Automatic Power Control of PC Peripherals via a USB

[DIYSwede]

Thanks for a nice, simple and cheap tip!
Q: -Are US connectors standardized when it comes to phase and neutral prongs on your plugs (and outlets)?

Over here in Europe, (and particularly here in Sweden)-
a code-abiding and pertinent safety factor would be to make a 2 pole switch,
breaking both the neutral and phase connector,
whilst keeping the Protective Earth connected at all times.

That could easily be done by putting two relays side by side, fired in parallell by the +5 VDC,
one for the Neutral conductor, the other one for the Phase lead.

Having a single pole breaker, and the relay's contact (inadvertently or erroneously) plugged to the neutral,
would mean that the outlet socket (and the appliances downstream) still carry full phase voltage, and could potentially be harmful.
The single breaker just opening the neutral line - and given a electrical fault of anything connected to it
the current could go through (you or anybody you care about, via) another appliance, a sink or any other grounded conductive object.



2 cents

Johan

PS: -Don't even think of giving one of these to any in-laws for X-mas!