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NorthstaNder

NorthstaNder

NorthstaNder

Soldato
Joined
25 Nov 2006
Posts
2,686
Location
Ipswich, Suffolk
Hi,

A quick question.

I have a double socket which has two heating pipes directly below it. I use the sockets all the time for my landline phone which uses an ac power adaptor and my old router which used an ac power adaptor as well.

Now, I've just upgraded to BT Infinity and need an extra plug (because the modem and router are now seperate) so I've plugged in a 4 gang extension lead and run the modem and router from that.

BUT...the lead from the plug touches the heating pipes. Not a problem at the moment, but it will be in a few weeks when the heating goes on.

My Dad has suggested taking the socket off and turning it 180 degrees and then re connecting the wires (so as not to twist them) and re fitting it, so the plugs will be upside down and this will then keep the cables away from heating pipes as the cable will be coming out from the "top" of the socket.

Er...is this safe? I can't think why it wouldn't be but thought I'd ask in here and see if anyone knew.

Thanks in advance.
 
Cable is rated for 70 degrees at least, not sure how hot heating pipes get, would probably be ok tbh, but seeing your not lazy lol

You plan is fine no safety or electrical problems afaik running the socket upside down.

If you take an anal view i have no idea if they are designed, tested, certified to work upside down but i can't imagine why not.

Just make sure you turn the power off and test that it is off at that socket/circuit or just turn the whole house off and ideally test that.

If you take the wires out rather than twisting just make sure they go back in the correct L and N holes.
 
I will look a bit weird but yes it's perfectly fine to do, just make sure you have disconnected the power ideally just switch it off at the breaker box. Have something plugged into the sockets before you start with like a small lamp, and turn it on to make sure it doesn't light up and you are good to go.
 
The plugs are behind a bit of furniture so no one will know except me, my wife and my dad! heh.

I have a socket tester that lights up and checks that the live/neutral is connected properly so I can use that.

Thanks fellas.
 
Just get some white electrical tape and chuck a good few loose wraps around where the cable touches the water pipe (you could also chuck a few wraps around the pipe as-well if your not too bothered about what it looks like).
That should be enough but obviously just keep an eye on it once your pipes are up to max heat.
 
Plug a socket doubler into the wall socket then plug on the 4 gang into that & bingo, 4 gang lead is away from wall and hot pipes
 
ron3003 said:
Plug a socket doubler into the wall socket then plug on the 4 gang into that & bingo, 4 gang lead is away from wall and hot pipes
Click to expand...

I did wonder about that, but wasn't sure how safe it was to plug the 4 gang extension into a socket doubler.

Traffic_Warden said:
Just leave it the way it is, the flex from the extension will be ok upto ~80 degrees max .

From an Electrician.
Click to expand...

Hmmm...I'd love to be able to. But I know how paranoid I'd be about it!

MOOGLEYS said:
My main cable that powers my pc is cable tied to my heating pipes and never been an issue..
Click to expand...

:eek:
 
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