American DJ PC 100A 8 Switch ON/OFF Power Center

Customer Reviews

Think outside the box... and BE GREEN!

2008-06-29
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and so are energy costs. Every electronic you have plugged in, even when off, is using electricity. So why not cut power to your blender, TV or computer when you're not using it and save some dough?

I wanted a way to manage my computer peripherals (like external hard drive, scanner, printer, etc.) by a) allowing them to be plugged into a UPC backup that has limited outlets, and b) allowing me to pick and choose what I wanted powered up to save energy. I searched high and low for a power strip that had individual switches for each outlet. A couple do exist, but it seemed so inconvenient to have plugs and switches right next to each other along a standard power strip.

This power switch center, which was designed for DJs using multiple lighting and audio equipment, is the perfect answer. I don't know why they aren't marketed for computer users and TV entertainment system junkies.

With 8 outlets in the back and individual switches in the front, the cords are kept neatly away from view and the switches are easily accessible. The 3-prong outlets are set up with the grounding prong on top, so your unwieldy plugs with the bulky power supply boxes plug in nicely even if you set this guy on a flat surface (it's designed to be rack-mounted). The outlets are also spaced nicely apart so you don't have to waste any because of the power supplies. Larger power supplies might impede adjacent outlets, but I managed to alternate power-supplied plugs with regular ones which fit in the tight spaces.

There is also a handy reset button on the front if you should ever have a power surge. With a metal casing and solid switches with red LEDs, it's build pretty solidly. The 6' cord is also heavy-duty.

So let's think outside the box, people. Even though this was designed for DJs, it's perfect for your home, especially if you want to be green and save some green.

Works...sort of

2007-08-26
I received my unit and although the packing was good and there was no obvious damage to the box, one of the mounting brackets on the side of the unit was bent. I was able to bend it back into place rather easily, I guess this is a good thing but should metal bend so easily out of shape and back into it?

The next problem I had was that the number 4 plug had to be "jiggled" to work. Just flipping the switch does not work, if I play with the switch or the plug in the back it will come on then go off repeatedly. After 30 seconds or so it will stay on, but it has also just turned of at times. I then have to play the jiggle game to get it working again.

After a couple weeks the light on the number 6 switch began to flicker and a week later it is out completely. The switch itself works fine, but you can't tell it is on without actually walking up and looking or feeling which way the switch is flipped.

I contacted American DJ customer service a week ago via their website and they got back to me quickly. I have to send the unit back to get a new one or have it repaired, but it is currently in use so I can't do this. I would have to order another one to replace the defective one. Then I would get another back and end up with an extra one. Don't really need two so I will just live with my defective unit until I find a higher quality replacement.

Just great!

2007-03-30
Arrived quickly and is a very handy product for many uses. I'm using it to control pumps, lights and filters on fish tanks rather than having to pull plugs out of a power strip each time...

Get's it done!

2007-03-11
Absolutely excellent customer service! Truely lightning fast shipping! Product works perfectly and is very easy to use. I have ordered two. I use them to control all of my reef tank equipment and pumps. Perfect for the job!