Are MacGyvered Geist Metered Power Strips Still A Thing?

[tlite]

Looking at DIY-ing my own power strip for audio components. Came across this thread from a long time ago:

https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?posts/5814038/

Do folks still like these Geist power strips (uploaded a couple pics I found of some models or other)? If so, what is required to get it working in the US? Do I just lop off the plug of whichever unit I get and put a NEMA 5-15 plug on it or do I need to swap out all the 20A outlets for 15A as well?

Would I better building or picking something else as a platform to improve?

Thx!

 

[hjames]

Looks like a very cool power strip with the inline meter and all. They are not dirt cheap any more, but
it does look like swapping the twist lock plug for a conventional 3 prong 110v plus is all thats needed!

 

[tlite]

Looks like a very cool power strip with the inline meter and all. They are not dirt cheap any more, but
it does look like swapping the twist lock plug for a conventional 3 prong 110v plus is all thats needed!

Thanks for the input- you're right on the price. Ten years ago sounds like people were getting them for $25 shipped, but still fairly reasonable at $40-50 or so shipped if they're as good for audio usage as folks were saying in the old threads...?

 

[hjames]

$50 sounds reasonable to me with working meter and such.

 

[Mrv8q]

Hey, I was on that thread nearly 10 years ago… still have and recommend the Geist power strips. Very good devices. I just changed the plug and good to go!

 

[tlite]

Hey, I was on that thread nearly 10 years ago… still have and recommend the Geist power strips. Very good devices. I just changed the plug and good to go!

Very good to know! Thanks !

I just bought two
BRCN100-1025FL models on the ‘bay.

Did you just go with generic hardware store 5-15 plug or a fancy hospital grade or other snazzy plug?

 

[Mrv8q]

Just a regular AC plug from my local industrial hardware store.

Enjoy your new gear!

 

[tlite]

The two Geist BRCN100-1025 TL power units arrived yesterday. For reference I was all-in at about $53 for both from the 'bay, they were shipped together. Add on $5 for each plug. So $63 total for two of these things.

I attached a few photos, along with a photo of the $5 Leviton 5-15A plug I used after lopping off the 5-20A plug. Scratched up but working great and the inside of the unit is super clean and well built- looks like a star ground as well which is good. Sturdy metal housing. There is also an interior insulating sheet for the internals that I removed and forgot to get a photo of to get the image you see here.

FWIW- I've got one plugged in and it works great. Also as these each had 10' cables and I only needed 4-5' max I had enough cable leftover I can create an extension cord or maybe a second power cable. The cable is 12/3 (12 AWG, 3 conductor) - good thick cable.

Been ten years since these were mentioned on the forum until now, but keep your eyes out for them- appear to be an outstanding value vs. what they sell for new and what cheap power strips look like.

Letting all here know that it worked out well and I appreciate the AK advice!