Difference between adding sockets and an extension block?

[Russinating]

I'm not an electrician so apologies if this is a really stupid question, but what's the difference between adding more plug sockets to an existing socket outlet and using an extension block?

In this scenario there's a single plug socket which an electrician has checked the ring of and he's said he can replace it with a 6-gang set of sockets. How is that different from plugging a 6-gang extension block into it if the ring can take it?

 

[bremen1874]

Not an electrician either, but have had some dealings many years ago...

If you plug a mains extension lead into a socket it's limited to a combined 13 Amps (by the fuse in the plug).

If you break the ring and insert one or more sockets then each socket (single or double) will be rated at 13 Amps.

If you're spurring off from an existing socket you can either have one additional socket, or you can go via a FCU (fused connection unit) and have as many sockets as you'd like (but limited in capacity by the fuse in the FCU - basically a hardwired extension lead).

 

[NoobCannon]

Fyi ive used a few of these in my flat. Mainly for changing a double to a quad socket behind my fish tank.

They have an internal 13a fuse so are very safe and easy to install. Had no problems with mine and looks much neater than having trailing extensions.

Socket Converter 1 or 2 Gang to 4 Gang https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001GJV5KI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6-j.ybXNJG1H3

 

[niko]

I'm not an electrician so apologies if this is a really stupid question, but what's the difference between adding more plug sockets to an existing socket outlet and using an extension block?

In this scenario there's a single plug socket which an electrician has checked the ring of and he's said he can replace it with a 6-gang set of sockets. How is that different from plugging a 6-gang extension block into it if the ring can take it?

sparky in previous life!
if he can extend the ring (not add a spur) its significantly better/safer. if there are below a certain number of sockets on your existing ring it can be added to without risk of overloading. the ring main uses components that can safely supply the power and its designed to do this, a trailing 6 gang is basically a bodge, ok for temp use or very low power draw.

 

[a1ex2001]

sparky in previous life!
if he can extend the ring (not add a spur) its significantly better/safer. if there are below a certain number of sockets on your existing ring it can be added to without risk of overloading. the ring main uses components that can safely supply the power and its designed to do this, a trailing 6 gang is basically a bodge, ok for temp use or very low power draw.

Total nonsense an extension lead is no more or less safe and certainly not a bodge. The dockets on the extension will have exactly the same protection as the wall socket they are connected to with the addition of a 13amp fuse. Obviously you need to be sensible with what you plug in but even if you over do it you will just pop the fuse so hardly a big deal. Extending the ring is ideal but expensive and probably unnecessary if all you want is some extra sockets for your sky box and DVD player!

 

[Russinating]

Edit!