Build Your Own Relay-Triggered Power Cord

PowerSwitch Tail https://t.co/EdH1gl4nV8

— John Baichtal (@johnbaichtal) July 26, 2013

I’m a big fan of the PowerSwitch Tail. It’s an awesome power cord equipped with a relay board that enables a relative neophyte maker (say, can run the Blink sketch in Arduino) to safely control high-voltage electrical sources. It’s great because it’s pretty much foolproof and as safe as any extension cord.

Ryan Edwards of Sparky’s Widgets shot this YouTube video showing how to build a DIY version of the PowerSwitch Tail that can switch up to 120VAC/12A.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fRkUMgqHq0&list=TLba8x5o5Dnu8]

Ryan reports that the total cost is under $20, which doesn’t compete much against the $27 PowerSwitch Tail (available at the the Maker Shed) but it’s always cooler to make one yourself!