Extension Cord Adapters

How to run two animated channels on one extension cord.

This how to is to show you how to make a pair of adapter to run two animated channels threw one regular extension cords of any length without actual modifying the cord itself.

the the adapter is made of two parts one for each end of the cord.

Parts one. feed end

Parts needed

(2) 3 prong power cords

(1) 3 prong female cord cap

   Note: 2 prong plugs maybe used be you will have to figure out the polarity the build will be based on using the 3 prong plug

Step 1. Separate the wires on each of the power cords about 1 inch, cut off the ground (green) wire (it won't be used), and then strip the insulation back 3/8 of an inch.

Step 2. Id which wire will be on the hot side of the plug and which will be on the neutral. this can be done by wire color using a meter marking which prong is what some how...I used a paint marker.

   Note: your about to start assembly. The electrical industry has adapted a color code system to identify what the different 
             terminal screws are on plugs, switchs and cord caps (plugs of power and extension cords). The system goes like this: 
             Green is ground, Hot (power supply) is gold (dark colored) and neutral (power return) is usually silver in color. 

Step 3 Take the too neutral wires twist them together and secure them under the ground screw of the 3 prong cord cap

Step 4 Take one of the remaining wires and secure it under the silver screw. and the other under the goldscrew. then close up the cord end, making sure that the outer insulation jacket of the two power cord and within the cap (to make this possible you may have to repeat steps 1 thru 4 making the wires lengths shorter in step 1.)

Step 5 Id the two power cords 'A' and 'B' the uses your meter to id which side of the cord cap the hot side of 'A' is connected and mark it somehow. Repeat this for 'B'.

Step 6 Go on this Part Two

Part Two. The other end

Parts needed

(1) 3 prong power cord ( you can not build this part with a 2 prong cord)

(1) electrical outlet

(1) single outlet electrical box

(1) electrical outlet cover

Step 1 make a open in the electrical box and feed the power cord thru into the box. then tight a knot on the end that will be inside about 8 inches from the end.

Step 2 separate the wires on the power cord back to the knot and strip the ends about 3/8 of an inch.

Step 3 take the electrical secure the green wire under the sliver screw, the neutral wire under one of the gold or dark screws and the hot wire under the other, removing the connecting tab between them separatting the two outlet (on the hotside only)

Step 4 with a mark place a small dot on each of the outlet faces one the same side as the gold or dark screw then assemble the outlet in the box and install cover

Step 5 plug the adapter you built in part one to the power cord of part two then using your meter id the outlets by check for continuity between the prong you maked on each of the plugs on part one to the marked side of the plugs on part two. marking which face is 'A' and which is 'B'

Now your adapter is complete just stick an extension between

   Note: Both channels operated thru this setup should be power from the same Power circuit or breaker

   Disclaimer: This how to was written under the assumption you have a basic understanding of electricity. If you attempt this 
   it is at your our risk. The author of this artical nor the site hosting it can not be responsible for the outcome of your 
   handy work.

Have Fun