Electrics: Extension Strips ADVICE?

GR63

GR63

GR63

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My office setup has LOTS of devices that need power (prob 24 maybe more)

I know people say "dont daisy chain" for extensions but.... How safely to connect all those devices?

1x4 Socket - with 4 x 6 Socket extensions connected?

Obviously not going to exceed 13A in the single 1x4 socket (3000W after all) and would put 5A (or 3A) fuses in each of the 6 Socket extensions

Yes I could dig holes in a wall and install 12 or 13 double sockets but I'd still be on the same 3000W limit in effect anyway

Advice and reasoning, please?
 
A fire safety officer would probably tell you to put in those 12 or 13 double sockets.

But you actually only need two doubles - plug each of the 4x 6-ways into their own socket. Job done.

Don't assume an extension cable or strip can take 13A especially if you are drawing continuous levels of high (10A+) current. A lot of what you can buy is rubbish. Many don't have a properly sized for 13A cable on, for example.
 
Well I was thinking to replace the extension socket cables anyway with higher rated cable as I also doubt most would take 13A reliably....

I'm not sure there is a ring in the room though as (modern house) only two double sockets in room (opposite walls). My last place I rewired my office with 6 double sockets on one wall alone :)
 
If they're all extremely low power devices you'll probably be ok but i would never personally daisy chain any extension leads, it only takes the missus to comes in and plug the hoover into a spare socket and surprise electrical fire!

I am lucky as I've got 2 double sockets behind my desk and another 3 in the room but if i didn't i'd get a really heavy duty 10x extension with the correct rated cable and fuses and then just be really careful about working out what i'm plugging into them.
 
I'd be absolutely amazed if some of those devices couldn't be plugged in the other side of the room, or even in a different room full stop.
 
Remember that 13amp fuses dont blow at 13amps, they normally blow around 18 - 20amps, so daisy chaining them and relying on a 13amp fuse to protect you is a bad idea as you can easily overload them without knowing. So you could pull 18 amps through the first trailing socket into the second and not know, until it started melting or smoking. That is why you never daisy chain them.
 
Just out of interest (I can't be the only one), why so many devices and what are they? Just thinking if they could be rearranged, or if they are on at the same time.
 
theone8181 said:
Just out of interest (I can't be the only one), why so many devices and what are they? Just thinking if they could be rearranged, or if they are on at the same time.
Click to expand...
Totally agree 24 things plugged into the mains seems excessive especially when almost everything these days seems to come with a usb lead so you can just buy a decent multi charger and cover off loads.
 
I just looked to see how many devices I have plugged in in my home Office and I have 21 and most of those are not USB

4 x Monitors
2 X PCs
1 x Switch
1 x MF Printer
1 x HiFi Amplifier
1 x CD Player
1 x Subwoofer
1 x Echo Dot
1 x PC Speakers
2 x Lamps
1 x Focusrite Scarlet
1 x TV
1 x Landline Phone
2 x Synology
1 x Multi USB Charger

So 24 is not unreasonable, especially if your Office is like mine. I did have some extra plug sockets installed but still have 3 x Trailing sockets.
 
Semple said:
I'd be absolutely amazed if some of those devices couldn't be plugged in the other side of the room, or even in a different room full stop.
Click to expand...

You have an incredibly low amazement threshold then... I have at least 7 computers and 3 monitors.. there's 10 without thinking
 
OP has stated that he does not want to rearrange devices, so lets look at other solutions please?


Personally I have a similar issue around my TV, where there's only a double socket - and ended up buying a 10 way PDU, as I have lots of devices but nothing that draws a particularly high load and/or that are all used at the same time:

TV
Amplifier
Bluray player
PS5
Switch Dock
CCTV DVR
CCTV Camera PSU
Roku mains adapter
Ethernet switch
Freesat box

The second double socket then has a 4 way extension lead for 3 phone/mobile chargers and a spare socket for anything else I might want to plug in to test etc
 
Armageus said:
OP has stated that he does not want to rearrange devices, so lets look at other solutions please?


Personally I have a similar issue around my TV, where there's only a double socket - and ended up buying a 10 way PDU, as I have lots of devices but nothing that draws a particularly high load and/or that are all used at the same time:

TV
Amplifier
Bluray player
PS5
Switch Dock
CCTV DVR
CCTV Camera PSU
Roku mains adapter
Ethernet switch
Freesat box
Click to expand...

Thanks Armageus, I'll put extra sockets in wall. Was just asking in case any sensible answers might help. I'd really rather have thread closed now than receive more smart arse comments
 
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