Criticool PowerPlant

Simple PC controlled AC relay, but use with caution – Joe

SUMMARY: Simple PC controlled AC relay, but use with caution.

The good guys at CritiCool were nice enough to send a sample of their CritiCool PowerPlant. This is a nifty piece of gear that switches AC power on when the PC is powered up, by use of a 12 volt relay. For those using 120 volt AC waterpumps, this is a desirable addition.

Hooking up the card is simple as 1-2-3:

• Insert the card in a PCI slot
• Strip waterpump wires
  
• Insert the Green wire into slot 1 and tighten the screw
• Insert the Black wire into slot 2 and tighten the screw
• Insert the White wire into slot 3 and tighten the screw
  
• Plug the power cord into the card and wall plug
• If the switch is UP, AC power is ON when the PC turned ON
• If the switch is DOWN, AC power is always ON
• An external 12 volt device can also be switched

It’s pretty straightforward – nothing esoteric here.

However, be warned that 120 volt current is ALWAYS running through the card, so touching it when plugged in is a big NO-NO.

A quick and easy way to add a 120 volt relay to your PC, although exposed terminals are a shock hazard.

Thanks again to CritiCool for sending this our way.

Email Joe