A wall multi socket adapter

Mickey666

If a 13A fuse will never blow at 20A then design engineers will surely take that into account.  Perhaps that’s why 13A plugs have pins that are far, far larger than any 13A-rated cable?  If the standards are inadequate in cases of accidental overloading (which we can reasonably assume is inevitable) then they are not fit for purpose.
There may well be cheap, shoddy, even dangerous products on the market, but that’s a whole different issue.

grumbler

Mickey666 said:

If a 13A fuse will never blow at 20A then design engineers will surely take that into account. 

They had. This fuse is so basic that this is the only way this can work.

If the fuse blows (=melts) at 13A, then it will get extremely hot at 12A.

Perhaps that’s why 13A plugs have pins that are far, far larger than any 13A-rated cable?

Definitely not. They need bigger area for better contact.

 If the standards are inadequate in cases of accidental overloading (which we can reasonably assume is inevitable) then they are not fit for purpose. There may well be cheap, shoddy, even dangerous products on the market, but that’s a whole different issue.

UK is possibly the only country (plus some former colonies) that has fused electric plugs.

Ectophile

I finally managed to find a test report I have been looking for.  It's been heavily redacted, but shows the results of testing a number of multiway extension leads at 20A to see what happened.  In the worst case, the plug melted so badly that the live pin stayed in the socket when the plug was pulled out. https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/1233/extension-lead-test-report.pdf

[Deleted User]

grumbler said:

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.

It is a Council property, grumbler, and it would be difficult to arrange - especially as there are sockets already in the kitchen - but just in the wrong place for me.  Thank you for replying.

Crimson

[Deleted User]

Redredrobin said:

what a what about a convert a socket ?

I had not heard of 'convert a socket', Redrobin and the adaptor seemed the best solution for me. I would only have one appliance 'on' at any one time and never when I was out.  I'm concerned about safety and hope the rotoadaptor I have ordered is safe enough.

Crimson

[Deleted User]

MovingForwards said:

I don't get why you need it, if you are only going to use one item at a time. In those instances just plug in the one you want to use, it's the way I've done it for several years and only takes a few seconds.

Using a multiway plug, if it's the old square type, is something i grew up with as sockets were not as plentiful as they are now. 

If it's the flat type, with switches, they can be a bit wobbly, based on the one a mate has in her Airbnb.

Apologies, I haven't clicked the link to check.

The only things I need plugged in and on the go at the same time is my PC set up, but run that off an extension lead.

Unfortunately it's not at all easy for me,  MovingForwards.  I struggle pulling plugs out safely (owing to pain and reduced strength in my ageing hands!) and I have ended up knocking things over in the process too many times.  This is why an adaptor with individual switches is suitable for me.

I know, and quite rightly, the Council would not fit other sockets for me and, even if not too expensive, I don't think a 'private' electrician would be allowed to work on Council property 'electrics.'  A call out fee for an electrician, even for a small job (and if allowed) would be quite expensive.  Thank you for replying.

Crimson

grumbler

Deleted_User said:

Redredrobin said:

what a what about a convert a socket ?

I had not heard of 'convert a socket',

LAP 13A 1G to 2G Switched Converter Socket White

Wickes Single to Triple Socket Convertor Kit - White

I agree that this is a better option than an adaptor.

FreeBear

Deleted_User said: Unfortunately it's not at all easy for me,  MovingForwards.  I struggle pulling plugs out safely (owing to pain and reduced strength in my ageing hands!)

You can get plastic strips that loop round a plug to make it easier to pull out. One example - https://www.abilitysuperstore.com/products/plug-tugs-pack-of-10

There are also plugs available with a molded in handle, but they are expensive, and if you are unable to fit them, would need someone else to wire them up.

[Deleted User]

The single to triple socket one would be good, thanks grumbler.  It's  good to see the other options, FreeBear.

Once this awful Covid-19 crisis over I'll be able to look at other more permanent  options.  Most of all safety is important - for all of us.  Thank you all, again, for these interesting and helpful replies.

Crimson

Myser

I would be somewhat wary of using that rotating socket expander on high current loads such as a kettle, toaster etc.  The rotating feature may reduce the current each socket can provide and if poorly made, you may find an appliance plug may weld into the socket over time.

The 13A fuse trip times are based on fuses designed to BS1363, the fuse in the socket expander may not be manufactured to that exacting specification.