Electrical

Best practice for power extension cube and extension lead

Anonymous user 11 March 2024 - 2.30 PM

Hello I have a 2 gang wall socket. One of sockets is left free, the other has a 4 gang extension lead (1 metre, 13A fused) plugged in. I need to make this 4 gang into 5 gang so I can plug in low powered devices (home phone, router, modem, VoIP phone adaptor, alarm - all of which draw 1A or less). As all devices are low current and not exceeding 13A, is it ok to use a 2 way extension cube attached on one of the sockets on the extension lead (given the lead itself is already fused)? Is the max limit 3000w or 13A? Above I've just look at the Amp output not taking account of voltage. Still, the load would be under 3000w as voltage is low. Also one of the devices might use micro usb as power source, so could I just buy another 4 gang lead with usb ports? 6 gang leads seem to be too big and 5 gang are harder to find. This is why I am considering the above to keep everything compact. Thanks. Edit: I still want keep the free socket on the double panel.

StrangLX

Rating: 5 out of 55584 reviews

Broadstairs

If you shouldn’t use them then they couldn’t sell them. In addition to the other advice, most extension leads come with instructions saying they should be replaced after one year, or that they should be professionally tested and inspected annually. Usually electricians advise that installing additional socket outlets in accordance with BS7671 is preferable to plug cubes as often the cubes are infused and could lead to overloading, extension leads will have a fuse in the plug so are considered safer when taking the manufacturer’s instructions into account.

Answered12 October 2023

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Anonymous user

You can plug two extension leads in to the double socket, no problem. Edit:It is a relatively straightforward job to add another double socket next to it. Have you considered this? It would be a better solution than a multi-socket adapter.

Answered10 October 2023

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D Clements Electrical

Rating: 5 out of 55543 reviews

Evesham

It's fine for the low powered items you've described. Only an issue when multiple higher powered items, such as kettles & heaters are used, as this could result in overheating.

Answered23 October 2023

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Elec&gas solution

Rating: 4.9 out of 54.957 reviews

Reading

It will be okay to use extension lead to power up the devices mentioned. Just make sure it has a fuse rated not more than 13amp. N no demage to lead .

Answered29 October 2023

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