Hello, as happens with many, what started as one, is now twelve. When I start thinking about the time I spend walking down the row flipping on and off power switches, it might actually start adding up. Knowing I can't be the first one to think of this, thought I'd throw out a post to see if anybody has any good product solutions, etc. I know on my audio equipment higher end Monster power components, there are delayed circuits, but I have no idea if a pinball machine (mostly new machines, but a few older ones with ugly power supplies) needs something quite as sophisticated. I don't want to daisy chain power strips as have always heard that's a no-no. Thought about using three power strips each plugged into their own remote control switch (like for turning on and off outdoor Christmas lights), or even a Lutron smart switch, but I'm no electrician so just want to make sure I'm not doing anything to damage the machines or start a fire. Currently have about 3-4 machines per power strip, but I still turn them on/off at the machine vs the power strip level. Any thoughts appreciated!

So I bought the WeMo smart switches and created a bit of an issue that didn’t seem to previously exist. I had 7 games (5 modern, 2 WPC’s, for some reason it feels like modern games would take less power) running on a 20amp circuit with a 15amp GFI for 6 months, no issues, through two power strips. I installed a WeMo smart outlet switcher on both plugs of the GFI (one per power strip), and that’s when it started. Seeing 7 machines power off suddenly is not a warming feeling! The GFI popped. Took the WeMo’s off, popped again - this time in an epic game of Jurassic park . Broke out an extension cord and split the machines to another circuit and were fine now. Electrician coming tomorrow to double the capacity on the game wall (pulling 2 new 20amp circuits so I’ll have 4 for 10 machines).

I self diagnosed my issue but led to new questions:
- how did I go 6 months with no issue and what did those WeMo’s unleash
- been using cheap Amazon brand surge protector/power strips. Should I ditch those, any recommendations? Any sense in using battery backups (like I have on computers)?
-once I’ve got enough power, so I try the WeMo or any sort of master power control? After seeing my games go dark a few times testing, I’m thinking I’m ok with flipping 10 switches!
-how can I test how much power each game is pulling? Do the older games pull more?
-on the new games the power switch I believe just initiates a shutdown sequence, vs stopping the power. The computers essentially shut down, close files, etc. any issue with corrupt data just pulling the power (like through a smart switch)?

Thanks for the discussion, interesting topic to me.