Power sockets query - Need advice.

[Lostprophet]

Hi folks,

I need some help. I have a 2 way plug socket in the wall. I have been advised that when I set up my plasma, amp, cd player, radio, digi box, Ps3 and other media stuff that this wont be enough and I should not use too many extension cables.

I have looked at this...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Converter-Socket-Converts-...

I don't know the first thing about electrics however I note someone saying on the reviews its limited to 13amps?

Any ideas on what I can do? any help will be appreciated.

Regards,

LP

[Fotic]

That thing is no real different to an extension lead, it's for appearance/tidiness really. Quite unsafe IMO, making a 'pretend' wall socket.

[Lostprophet]

I see your point.

Any way of upping protection... There are a lot of devices feeding off one 2-way plug then.

[Fotic]

I'm not a spark but I'd say you probably need some more points putting in.

The devices might not draw as much current as you think though so worth adding up before doing anything rash.

[schmunk]

Meh, you've probably less than 1kW of power draw in total there (i.e. ca. 4.5A at 230V), so your 13A twin socket has plenty of headroom.

[C0ffin D0dger]

Fotic said:

I'm not a spark but I'd say you probably need some more points putting in.

The devices might not draw as much current as you think though so worth adding up before doing anything rash.

This ^

All your media stuff, even if plugged into one socket, won't draw 13A. My 50" Panny Plasma, which is probably the biggest current draw, is still only 1.7A

[Sir Bagalot]

Lostprophet said:

I need some help. I have a 2 way plug socket in the wall. I have been advised that when I set up my plasma, amp, cd player, radio, digi box, Ps3 and other media stuff that this wont be enough and I should not use too many extension cables.

An extension lead merely turns one plug into 4/6. Although you can plug one into another it's regarded as best practice to just use one extension per plug socket.

To establish what you need you need to use P=VA, Power = Voltage x Ampage. For example if your TV uses 360Watts of power then it is Power (360) = Voltage (240) x Ampage required, in this case Ampage is 1.5A.

A plug socket is capable of delivering 13A, so that P=240x13, that means from a single plug socket you can run devices requiring 3,120 Watts of power.

Me things your twin socket is more than ample for the job.

[Spare tyre]

add all the devices up

often they would be less than a plug in heater or something similar that you might happily plug in without a second thought

[R1 Indy]

I would be amazed if that lot comes even close to 13A, so no issues with extension leads etc, although would look tidier with some extra sockets.

Now if you wanted to plug in several 3KW heaters, it would be a different issue.

[Pheo]

I just have two 13amp 6 ways running off two plugs for mine, and have pretty much what you have. Sparky was fine with this.

[Ganglandboss]

There's nothing wrong with using multi-gang adapters as long as you don't exceed the rating. As said, use I=P/V to work out the total current draw. Bear in mind, a twin socket outlet is rated at 13A total (not 13 per outlet), although you are unlikely to do so with that lot.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

Or simply add up the maximum rated wattages of each appliance. If it all comes to less than 3,000W (3kW) then you're fine. In fact, if you're talking about a twin socket then each one should be able to take 3kW in theory, but I'd stick to 3kW as a limit.

I would be totally amazed if you've got 3kW of audio-visual equipment. Even a powerful amp is typically no more than a few hundred Watts, and even a big plasma about the same. If you've got 3kW of audio then I'm glad I don't live next door to you!!

In general, appliances that generate heat, or heat water, are the ones that consume large amounts of power. Heaters, kettles, hair driers, tumble driers, washing machines, dish washers, etc. Heavy duty power tools as well.

[Ganglandboss]

Dr Mike Oxgreen said:

Or simply add up the maximum rated wattages of each appliance. If it all comes to less than 3,000W (3kW) then you're fine. In fact, if you're talking about a twin socket then each one should be able to take 3kW in theory, but I'd stick to 3kW as a limit.

I would be totally amazed if you've got 3kW of audio-visual equipment. Even a powerful amp is typically no more than a few hundred Watts, and even a big plasma about the same. If you've got 3kW of audio then I'm glad I don't live next door to you!!

In general, appliances that generate heat, or heat water, are the ones that consume large amounts of power. Heaters, kettles, hair driers, tumble driers, washing machines, dish washers, etc. Heavy duty power tools as well.

Read my comment above - they are not. They are rated at 13A per unit - not per outlet.

[shtu]

Lostprophet said:

Any way of upping protection... There are a lot of devices feeding off one 2-way plug then.

Use good quality surge-protected extension cables and you'll be fine. I'll wager right now that you're nowhere near the 13amp limit. Example of a decent extension http://www.amazon.co.uk/Masterplug-SRG62-MP-Surge-...

What I do is,

Have one 6-way extension that is permanently live. Anything that needs constant power (eg, PVR) is connected to this.

In the other outlet, I have one of these, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Energy-Powerdown-Protectio...

On the switched outlet of that, I have another 6-way extension, into which go all the devices that don't need permanent power.

Voila - 12 outlets, all surge-protected, and saving the planet too.