Electrical Concerns

[Cined]

Hello,

Before I get into it, I'm not an electrician nor do i know anything about electrics, so please bear with my terminology


I'm a Computer Programmer and therefore have a need for more equipment (in the form of monitors, hard drives) all of which require a power supply.

Currently, I have two 10 point extension leads (which are full) that these power supplies are plugged in to and am worried that I'm going to 'overload' the single Mains point that the extension leads are plugged into in my bedroom.

Is there anything I can buy in the form of surge protectors or something that'll minimise the risk of an electrical overload?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Guest123]

Would it be worth you contacting an electrician to give you a price to install some additional socket outlets for you???

 

[Cined]

Erm, I'm fine with the two I have thanks. Plus everything is easier to manage cable wise with an extension lead.

It's not the lack of outlets that's the problem, It's finding something that I can use as a precaution (if there's a danger, that is) which is why I'm asking on this forum

 

[derek preece]

Assuming each extension lead has a 13amp fuse in the plug, then that is the most that can can be drawn from each. Add up the amps for each piece of equipment make sure it doesn't draw more than 13amps, if you have any more sockets in the room try and spread the load.

 

[Cined]

Assuming each extension lead has a 13amp fuse in the plug, then that is the most that can can be drawn from each. Add up the amps for each piece of equipment make sure it doesn't draw more than 13amps, if you have any more sockets in the room try and spread the load.

Ah okay.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Cined]

Would it be worth you contacting an electrician to give you a price to install some additional socket outlets for you???

Which part of South Wales are you from? My dad knows someone called Lenny and he's a plumber. Would be a hell of a coincidence if it was you.

 

[Guest123]

Which part of South Wales are you from? My dad knows someone called Lenny and he's a plumber. Would be a hell of a coincidence if it was you.

Carmarthenshire, and I'm not a plumber.

 

[Cined]

Carmarthenshire, and I'm not a plumber.

Ah, I'm in the Rhondda so no where near. And I was meant my dad was the plumber not you. Pretty sure you're an electrician

 

[accordfire]

Erm, I'm fine with the two I have thanks. Plus everything is easier to manage cable wise with an extension lead.

It's not the lack of outlets that's the problem, It's finding something that I can use as a precaution (if there's a danger, that is) which is why I'm asking on this forum

You might be fine with the two you have, it's really about whether the load you're pulling is fine with the two you have - that's the safety aspect of things.

Assuming you have ten devices, each plugged into the one lead, and each device draws 3A. That's thirty amps you're drawing through an extension point (and socket) designed to supply only 13A.

Realistically, although most of these devices shouldn't have more than a couple of amps load, most LCD monitors use a 5A supply. That's a maximum, then, of two on your extension lead (and the socket), and leave you only 3A maximum, which any PC base unit will use easily.

Why they ever made something with ten outlets on it beats me totally to be honest.

In simple terms, I'd have thought if your work was that important you'd probably be using a UPS of some sort anyway.

In even more simple terms, it sounds like you need a final ring main for your IT room alone. Not just for your safety, but those of any neighbours attached to your house/building.

Really - you came in to get some advice, my friend - and this is it - consider safety first, bin those ten way leads immediately (they are a danger waiting to happen), and consult an electrician who can provide a dedicated solution, designed to manage the electrical supply of heavy IT requirements. You honestly sound like a fire waiting to happen, well meant as my input is.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Assuming each extension lead has a 13amp fuse in the plug, then that is the most that can can be drawn from each. Add up the amps for each piece of equipment make sure it doesn't draw more than 13amps, if you have any more sockets in the room try and spread the load.

And remember that a twin socket is rated at 13 amps total, not 13 per outlet.
Extension leads should really be a temporary measure, I would take the advice given in post 2

 

[Phil]

Which part of South Wales are you from? My dad knows someone called Lenny and he's a plumber. Would be a hell of a coincidence if it was you.

don`t be swearing at our super mod I`ll have to edit the posts if you carry on calling him a plumber

 

[IQ Electrical]

don`t be swearing at our super mod I`ll have to edit the posts if you carry on calling him a plumber

The importance of punctuation!

 

[accordfire]

There once was a plumber from Wales
Who had some incredible tales
Of his days as a sparks
In Wales where he harks
Old Lenny - his plumbing fails!

 

[Cined]

You might be fine with the two you have, it's really about whether the load you're pulling is fine with the two you have - that's the safety aspect of things.

Assuming you have ten devices, each plugged into the one lead, and each device draws 3A. That's thirty amps you're drawing through an extension point (and socket) designed to supply only 13A.

Realistically, although most of these devices shouldn't have more than a couple of amps load, most LCD monitors use a 5A supply. That's a maximum, then, of two on your extension lead (and the socket), and leave you only 3A maximum, which any PC base unit will use easily.

Why they ever made something with ten outlets on it beats me totally to be honest.

In simple terms, I'd have thought if your work was that important you'd probably be using a UPS of some sort anyway.

In even more simple terms, it sounds like you need a final ring main for your IT room alone. Not just for your safety, but those of any neighbours attached to your house/building.

Really - you came in to get some advice, my friend - and this is it - consider safety first, bin those ten way leads immediately (they are a danger waiting to happen), and consult an electrician who can provide a dedicated solution, designed to manage the electrical supply of heavy IT requirements. You honestly sound like a fire waiting to happen, well meant as my input is.

Hmm, thanks for this reply.

On closer inspection of the monitors, each are using a 1.5A supply. Times three that's 4.5A.

As for the others, most of them come in at 1.5A with a few at 1A power supplies. The extension lead itself has a 13A maximum limit, therefore I think I'll be fine.

 

[Cined]

don`t be swearing at our super mod ill have to edit the posts if you carry on calling him a plumber

Heh, I didn't.