Everytime someone comes in my office, they always point out to me how I have a bunch of wires tangled behind my desk and that the heat they generate is going to start an electrical fire. I'm sick of them saying this. Is it true?
2007-03-24 05:53:52 · 4 answers · asked by Zudd 3 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
Probably not. They might start a fire if they are over-loaded power wires, but my guess is that a lot of the wires are not power wires, but include data and speakers wiring, etc. Even if you have a lot of power wires plugged into an outlet strip, it would only be a problem if you were trying to draw more power then they could safely handle. Make sure that if you are using a plug strip it is one with a circuit breaker built into it. However, I would stay away from cheap plug strips. I just don't trust them.
2007-03-24 06:44:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's a bunch of wires? Like behind your computer, or plugged into an 110 v. 15 a. outlet? If the outlet is overloaded and the current ( amperes expressed by the 15 a.) device ( a circuit breaker or fuse Thar opens if more than 15 a.flows through it) is bypassed or not working right the wire can become very hot due to the demand of the appliances' needs to operate. Each Appliance gets what it needs. Too many plugs, too many appliance cords, and that gets there via the wire feeding the plug. HOT! If any of the cords are frayed they can start burning. If any of the (too many) plugs aren't all the way in and expose copper, that's another hazzard.
some of your computer cords are low voltage, and don't pose a serious threat, but printers, monitors, the prosesor, etc. that 110 volts should be safe guarded by one of those multiple strips that are fused seperately to limit any overloading of the componets.
Try keeping your cords untangled by routing them together until they need to feed their unit using tie wraps or those paper wire covered wraps you get with plastic bags.
2007-03-24 06:38:42 · answer #2 · answered by Farley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat by itself, if any - which is doubtful - can't start a fire.
Only a short in the wires could potentially be a problem.
However, you may have an image problem in the office - viewed like an unorganized "slob". If you want/care to improve your image you may want to organize those wires a little better
2007-03-24 06:42:51 · answer #3 · answered by TV guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only, if they were to touch the socket, it most likely will not if their just, there.
2007-03-24 06:12:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋