Power question - sockets/extensions

firehawk

firehawk

firehawk

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Joined
28 Apr 2012
Posts
800
Hi all.

I am not sure where I stand on this so I hope you can help me.
I just bought an 8 socket power surge protector extension lead.
It just almost makes it to the computer desk. Here, I will be plugging in:

Main desktop server
computer speakers
2 monitors
1 router
1 mousepad charger
sky+ HD box

I just got the new sky router and their power cable is short as anything! there is no way it can reach to the extension cable.

would I be "safe" to plug in another 4 socket power surge protector in one of the sockets on the 8 socket extension?

There is no other power sockets even close by in the room.

thoughts?
 
I think it depends on what the extension lead and wall outlet are rated to (I assume 13 amps?). If you work out the rated maximum usage of all your appliances and it totals to below 13amps (3000ish watts I believe?) you should be fine.

Disclaimer: I'm not an electrician and was even too lazy to properly work out 13x240 so use my advice at your own risk :P
 
Not a qualified electrician, But I'd say I know enough to know that you'll be safe. You're far from overloading the socket.

Edit - Just to add, The average wall socket is 13 amp, Which is near enough makes no difference 3kw. I'd estimate at max you're using 1kw.
 
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Go ahead it should be fine..
 
K.C. Leblanc said:
Why?

I've heard this from lots of people and I've never been given a sensible explanation for it.
Click to expand...

Tripping hazard, risk of overloading, risk of damaging the plastic on the extension lead when moving furniture (sofas sliding on wooden floors or crushing the extension against the wall), risk of spilling liquids on a socket (they are not on the ground for a reason), flooding of appliances etc.

Many reasons, why create extra hazards around the home? If you have kids as well then it should be even more obvious why its a bad idea.
 
Perfectly safe as long as your total draw is less than 3000watts

You wont find a home appliance that pulls more than 3kw

230v is your supply or there abouts (supposed to be 230v but it will vary on where your home is from the supply point) 230x13=2990

extension leads are perfectly safe as long as they are in good condition and preferably not wall mounted. Fire service recommend using the ones with leads where the sockets lie on the ground.
 
K.C. Leblanc said:
Why?

I've heard this from lots of people and I've never been given a sensible explanation for it.
Click to expand...

I use a 6 plug surge+2 plug standard long wire extension

I have:
Main PC (for gaming) + speakers sharing PC cable
Spare PC (now being used for mining)
Monitor (19^)
TV (32")
Printer
PS3
Modem


and yes the math is correct 6 plug + 2 plug = 7 plugs as the 2 plug uses a plug itself giving only 1 extra plug
 
Lord-Jaffa said:
Tripping hazard, risk of overloading, risk of damaging the plastic on the extension lead when moving furniture (sofas sliding on wooden floors or crushing the extension against the wall), risk of spilling liquids on a socket (they are not on the ground for a reason), flooding of appliances etc.

Many reasons, why create extra hazards around the home? If you have kids as well then it should be even more obvious why its a bad idea.
Click to expand...

Nonsense, it's perfectly safe (electrically).
Extension leads are fused sometimes twice (both plug + socket housing).
This fuse makes it impossible for the extension lead to demand more than 13A which then prevents the cable from overheating and causing a fire.

Just don't buy any dodgy cheap imports, make sure it has passed BS and U.K safety regs and it will be perfectly safe.


Something Else said:
Perfectly safe as long as your total draw is less than 3000watts
Click to expand...

Perfectly safe if you draw more than 3.12kW as the fuse simply blows and isolates the circuit!
Their are way too many plonkers out there to release stuff 'hoping' people don't draw more current then the CSA of the cable can safely carry!! The fire brigade wouldn't be able to cope ! :p
/16th Ed.
 
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