Chain power strips (extention cords) please read first

SRRAE

OK
Im wondering if it is OK to chain extension cords in this situation.

I have a number of retro games consoles and the surge protector is just a mass of cables and with many of the old plugs, they are a lot larger and cover usually the ones next to it or opposite it.

I have an 8 way surge protector each plug has its own switch.

3 devices will be plugged in to the surge protector directly,
my TV (4 amps max)
a device to convert the analogue SCART to HDMI (1amp)
a scart selector 1amp

In the remaining 5 plugs I want to put an 1 or 2 gang extension and I plug the power for the console in to the extensions. Each console is between 1.3 to 0.8 amps.

When I wish to play something, I use the surge protector to power the TV and devices and turn on the plug just being used for the console I want to play.

Its better and tidier than having 8-10 consoles plus TV plugged in all the time.

But is this safe enough? The amps should get no where near the 13 amp limit of the surge protector which I think should be better on the electrics.

Thoughts

societys_child

I don't see a problem.

Ectophile

So long as the whole lot comes to less than 13A, it should be fine.

There's a couple of things to consider when daisy-chaining lots of extension leads...

1. A 13A fuse will not blow at 14A. It might eventually blow at 20A, but by then the plug will probably have melted. So don't rely on the fuse, and don't overload extension leads with high-power appliances.
2. If you overdo it with the total length of the leads, then you can get a situation where the resistance of all the wire is so high that the fuse could take some time to blow even if there was a serious short circuit at the far end.

westom

SRRAE wrote: »

In the remaining 5 plugs I want to put an 1 or 2 gang extension and I plug the power for the console in to the extensions. Each console is between 1.3 to 0.8 amps.

Daisy chaining has always been a fire hazard. Extensions on a power strip are only for temporary (ie 30 day) operation. Also considered a fire hazard.

Each power strip must have its own wall receptacle connection.

That 13 amp number is only a ballpark number so that layman can add numbers for human safety. For example, seven 100 watt light bulbs may demand 50 amps from their 15 amp circuit. And not trip a circuit breaker.

Reasons why are also why power strips must not be daisy chained. Too electrically complex at a layman level. But layman can learn one simple fact. Never daisy chain power strips. And extension cords are only for temporary service.

Debbie_Savard

So long as you turn it all off at the wall when you're not there, what's the problem?

Risteard

SRRAE wrote: »

Im wondering if it is OK to chain extension cords in this situation.

No, it's not.

You clearly don't have enough socket outlets. The correct action is to have a sufficient number of socket outlets installed by an Electrician.

thescouselander

I've really no idea why you want to do this. Why not keep your current configuration and use some sort of cable management product to keep things tidy?