power socket extensions

blighter · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:17

hi all

i have a bit of a situation where about 16 devices in my room are connected to extension leads that are coming from one power socket in the wall by my door.

i'm looking into wiring another socket up on the other side of my room... i'm 16 and don't have much experience (well... no experience) in this and was wondering if i should do it, and if so, how?

thanks :cool:

wizardmaxx · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:20

If you decide to install an extra socket go buy some plywood and make one of these

http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Nebula/6037/coffin3.JPG

If u decide to keep it the way it is atm get one of these

http://www.firefightersusa.com/images/Sentry-Dry-Chemical-Extingu.jpg

squiffy · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:21

If you have to ask, don't do it yourself. Get your dad or a electrician to do it.

malfunkshun · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:22

Its not difficult but the recent regulation changes mean you should get a pro in or need to have it signed off by one, iirc.

Dr.EM · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:24

What are the devices you have connected? I have 9 on one outlet and am using a piggyback of a 6 and 4 way splitter, but it's well under 13A so is ok really. Adding another socket doesn't actually give you any extra current capablility anyway, just makes it neater.

Bill101 · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:26

I agree with all the other posts, keep your hands in your pockets and out of trouble

blighter · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:28

i have:
TV
Xbox
All-In-One printer
Ipod Charger/speaker system
PC Speakers
Monitor
PC
Hub
2 x Laptops
Mobile phone charger
video player
freeview box
dvd player
5.1 speaker system
lava lamp
CCTV camera

i was told that it is fairly simple to do but i didnt know the laws and chance of living

malfunkshun · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:31

Cant you charge your mobile from USB? which would get rid of one, and bin that lava lamp, getting rid of two

Rotty · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:32

malfunkshun said:
Its not difficult but the recent regulation changes mean you should get a pro in or need to have it signed off by one, iirc.

that's how I understand the new law too

blighter · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:36

malfunkshun said:
Cant you charge your mobile from USB? which would get rid of one, and bin that lava lamp, getting rid of two

i would, but i don't have a USB lead (Nokia 6230 - can only find data cables

) and the lamp makes my room look pretty

lol

i didn't want to hire electrician because they cost to much

thanks for all the advice though guys

Rotty · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:39

if you don't get an electrician to do it you run into 2 problems

firstly your insurance could be void in the event of a fire

secondly, the new regulations intend that you have to have an electrical check when selling a house and any non compliant installations have to be brought up to standard

blighter · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:41

Rotty said:
if you don't get an electrician to do it you run into 2 problems

firstly your insurance could be void in the event of a fire

secondly, the new regulations intend that you have to have an electrical check when selling a house and any non compliant installations have to be brought up to standard

alright then, cheers, guess i'm gonna be using my extension leads for a while :rolleyes:

Selekt0r · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:42

malfunkshun said:
Its not difficult but the recent regulation changes mean you should get a pro in or need to have it signed off by one, iirc.

If you are just adding an additional socket to an existing circuit then you don't have to notify the local building inspector or have it installed/inspected by a qualified electrician.

http://www.iee.org/Publish/WireRegs..._part_p_notifications_to_building_control.pdf

However this does not mean that it should be tackled by someone who is not a competent electrician, and I would agree with those who have already posted above that you should get someone with diy/electrics experience to do it (or help/show you). Working on mains power circuits is not something I would recommend tackling as your first ever DIY job.

MuvverRussia · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:43

iirc part p doesn't include adding a spur from an existing socket (which is a piece of **** to do), so anyone can do it- its not hard although its worth looking at the number of sockets needed and maybe adding a new ring in if you need a few.

If you don't feel confident get a mate or relative to help.

dsb · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:43

just be carefull, i think you may be under 13A there but still be carefull, i would get sombody in who knows what there doing.

blighter · 23 Oct 2006 at 10:46

ok, will wait for grandad (granddad? :confused:

) to return from spain so he can help

Dr.EM · 23 Oct 2006 at 12:05

As I suspected, they are mainly gadgety/electronic devices so the total current is likely to be safely under 13A; even with all of them on. The only thing that concerns me is that lava lamp since I don't know how much power they use and they are known to start fires quite readily anyway.

If you stick using extension leads, it is best to get as many sockets on one board rather than piggyback a lot. I know you can get 10 way splitters, 16 is quite possible if you look around. The danger can come with having a lot of cable length, don't coil the cables up btw.