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.

 

[Adam W]

Just do what you like, you will anyway.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

But. Before you do, remove the cover from the plug and photograph (&post) a piccy of the 10 amp fuse.

 

[stranded]

Could be a windup!

Im with you on that

But. Before you do, remove the cover from the plug and photograph (&post) a piccy of the 10 amp fuse.

Yes, please do...


EDIT: And a picture of the setup would be nice too ;-)

 

[HandySparks]

But. Before you do, remove the cover from the plug and photograph (&post) a piccy of the 10 amp fuse.

I don't see the issue here. BS1362 fuses are readily available in 10A rating:

Plug Top Fuses - BS1362

 

[Richard Burns]

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

Power distribution units can come with more socket outlets and are designed (to some extent) for the job you describe (supplying multiple items of low draw IT equipment), they are more robust than multi gang extensions and would avoid the requirement for lots of plug and socket connections which increase the chance of high resistance problems and failures.

However the best idea is to wire it properly.

 

[linuxthefish]

I think I have a power distribution unit right now, when i got it there was an IEC power connector on it. I'm more concerned with how much I can plug in without the RCD tripping, is there an easy way to measure the earth leakage with a multimeter?

Pictures:

http://linuxthefish.net/personal/plug.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/long-cable.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/cable1.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/cable2.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/cable3.jpg

 

[Andy78]

The twin and earth cable in the plug top is not designed for plug tops and trailing over floors, flex would be much more appropriate.
Coils of cable drawing current through them as in picture 2 are bonfires waiting to happen. Magnetic effects cause overheating and dramatically reduce the current carrying capacity of the cable.

You cannot accurately measure current leakage with a multimeter, you need an earth leakage meter.

What is the RCD you are conscious of tripping ? what does it serve ? what problems arise upon it tripping ?

Oh and you definitely need some more sockets fitting lol.

 

[dan86]

two things if say looking at those pics.
1) unwind all the cables instead of coiling them up like that.
2) not quite sure what's plugged into the 3rd socket on 4th pic, but looks like nothing is attached. I'd switch anything off that's not in use. each one is switched, so may as well take advantage of that

 

[SPARTYKUS]

I don't see the issue here. BS1362 fuses are readily available in 10A rating:

Plug Top Fuses - BS1362

Well I never.

readily available if you knew those were there!! (i didnt and have never, in 44 years, seen or heard of a 2, 7, or 10 Amp plug top fuse).

so that was the issue

 

[KAS1]

This is the problem with the part P rubbish it leads to more and more of these lash ups as its all easy to do and no need to register with anyone, suppose you could run these all over your house with a 13amp fuse protecting everything, maybe run 1 for upstairs and 1 for downstairs off the 1 ring and the same off the other ring (if you have 2 rings) you could have all the sockets you want lol

 

[linuxthefish]

I would love to have more sockets, though it's rented accommodation and they don't see the point in extra sockets. One double socket in each room in a awkward location.

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

 

[dan86]

I would love to have more sockets, though it's rented accommodation and they don't see the point in extra sockets. One double socket in each room in a awkward location.

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

wtf? for real?! so if an mcb trips at 2am, you have to call someone to come out and reset it for you and charge you for it? who exactly would come out anyway. landlord/lady, sparky?

 

[HandySparks]

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

That's totally unreasonable!

If you say where you are, someone on here may be able to call round and do some earth leakage measurements (for a modest fee). You can't (safely) do this with a multimeter, you need a sensitive earth leakage clamp ammeter round the relevant supply conductors or CPC.

 

[Andy78]

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

Do you have access to a main switch to isolate in the event of an emergency ?

 

[dan86]

is that even legit..? surely you must be able to isolate supply in event of an emergency...