Overloading extension cable/plug socket

JackeeBoy

Hi all

I want to know in general is overloading a socket based on the amount of things plugged in or the power it draws? Specific situation is my bedroom as there is one wall socket next to the bed and the current setup is -

Amazon Echo device in one
Double plug in another which connects 1 lamp and the extension cable
That extension cable goes to the other side of the bed and connects another lamp and a phone charger.

What I wanted to do is connect another extension to the extension to go to the end of the bed where I will then connect a mini-fridge and baby bottle warmer.

Too many connected devices?

GDB2222

JackeeBoy wrote: »

Hi all

I want to know in general is overloading a socket based on the amount of things plugged in or the power it draws? Specific situation is my bedroom as there is one wall socket next to the bed and the current setup is -

Amazon Echo device in one
Double plug in another which connects 1 lamp and the extension cable
That extension cable goes to the other side of the bed and connects another lamp and a phone charger.

What I wanted to do is connect another extension to the extension to go to the end of the bed where I will then connect a mini-fridge and baby bottle warmer.

Too many connected devices?

No, it’s based on the total wattage. None of those appliances take much power, so you are okay.

Just make sure that each extension lead is rated for 13 amps. That way, when someone plugs a fan heater in later on, the extension leads won’t melt.

daveyjp

When you say you have one socket I assume its a double as you say echo is in one?

I don't like daisy chaining extensions even for low wattage items. It is Too easy to see a socket and decide to plug a high wattage hairdryer, vacuum or similar and overload the chain.

There are six gang extensions available which are a better option for low wattage items such as echo, charger and lamps with LED bulbs.

TELLIT01

I agree about not liking extensions running off extensions, but from the OP's description a single 6 way would not be a practical solution.

onomatopoeia99

daveyjp wrote: »

I don't like daisy chaining extensions even for low wattage items. It is Too easy to see a socket and decide to plug a high wattage hairdryer, vacuum or similar and overload the chain.

I don't mind daisy chaining at all. High current items always get plugged in to the wall, low current can go on extensions. None of this should even need to be stated.

Norman_Castle

Amazon Echo device in one
Double plug in another which connects 1 lamp and the extension cable

I'd give the extension cable its own socket, the echo and lamp can share. I'd also avoid the block adaptors, use a short 4 way adaptor instead.
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home/overloading-sockets/

Heedtheadvice

As already posted the number of connectors is not really a very significant problem.
The concern about overload is correctly down to the current drawn in amps.
That is related to power used and supply voltage but it is the current carrying capacity of the connectors and wires that is the concern.


For the items listed they are all very low power therefore very low current. That will not be a problem.


However it does pose potential risks:
(As above) someone inadvertantly plugging in one or more high power devices making it unsafe
Trailing cables becoming a trip hazard.
Multiple connectors in series reducing reliability and fuse blowing (if/when it occurs) affecting devices with no problems.
Potentially more wear and tear on or damage to extension cables
Possible nuisance if disconnection results in devices unexpectedly losing power.

Some of these will be considered minor issues othere increase safety associated risks.

So overall not good practice!


See Norman's link menu item regarding extension cables.

Murmansk

A bit off-topic but I once attended an evening class at a school and the tutor wanted to plug in a couple of fan heaters as it was cold. She plugged two fan heaters into one extension lead, most of which was still coiled up on its reel.

The bit of the extension lead that was still coiled up started to heat up and glow like the element of an electric fire, causing all the insulation to melt and drip onto the floor. It was very dramatic.

The lessons from this are not to overload your extension leads and always to fully unwind them.

Carrot007

GDB2222 wrote: »

Just make sure that each extension lead is rated for 13 amps. That way, when someone plugs a fan heater in later on, the extension leads won’t melt.

Very much this a lot of extensions these days seem to be 10 amp. OH used an iron in one and there was scorching!


Never even occured to me an extension would not be 13 amp. Binned it and got a decent one.

pinkshoes

A GCSE physics question...

For every device you plug in, it draws electrical current. You just add the current for each running device together an make sure it doesn’t exceed the current rating for the extension.

E.g. my oven had a cable suitable for up to 30 amps, but I then installed an induction hob. The hob had to have its own ring main rather than connecting in parallel to the oven, because if I ran both devices at the same time they would draw more than 30 amps in total which would overheat the wire.

Just plug high power devices in on their own!