Modified Power Distribution Unit

The project illustrates a great way of recycling some old electronics by modifying a controller for an old APC power distribution unit.

The original setting of the device contains 8 power plugs that can be individually toggled which make it useful for cycling the power. The power cords of the unit have been spliced in a standard computer power cable by cutting off the one end and soldering the correct wires together. Extra care should be observed when splicing power cables since there are several color standards wherein matching color to color may not be safe.

Inside the case, the AC input line on the power section is passing through a reset switch then to the PCB along. The Ground is attached to the case as well as the 3rd prong of each AC outlet while the Neutral is connected directly to the PCB as well as each AC outlet. In line with a relay, the other prong of the AC outlet is connected to the PCB. The state of the power for each outlet is indicated by the 8 LEDS. A serial input latch driver UCN5821A is used to control the relay board.

Rest of the project