A wall multi socket adapter

[Deleted User]

I saw 'this' in a magazine and now I don't  know what it is called  to search for one.  It is an oblong adaptor to plug in to a single wall socket, then plug in about three separate appliances into it -  but it was a special one:  You plug it in then twist the oblong adaptor part upwards.  This lets the plugs 'clear' the worktop where there would otherwise not be enough clearance fot the cords/flexes from the plugs.  I hope my description makes sense.
I think the individual plugs each had a separate switch.  If I remember - I think the individual switches had different colours.  About three separate appliances can be plugged in at the same time but not all switched  on.

If anyone knows of one, or what it is called- thank you very much.

Crimson

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

This Amazon page has a few contenders . .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Socket-Adaptor-Extension-4-Way-Multi/dp/B082B4FRZ6

[Deleted User]

Thank you very much, avoidtheupsidedownbottles.  It is exactly what I was looking for but did not know what it was called.
I'll be able to order one now so thank you again.
Deleted_User

FreeBear

Deleted_User said: This lets the plugs 'clear' the worktop where there would otherwise not be enough clearance fot the cords/flexes from the plugs.

If you are thinling of using one in the kitchen, be mindful of what you plug in to it - All too easy to overload such a device, what with kettles, toasters, bread makers, etc. You certainly do not want to be plugging a dishwasher, washing machine, or tumble dryer in to one unless you fancy an electrical fire.

Mickey666

FreeBear said:

Deleted_User said: This lets the plugs 'clear' the worktop where there would otherwise not be enough clearance fot the cords/flexes from the plugs.

If you are thinling of using one in the kitchen, be mindful of what you plug in to it - All too easy to overload such a device, what with kettles, toasters, bread makers, etc. You certainly do not want to be plugging a dishwasher, washing machine, or tumble dryer in to one unless you fancy an electrical fire.

Hard to see how overloading a socket would cause an electrical fire unless the whole electrical installation is faulty.  Plugging in a kettle, washing machine and tumble dryer into one socket will certainly overload it, but that's what fuses and MCBs are for - to protect everything in the case of overloading.  Otherwise, why would multi-way socket strips even be legally allowed if they were potentially dangerous?

[Deleted User]

Thank you very much for this information and reminder.  I hope to plug in a toaster, kettle and soup maker.  I would only use one item at a time.  My microwve is on a separate 'proper' double socket in a different part of the kitchen and they have individual on/off switches. I use the other socket for different things (less frequently) because it is behind the microwave.  it is awkward to plug things into or switch on or off easily.

This is why it will be very helpful to have the separate switches on the adaptor - they will be switched off (apart from the kettle) all the time and only switched on when in use - but with the benefit of not having to pull the plug out of the adapter. 

The help on this Forum really is invaluable  and I have benefited on so many occasions.  I am really thankful and, again, thank you all very much.

Crimson

roddydogs

Saying the obvious, but these are ok for say, audio,tv etc., but not for kitchens where high current values are the norm.

[Deleted User]

I ordered this roto adaptor this morning and it is going to be delivered by Royal Mail.  It is for the kitchen, roddydogs, but I'll be careful and only have one thing switched on at a time, thank you.

Crimson

Ectophile

Mickey666 said:

FreeBear said:

Deleted_User said: This lets the plugs 'clear' the worktop where there would otherwise not be enough clearance fot the cords/flexes from the plugs.

If you are thinling of using one in the kitchen, be mindful of what you plug in to it - All too easy to overload such a device, what with kettles, toasters, bread makers, etc. You certainly do not want to be plugging a dishwasher, washing machine, or tumble dryer in to one unless you fancy an electrical fire.

Hard to see how overloading a socket would cause an electrical fire unless the whole electrical installation is faulty.  Plugging in a kettle, washing machine and tumble dryer into one socket will certainly overload it, but that's what fuses and MCBs are for - to protect everything in the case of overloading.  Otherwise, why would multi-way socket strips even be legally allowed if they were potentially dangerous?

The people who designed the 13A BS1363 plug never really allowed for multi-way adaptors.  The problem with the 13A BS1362 fuse you'll find in a plug is that it takes a substantial overload to blow it.  They can pass 20A forever without blowing, by which time the plug may have melted.

The original bakelite plugs wouldn't melt, but manufacturers use cheap thermoplastic these days instead.

Manufacturers are allowed to sell them because they meet british standards.  Or at least look like they do, which is close enough for the importers.

grumbler

Ectophile said:

The people who designed the 13A BS1363 plug never really allowed for multi-way adaptors.  The problem with the 13A BS1362 fuse you'll find in a plug is that it takes a substantial overload to blow it.  They can pass 20A forever without blowing, by which time the plug may have melted.

The original bakelite plugs wouldn't melt, but manufacturers use cheap thermoplastic these days instead.

Does this not apply equally to a single appliance (that can overload the plug+socket) combination if it's faulty and an adaptor/extender with several appliances?

That said, I agree that quality of sockets in cheap adapters and extenders can be extremely poor, but this is a different question. Also, I'd rather replace the socket with a double one and added a new one if needed.

Redredrobin

what a what about a convert a socket ?