The Solatel PWX-D20 Delayed Power Expander lets you control more devices without tripping circuit breakers. A typical plug-in controller, such as Solatel's Plant Pro, is limited in the current that can be drawn from it because of the 15 Amp rating of the typical 120 VAC outlet. This allows control of only a single 1000 Watt lamp. Adding a PWX-D20 allows control of an additional 1000 W lamp or two 600 W lamps or any other combination of devices that draw no more than 15 Amps total.

The PWX-D20 is similar to the original PWX-1 except it delays 20 seconds before turning on. This allows time for a device's start-up current surge ("inrush") to finish before the next device is turned on and has its inrush current. This is most useful for devices with high inrush currents, such as lamps, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and heaters. Such devices may have an inrush current many times their normal operating current. If many devices are turned on at the same time, even though plugged into outlets controlled by different circuit breakers, their inrush currents add together at the main breaker. This can cause tripping of the main breaker. Also, the voltage to the whole building will drop briefly which can cause a short dimming of room lights in other parts of the building or even the malfunction of some equipment. This can be especially annoying in apartment buildings where neighbors wonder why their lights dim at the same time every day. Multiple PWXD20' s can be used to control a large number of devices, each delayed 20 seconds from the previous. They can also be intermixed with Solatel's PWX-1 Power Expander (no delay) to provide the same delay for larger groups of devices. The 20 second delay is nominal and can range from 15 to 25 seconds. There is no delay at turn off.

The PWX-D20 has two cords and two outlets. The Power Cord provides current to both of the PWX-D20 Outlets. The Power Cord is usually plugged into a wall outlet that is not on the same circuit breaker as the controller. The Trigger Cord provides the control signal which switches the Outlets on (after a 20 second delay) or off (immediate). The Trigger Cord draws little current and can therefore be connected to a controller along with other devices being controlled without tripping a circuit breaker. The Outlets are on only when there is 120VAC on both the Power Cord and the Trigger Cord (after the delay). If only one cord has 120VAC, then both Outlets are off.

Extension cords on the Power Cord should be rated for the current needed by the devices plugged into the PWX-D20 Outlets. The total current drawn from the PWX-D20 Outlets combined is 15 Amps maximum. Typically, an extension cord, power strip, or outlet tap will be plugged into the controller's outlet. This allows connection of the Trigger Cord in addition to any devices being controlled that are within the current capacity of the controller. This extension cord or equivalent should be rated for the total current drawn by all devices plugged into it. The Trigger Cord draws 0.04 Amps maximum. If only Trigger Cords are plugged into an extension cord, then a standard 18 AWG (or better) cord will do.

Item Specifications
Part Number: 132469
Dimensional Weight: 1 lbs

Additional Documents:   

PWX-D20 Instructions

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Modified: 2/24/2008