Daisy chaining extension cables? Current leaking to earth?

[linuxthefish]

Hi, I only have one socket to work with and adding others is not an option. Can I safely use an 1 socket 10 meter extension lead, with a 8 socket extension on the end? On the 8 socket extension i have a 6 socket extension lead (with another 1 socket extension) and and a 4 socket extension load. How many extension leads can I add before the 30mA RCD trips? Overloading should not be a problem, I have a 10A fuse in the 8 socket extension.

WALL SOCKET > 10 meter 1 socket extension lead > 8 socket extension > 4 socket extension + 6 socket extension cable (with 1 socket extension attached).

All that's plugged in is IT stuff, few laptops, audio amplifier, projector, fan, 2 40w lights, 3 monitors and a toaster sometimes.

 

[Guest55]

nope its a rubbish idea , domestic fire hazards are well documented for multi extension set-ups like you suggest.

 

[linuxthefish]

nope its a rubbish idea , domestic fire hazards are well documented for multi extension set-ups like you suggest.

I'm not overloading it though, and the fuse on the first extension is 10 amps...

 

[Resu]

If this is for real and you have no other methods I suggest you look into, say a single 12 way adapter and get someone to put a longer flex on it for you, that way you only have one.

And don't plug a toaster into it with everything else on!

 

[Clive P]

Hi,

Why only one socket to work with?

Regards.

 

[Tim]

Hi,

Why only one socket to work with?

Regards.

Maybe he's found a socket thats fed from next door

 

[micknew]

Could be a windup!

 

[Richard Burns]

Get a power distribution unit and do not use the toaster!

 

[dan86]

tbh, I had to read that a few times to make sense of it, but it really is a far from ideal setup. I appreciate there may only be 1 socket, but why no at least have it changed for a double? The setup you propose is a huge fire risk, and as mentioned by Biff, the fire hazard is well documented.

 

[kingeri]

Why are you asking about the RCD tripping anyway?

 

[Plonker 3]

Why are you asking about the RCD tripping anyway?

Cos he doesn't wan his herbal plants to die.

 

[Adam W]

This is an electricians' forum so I will give you an electrician's answer:
Instead of running extension leads everywhere you should have the circuit altered to provide adequate sockets on the final circuit.
Never mind 'would it work?', 'is it legal' or 'can I do it?', having enough permanent sockets is the way to go.

... That's if it was even a serious question to begin with - a load of IT gear... and a toaster sometimes!?

 

[linuxthefish]

Could be a windup!

Maybe he's found a socket thats fed from next door

Nope...

If this is for real and you have no other methods I suggest you look into, say a single 12 way adapter and get someone to put a longer flex on it for you, that way you only have one.

And don't plug a toaster into it with everything else on!

The largest I can find is a 10 way, and even that's expensive.

Why are you asking about the RCD tripping anyway?

"Interruption of Service" fines...

Get a power distribution unit and do not use the toaster!

Power Distribution Unit? I thought they were just bigger and more expensive extension cables...

 

[SPARTYKUS]

I'd love to see that 10amp fuse.

 

[Resu]

The largest I can find is a 10 way, and even that's expensive.

Googled 12 way extension lead and this was the first link...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-ST12B-Extension-Engineered-protected/dp/B005191K54

EDIT: it even has a surge protector for your IT equipment!