Is it safe to run too many electrical appliances from one wall socket?

Question

At the moment I have about four appliances (some high drain) running from each of the four wall sockets in my rented flat. I'm worried that it may start a fire, damage my equipment, cause an electric shock or something else similarly undesirable.

Or perhaps less seriously it may mean that the appliances are not getting enough power and are therefore running at a lower capacity?

What can I do/buy?

Answer 1

There are a number of different questions here. You should not try to draw more than 13 amps from a single wall socket, 20 amps from a ganged pair of wall sockets or 30 amps from the circuit as a whole. The fuses in the plugs give some protection but a 13 amp fuse tends not to blow until you're drawing about 25 amps.

You need to work out approximately how many amps each appliance uses. Divide the power in watts by the voltage, so a computer with a 400 watt power supply at 240 volts draws 1.667 amps. You can safely use a 4 way or 6 way socket on a trailing lead provided the total going coming from a single wall socket is not more than 13 amps (3,120 watts). However if you have two multiway sockets on trailing leads going into a double wall socket, the total between the two should not exceed 20 amps (4,800 watts).

If your flat has only one circuit for power sockets (only one circuit breaker or fuse) your total use should not exceed 30 amps (7,200 watts). Mind you, if you are using more than that, your flat is probably uncomfortably hot.

2 way and 3 way adaptors that plug directly into a 13 amp socket are not a good idea. The weight of the adaptor and all the plugs is supported by a phosphor bronze clip inside the socket that's simply not designed for the job.

Answer 2

It may not be safe to run too many appliances from one wall socket, For example if you used an unfused three way adapter in ONE socket and then plugged in three heavy load appliances into that it could overheat, eventually smoulder/burn. But, "at the moment" you are not doing that. You have said you have four appliances running from four wall sockets. Assuming the ring main (maybe spurs) that you are connecting to has been wired correctly, according to relevant regulations, then what you are doing is ok.

Answer 3

If the flat is very old (50-80 years or more), you could have a problem. If the flat is relatively new, you might blow a fuse, or pop a circiut breaker. So it will fail safe. Go to [e-mail] and ask them. You will get a more accurate answer if you tell them the wattage of each appliance. You will find the wattage on the bottom of the appliance.

Answer 4

UK ? the power sockets are on a 30amp ring main - you can have a look at the individual items and add up the total power consumption. The wiring itself is protected by a fuse or more likely by a Miniature Circuit Breaker in the consumer unit ( fuse box )

Answer 5

I think you're safe. If you are drawing too much on any one circuit, Your circuit breakers (or fuses) will trip and shut down before the appliances themselves will burn up or cause any of the other adverse effects that you fear.

Answer 6

a ring main is rated at 30amps but this does not mean that you can plug 30amps of equipment best bet is to have mcbs and rcd fitted which will cover you for overloads and short circuits needs to be done by electrician

Answer 7

get a fused plug extention for each peice of appliance onto each main plug

Answer 8

yes it his, if you have got two or more high drain you could be drawing to much electricty, if you have access to the cable, touch it to see if its getting hot.
It is always a safe bet to unplug before going to bed.

Answer 9

buy a power cord, they areenergy savers and are the best hting for your appliances to ge tthe best out of them and have them last their lifetime

Answer 10

Ask a proper electrician