> The idea is that it would enable any tool to be tied into the
> access-control system. Each socket on the strip can be remotely turned on
> or off apparently.

> As I understand it the idea is to ensure people using mains powered tools
> are actually trained in using them. So use your access card to turn on a
> tool, if you're trained the plug it's connected to will come on. Only works
> though if the tool can't simply be moved to another active socket.
> I doubt it'll go on every single tool, probably just the more specialised
> ones.

> Hmm, though it does raise the point of how to turn it off again. Timed?
> Must be deactivated by initial user or loose tool privilege?

> On 25/09/2012 16:28, Adrian Godwin wrote:

>> If the power plug is captive, that would leave a bare wire when the
>> workshop's turned back on. Nobody will be patient enough to wait for a
>> keyholder to remove the cord, they'll tape it up at best.

>> Not really sure what problem this is solving. Why should the leads be
>> captive ?

>> -adrian

>> On Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 4:24 PM, Monty <monty...@gmail.com> wrote:

>>> Step 1) Kill the power to all workshop or entire strip (it's an
>>> catastrophic
>>> emergency afterall)
>>> Step 2) Cut the power cord of the tool in question.
>>> Step 3) Leave a note.

>>> On Tuesday, 25 September 2012 16:13:46 UTC+1, Sci wrote:

>>>> I mentioned the idea on Saturday night that perhaps caging-in these
>>>> strips (a box to contain plugs but with wire-access slots and a padlock)
>>>> would be the simplest way of stopping people from bypassing the socket
>>>> allocations, rather than soldering tools in permanently.

>>>> Something that's occurred to me is the issue of tool failure. If a tool
>>>> fails catastrophically (bursts into flames, say), or someone gets a
>>>> serious shock then the power needs to be disabled instantly.

>>>> Each addressable power strip is going to need it's own emergency-off
>>>> button. Seems the only way to make them safe and still limit a tool to a
>>>> particular power socket. Fumbling for an access card to shut it off via
>>>> RFID would take too long in such circumstances.