Power cable question

Legacy_user

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy a 6 way 6 metre extension cable please. I had a dickens of a job getting a 4 way 6 metre extension cable last year but my needs have now grown, in as much as I want to add one more item.

Today I bought a 2 metre one forgetting the power point was some distance away. I've been told it is not good practice to have "joins"

My computer desk is some distance (236") from the power point.

KillerWatt

Why not buy the trailing socket you require, and then add the required length of flex to suit your needs?

googler

KillerWatt wrote: »

Why not buy the trailing socket you require, and then add the required length of flex to suit your needs?

Or, if you have the trailing socket you need, take the short flex off it, and replace it with a longer piece of the same type of flex?

System

If I were to plug into the power a plug with a length of cable, say 2 metres, then to the end of that single female joint, plug in the 6 metre 6 way item, it would be safe?. I've always been led to believe that extending extensions was considered a no-no.

Enterprise_1701C

CPC have a 6 way extension socket
http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/95668b/extension-socket-6-gang-black/dp/PL09191

I would assume all you would have to do would be to wire it up with as much cable as you want and away you go!!

kwikbreaks

islandman wrote: »

I've always been led to believe that extending extensions was considered a no-no.

It isn't good practice for sure but so long as the loading is low (something I'd recommend with any permanent extension) then it isn't going to be a problem - I've done it in the past as a quick fix and like most quick fixes never got around to doing it properly. Chances are it would still be like it if I hadn't moved house.

System

jane, for that price it would be a 1 metre. Making them up to lengths that suit is not normal practice as the ends are usually moulded on.

quickbreak, I know what you mean,but being over cautious I don't want to embark on that route if I can help it.

kwikbreaks

It will probably be quicker and cheaper to either buy some with short leads or no leads at all and just fit your own cables the length you need than to spend forever looking for the exact product you need. That's what I did after moving to tidy up the previous mess.

A.Penny.Saved

KillerWatt wrote: »

Why not buy the trailing socket you require, and then add the required length of flex to suit your needs?

This is what I would recommend you do. Find some 3 core 13 amp cable and wire it to a 6 way socket outlet then it would be neat and tidy with no extra joins or excess cable. You can get the colour you want so it is less noticeable.

Search for a low priced cable supplier who sells by the metre rather than a reel.

Maplins sell it but they are very expensive.

System

So in effect, if I've understood you correctly, is to buy the length of cable separately, fix a plug at none end and the 6 gang the other. No moulding required.

A.Penny.Saved

Yes, find somewhere that sells them at a good price and wire it up yourself. It's not really any more difficult than wiring a plug. Just make sure you get 3 core 13 amp flex at the minimum. Not twin and earth, you want regular 3 core mains flex. It's finding somewhere that sells it by the metre or 10 metre lengths as you don't want a big reel.

Then when you get it measure it up and cut it slightly longer to allow for cable inside the sockets and a little extra to move it around.