Extension Reel - watts questions eekkk

[Deleted User]

Hi All

Hope you are enjoying the weather.

Well I have always called it an extension lead, but app it's now called a reel.

Anyway I need to power a Fryer (2kw) and a fridge (1kw) and a food warmer about 700w.

I need a lead that can do this safely - it's very temporary so no need to worry - it's for an event on Saturday.

Can anyone tell me what lead I could get as I can't find one that I can clearly see is suitable...

thanks ia

evoke

That's some load for an extension lead!

Power = Voltage x Current

Current = Power / Voltage

Assuming a nominal 220V and total max power of 2,000 + 1,000 + 700 = 3,700W, we get the following:

Current = 3,700 / 220 = 16 Amps

As the highest rated extension leads are rated at 13 Amps, I think you could run a real risk of a fuse blowing or even worse (extension lead melting and catching fire).

Your best bet is to use two separate extension leads plugged into different wall sockets and distribute the load of the appliances. Even if you do this, ensure that the lead of the extension is unwound completely to stop it overheating.

Myser

The nominal voltage in the UK is specified as 230V +/- a tolerance.

Not that it makes much difference to the overall current figure. You will still require approximately 16A in total.

You should consider using two extension reels and taking the supply from two separate mains rings. The appliances should be split across the two extension reels

Remember that an extension reel can only be used at its maximum rating when fully extended. Do not use it partially coiled up as this could lead to overheating and potentially a fire. You'll find that some extension reels only go up to 10A and not 13A.

If you are unsure whether the supply will be RCD protected, it would be a good idea to purchase an extension reel with an RCD device.

[Deleted User]

Do you think two of these would do :-)

Many Thanks

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9109191.htm

Myser

assj wrote: »

Do you think two of these would do :-)

Many Thanks

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9109191.htm

They would be fine - just make sure the sockets are protected by an RCD.

Remember to uncoil them fully when in use.

[Deleted User]

Sorry I thought that these had built in RDC protectors? Sorry I'm really thick!

Myser

assj wrote: »

Sorry I thought that these had built in RDC protectors? Sorry I'm really thick!

No, those only have overcurrent protection. These have a plug-in RCD supplied:

http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=110&storeId=10151&partNumber=667293

Note, you will need two to run all your appliances. Fryer on one reel and fridge and food warmer on the other.

Be sure to run each extension reel off a separate ring main in the house. You can check this by looking at your consumer unit (fuse box). Each 32A fuse/circuit breaker should be labelled for the area it protects.

If you are unsure, plug one in upstairs and one in downstairs.

StuC75

They only appear to have a thermal cut off, rather than a full rcd were there to be any kind of accident that damaged the cable..

[Deleted User]

Right, thank you! I will search again :-)

Myser

If you have to buy from Argos, then a couple of these and the extension reel you linked to would also work:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Search/searchTerms/RCD.htm

The Homebase all-in-one reel would work out cheaper.

[Deleted User]

do you have a link please :-)