Power Overload?

Anne3333

I have a single socket and wondered how many electrical things I can safely plug in at the same time?
At present I have a single socket with a power protection 6 socket extension. Into that I have
1. A computer
2. A printer
3. A monitor
4. Speakers
5. Another short extension lead with a lamp attached.
Therefore I have one socket free.
Due to work, I now need to have a second computer and monitor, so would it be safe for me to run another 2 socket extension for those, or alternatively get a larger power protection. Bear in mind all of these would be running via my one original power socket in the wall.
Please also note that I do turn everything off at the switch when going out or to bed.
I would be grateful for any advice on this. Thanks

jd87

It depends on the total current you will be drawing from the socket and whether the socket and all of the wires, circuit breakers and connections all the way back to the fuse box are able to stand this current. Whether you get one larger extension, or plug another extension into the present one makes no difference, you'll still be drawing the same current from the socket. If you are in a fairly new house built to modern standards, or an older house that has recently been rewired, then your wiring can probably stand a fairly hefty load. I wouldn't risk it though.

Blackpool_Saver

Get an electrician out to put in some more sockets, for goodness sake !!!

espresso

Anne3333 wrote: »

I have a single socket and wondered how many electrical things I can safely plug in at the same time?
At present I have a single socket with a power protection 6 socket extension. Into that I have
1. A computer
2. A printer
3. A monitor
4. Speakers
5. Another short extension lead with a lamp attached.
Therefore I have one socket free.
Due to work, I now need to have a second computer and monitor, so would it be safe for me to run another 2 socket extension for those, or alternatively get a larger power protection. Bear in mind all of these would be running via my one original power socket in the wall.
Please also note that I do turn everything off at the switch when going out or to bed.
I would be grateful for any advice on this. Thanks

The maximum load that you can draw from a single 13A socket is 3kW. Adding another PC, monitor etc. the total load will still not be near to 3kW, so no problem. I don't understand why the previous poster said "I wouldn't risk it though" without knowing the facts.

jd87

espresso wrote: »

The maximum load that you can draw from a single 13A socket is 3kW. Adding another PC, monitor etc. the total load will still not be near to 3kW, so no problem. I don't understand why the previous poster said "I wouldn't risk it though" without knowing the facts.

Because you're making the big assumption that the OP's wiring actually meets those standards...

espresso

jd87 wrote: »

Because you're making the big assumption that the OP's wiring actually meets those standards...

So do tell us, what the total load for two PC's, two monitors, two speakers, two printers and two lamps is likely to be then?

amcluesent

>I have a single socket and wondered how many electrical things I can safely plug in at the same time?<

Keep loading that bad-boy up until the fuse blows! That's what they're for...

jd87

It could easily be pushing the order of magnitude you suggest, which in older wiring could be dangerous. As I said in my original post, yes if the wiring meets the modern standard then it is most likely fine.

espresso

jd87 wrote: »

It could easily be pushing the order of magnitude you suggest, which in older wiring could be dangerous. As I said in my original post, yes if the wiring meets the modern standard then it is most likely fine.

You are talking rubbish! I currently have eleven items plugged into one 13A socket using a couple of six way distribution boards. e.g. PC, monitor, speakers, printer, scanner, lamp, router, chargers etc. and the total load is less that one sixth of the maximum 3kW.

:rolleyes:

Premier_2

Anne3333 wrote: »

I have a single socket and wondered how many electrical things I can safely plug in at the same time?
At present I have a single socket with a power protection 6 socket extension. Into that I have
1. A computer
2. A printer
3. A monitor
4. Speakers
5. Another short extension lead with a lamp attached.
Therefore I have one socket free.
Due to work, I now need to have a second computer and monitor, so would it be safe for me to run another 2 socket extension for those, or alternatively get a larger power protection. Bear in mind all of these would be running via my one original power socket in the wall.
Please also note that I do turn everything off at the switch when going out or to bed.
I would be grateful for any advice on this. Thanks

It may not be recommended, but you'll be fine.
I have three 4 way gangs chain linked running off one socket!

It depends on what current/power you are drawing - maximum is 3000W.

Approximate typical consumption:

Computer - 150W
Printer - 100W (probably less)
Monitor - 100W
Speakers - 20W (assuming they are typical small computer speakers)
Lamp - 100W

Total probably less than 500W, You could easily add another computer & monitor (250W) without a problem

Jakg

With 2 high-spec PC's, a laptop on charge, 3 monitors, and LCD TV and a hefty speaker system running on one socket (plus a few other small things) I was pushing about 900w.

No problems, at all.