37:44 pm
content: Quote from: themadhippy on March 06, 2024, 02:18:09 pmTrue, but the whole assembly needs to go on some plate, because the sides of the metal clad sockets are not 90 deg with the surface. Could use some ply or something. I agree it's functionally the same, but not what I want.

author: bifferos
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 02:40:21 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on March 06, 2024, 02:20:05 pmSorry everyone, for being so fussy. Yes, they are nice sockets but the mount is plastic. I've looked at the Brennenstuhl range in some detail, including the reviews on amazon, and decided it's not what I want.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2024, 07:13:28 pm
content: Quote from: bifferos on March 06, 2024, 01:34:02 pmYes, you really need to bide your time and get lucky with ebay - Just what you're looking for (actually a 5 way, rear tabs) sold for £1.20 +£4.99 postage a couple of weeks ago.