Socket extension question - max amps

[stoutlad]

This has no doubt been asked often by non electrical minded folk like me but when a socket extension says maximum 13amps, does actually that mean 4 plugs fitted with 3amp fuses like desk lamps etc (or 5a+5a+3a) or does it go by the actual amps of the equipment and you could have say 6 plugs with 5 amp fuses all switched on in your socket extension? is it watts divided by volts = amps?

 

[Paul.M]

The latter part of your question is correct. The maximum amount of Amps for an extention lead is 13A due to the size (csa) of the cable.

If you divide the total number of watts by voltage (230) you get the amount of Amps but try not to run appliances at 13A for long periods, this will cause heat and may damage the extention or melt/catch fire in the right conditions.

 

[Octopus]

As paul says, but also a small table light may be protected by a 3A fuse but won't "pull" 3A's . Best use the wattage ratings of the items you intend plugging in, total them and divide by 230

 

[stoutlad]

Do you mean it goes by the actual amps of the equipment, say 6 100w lamps for example would be safe to use in a 6 plug extension lead even though they all would have 3amp fuses fitted and = 18amps total?

 

[stoutlad]

sorry, posted the above in reply to paul.m. thanks, that's it sorted

 

[telectrix]

and also remember that if the extension is a wind-up one on a reel, the current capacity is way under 13A if coiled up-- nearer to 5A. seen a few of these melt without blowing their 13A fuse.

 

[Octopus]

1 x 100w bulb will pull about 0.43 amps!

What is not recommended is to use 1 x 4 way extension, then plug another 4 way extension into the first extension.

 

[telectrix]

oops, looks like my desk is a disaster area.

 

[stoutlad]

ok. cheers. that wind up cable thing happened to me nearly, it was so hot I couldn't touch it and it was smelling like burning. I can't remember what I was doing, maybe hoovering the car out

 

[stoutlad]

no actually, I had a convector heater plugged into it

 

[Paul.M]

no actually, I had a convector heater plugged into it

Yep, that would do it!

A lot of people in the winter make the mistake of plugging in 3Kw heaters. That is 13A already. If other appliances are plugged in as well, it will be like a soft icecream on a summers day. (remember them, summer days?)

 

[GLENNSPARK]

1 x 100w bulb will pull about 0.43 amps!

What is not recommended is to use 1 x 4 way extension, then plug another 4 way extension into the first extension.

thats 'daisy chaining'....and yes...it aint a good practice....which is why good design will always incorperate enough outlets for the size of property/room and also for the intended use....family size and their trends...etc......

 

[needasparks]

What is not recommended is to use 1 x 4 way extension, then plug another 4 way extension into the first extension.

I had this in an office I was working in. I noticed 4rows of 2 desks were powered from One d/s/o. I counted the outlets and they were using 4 six way leads plugged into each other totalling 22 (pc's, monitors and printers). I tried explaining some of the reasons i could think of why this was not a good idea but was falling on deaf ears as i must have made it sound too complicated.
I know no more than 13amps can be pulled total as the feeding plug won't allow it. Anyone know of any easier way to explain this to my client as the lead was running quite hot so must be near its limits.

 

[mickys86]

I had this in an office I was working in. I noticed 4rows of 2 desks were powered from One d/s/o. I counted the outlets and they were using 4 six way leads plugged into each other totalling 22 (pc's, monitors and printers). I tried explaining some of the reasons i could think of why this was not a good idea but was falling on deaf ears as i must have made it sound too complicated.
I know no more than 13amps can be pulled total as the feeding plug won't allow it. Anyone know of any easier way to explain this to my client as the lead was running quite hot so must be near its limits.

A couple of phrases you could use.....
Fire risk
Health and safety
Dangerous

 

[needasparks]

A couple of phrases you could use.....
Fire risk
Health and safety
Dangerous

Tried them, thats when their eyes glazed over.
Anyone point me a section of EAWA or similar. Not sure if anything in the PAT in-service equipment book as don't have a copy.