This  circuit consists of a Trailing Socket (also called Extension or  Distribution Socket) or similar device where two, three or more sockets  (depending on the box dimensions and on constructors needs) will be  powered only when a current flows in the Control Socket. For example: if  an electric drill is connected to the Control Socket, the Switched  Sockets will be powered each time the electric drill is running. In this  case, a lamp could be connected to a Switched Socket and will  illuminate when the drill is operating.
Another example: a desk  lamp could be connected to the Control Socket and a PC, a Monitor and a  Printer could be connected to the Switched Sockets and will be running  after the lamp is switched on. Switching off the lamp, all the above  mentioned appliances will be automatically switched off. A further  application is the control of a High Fidelity chain, plugging the Power  Amplifier in the Control Socket and - for example - CD Player, Tape  Recorder, and Tuner in the Switched Sockets.
Usually, trailing  sockets are placed to the rear of the appliances, often in places not  easily reachable, so, even if the socket has a switch, it is much easier  to switch on and off the High Fidelity chain from the main amplifier  itself. The same consideration is valid for computer-monitor-printer  chains etc. Nevertheless, in this case, the use of a table lamp plugged  in the Control Socket is almost mandatory, as explained below. In fact,  this very sensitive circuit works fine when appliances having full  breaking switches like lamps, drills, most power amplifiers, old radios,  old TV sets, fans, almost all electrical household appliances etc. are  plugged in the Control Socket.
This is because these devices have  a switch that fully excludes the internal circuitry from the mains.  Unfortunately, in modern devices like computers, monitors, CD players,  recent radios and TV sets (usually powered by means of internal  "switching" supplies), the power switch does not completely isolate the  internal circuitry from the mains, as transient suppressors and other  components remain on circuit. This causes a very small current to flow  across the sensing circuitry, but sufficient to trigger the output  Triac.
Therefore, the switched devices will remain always on, no  matter if the control appliance is on or off. This could also happen  when devices connected to the mains by means of plug-in power supply  adapters are used as control appliances, due to their lack of a mains  switch. In spite of this restriction, the circuit can be still useful,  due to the high number and variety of devices allowing impeccable  performance when they are plugged in the Control Socket.
Parts:R1,R2_________100R   1/2W Resistors
C1____________100nF  630V Polyester Capacitor
D1 to D6_____1N5408 1000V 3A Diodes (See Notes)
D7__________TIC225M  600V 8A Sensitive Gate Triac (See Notes)
A commercial trailing socket to be modified or a self-made box with several sockets.
Circuit operation:Six  back-to-back power diodes are connected in series to the Control  Socket. The current drawn by the device plugged into this socket when in  the on state, flowing through the diode chain, causes a voltage drop of  about 2V. This voltage, limited by R1, drives the Gate of the Triac D7  which, in turn, will switch the output sockets. C1 and R2 form a so  called "Snubber network", helping to eliminate switching transients  generated by inductive loads.
Notes:- The  circuit is sufficiently small to be embedded into some types of  commercial trailing sockets, or a box with a number of sockets can be  made at will.
- The diode types suggested in the Parts List for D1  to D6 will allow an appliance of up to about 500W power to be plugged  in the Control Socket. Use BY550-800 diodes for up to 800 - 1000W.
- For less demanding appliances, 1N4007 diodes will allow up to 200W power.
- The  Triac type suggested in the Parts List for D7 will allow a total power  available to the Switched Sockets of more than 1000W. If you intend to  drive loads of more than 500W total, please use a suitable heatsink.
- Wanting to drive less powerful loads, you can use for D7 a TIC216M (up to 800 - 1000W) or a TIC206M (up to 500 - 600W).
- Warning! The device is connected to 230Vac mains, so some parts in the circuit  board are subjected to lethal potential! Avoid touching the circuit when  the mains cord is plugged in!