how to add a grey box type timer??

[G33k Speak]

I have a 20 amp line that feeds a n outlet, and i have a powerstrip that runs off the outlet.


Handy reference MS paint diagram.

I want to add a heavy duty water heater timer and remove the powerstrip/timer combo.

I also need to power 2 more outlets further down the circuit.

What would be the best way to wire the timer??

do I splice the main line and just add a drop down to the timer??(figure A)

or should I wire to the timer, and THEN to the outlets?? (in series I guess would be the term)

 

[BudGood]

It'd be easier to put a appliance pigtail on the line (power) side, so you just plug the greybox in. Attach a 4 square box, and wire 2 outlets to the load side of the grey box.

If your heart is set on one of those setups, you'll need a junction box to house the splice, that'd be my choice.

Are you wanting the outlets you speak of to be timed or constant power?

 

[G33k Speak]

part of teh deal is that the grey box timer needs to be outside the room, and then I need another 2-4 outlets inside the room for pumps/timers/fans.
sooo, I guess I could also add the timer wiring 'after' the outlet- but that's what I was wondering originally- does it matter where in the run, the diffent outlets or timers are placed?

I was under the impression thet the WH timers had to be hard wired and weren't plugnplay.

 

[G33k Speak]

buuump

 

[BudGood]

My bad dude! I missed this somehow, it must've been the honey oil!

Let me see, as I was saying, you could put a pigtail and turn it into a plug and play, thats what I did with my grey box timer(120v) before I started using a flip-flop. Just get a properly sized (or oversized, better safe than sorry, especially on something like this, you don't want to have to re-do it later on, a 12 AWG or 10 AWG cord would be best IMO) extension cord, figure out how far it will be from the power outlet, cut it at the length you need it, carefully strip off about 6-10 inches of outer sheathing from the inner wires, and use that as your incoming power. Then, attach a 4 square box or a handy box, depends on whether you want 1 or 2 duplex outlets, I have 1 on mine, so I used a handy box, attach it to the underside of the grey box using self tapping sheetmetal screws, and put a 1/2 chase nipple between the box and the timer. Make sure you get a proper cord grip for the extension cord, don't use MC connectors or anything that'll damage the wire. They're called "CGB's" Cord Grip Bushings, come in 1/2 or 3/4" sizes, to fit right into the appropriately sized knockout. I've seen them at Home Depot or Lowes, just take a chunk of the extension cord so you can get the properly sized one. If not look for electrical supply businesses, most will sell to walk-in customers for cash.

Also, if you're using a handy box, you can get a cover for outlets made specifically for them. If you decide on going with 2 duplex outlets, get an industrial cover for a 4 square box, you can get the boxes as deep as you need them. Let me see if I can dig up my old grey box timer, so I can give you some ideas.

sooo, I guess I could also add the timer wiring 'after' the outlet- but that's what I was wondering originally- does it matter where in the run, the diffent outlets or timers are placed?

I'm kind of confused by this, do you need timed outlets in the room, or constant power? If timed, just run a couple of heavy duty extension cords from the grey boxes outlets. It just makes it easier to tear down, so you don't have to be messing with wires if you're in a hurry to tear down your op (I've seen a friend damn near cause a fire trying to rip out a hardwired grey box in a panic, no bueno). I'm gonna go find my old timer and get some pics of it, I'll be right back.