is it ok to use an extension socket with 4 points into another 4 point extension socket?

Answer 1

The fuse in the first plug will protect the total load of both 4 way extensions, so it is safe from overloading, despite comments above. I would recommend that you only use small loaded devices, no heaters/kettles etc. However it would be much better to have some extra sockets installed for long term use.

Answer 2

I would guess that you have a typical purpose manufactured extension lead, such is on sale in most electrical outlets.
When you bought it, it would have come in a packet with the usage details on it.
The usual set up is, a thirteen amp plug and fuse connected to a ten amp round wire with a 13 amp trailing socket on the end. These trailing socket come with a variety of configurations, from one to as many as 12 sockets.
They are normally used to run a number of small items, like Christmas lights or computer accessories, usually the amps are very low and there is no possibility of exceeding the rated amperage of the wire. Joining two or more leads together in a daisy chain is not wrong as long as the total amps do not exceed the specification. Make sure you add up the watts of the equipment before you start and keep within the wires safe capacity.

Answer 3

There is no risk of damaging your house wiring or blowing up if you "daisy chain" extension leads.

The plug which you insert into the wall socket will be fitted with a standard 13A fuse. Whatever load you put onto your chain of leads cannot exceed the rating of that fuse so it will blow before your ring main does.

Having said that, it is a very inelegant way of working and the more sockets you are using on an extension lead the greater the risk of one of them failing or becoming intermittent.
The quality of sockets on most extension leads is very poor (that's whay they're so cheap) so don't be surprised if the one which the second lead is plugged in to fails.

Answer 4

The circuit isn't at any risk of fusing or overheating at all. It's all got to go through the 13Amp plug in the socket before it gets anywhere near the circuit.

What you do risk is having an extremely warm flex out to your trailing sockets. Despite saying that, I've 8 things plugging in to serve my PC what with router, screen, external hard drive, printer, scanner, speakers, base unit, and the whole lot only draws 3Amps.

It's a far from ideal practice, but you shouldn't be at any risk, particularly if the extension is only 1 or two metres, and you aren't plugging in hairdriers, heaters etc.

Long-term, the solution is to provide extra sockets at the wall, but so long as you check that the flex is undamaged, and don't bury it under the carpet, then I wouldn't be unduly concerned at all..

Answer 5

Agree with jayktee96, am also a sparky, and with all respect ladies and gents, electricity and advice is a scary thing to give out if you don't know your stuff. For instance, whoever said 8 sockets on a ring is the max you can have is wrong. You can have as many sckets on a 32 Amp Ring Main Circuit wired in 2.5mm2 T&E that you want as long as the floor area of the circuit does not exceed 100m2

www.awacsuk.com or [e-mail]

and I will give basic safety advice if anyone has an issue

Answer 6

That is kind of pushing it, especially if any of those things plugged in draw noticeable current. It is OK for a computer setup where you are plugging in hubs and modems and printers and desk lamps, all of which need a place to plug but none of which draw very much current. However a better approach there is not a 4 point extension socket but one of those strips that has 6 outlets and a breaker built in. They are always on sale cheap.

Don't locate it where someone can trip over it.

Answer 7

Make sure that the main 'power bar' that plugs into the wall has a 'breaker' on it. A power bar is a device that pugs into the wall and allows you to connect up to 6 electrical devices to it in most cases. Newer houses can handle many lamps, toys etc plugged into the standard 2 piece outlet. I have 6 electronic pieces plugged into 1 outlet but I only use 1 power bar(with 6 plug-in spaces). I would not recommend plugging 1 power bar to another.

Answer 8

Have you been doing some restoration work on the cutty sark recently ?

Not a good idea unless you are 100% sure about the loading. If you have to do it, limit the second lead to 3 amps.

Winding up an extension socket to 13 amps permanently can present a heat risk.

Answer 9

You're potentially overloading the plug at the socket. Personally I'd never have more than one extension lead per socket and if 4 wasn't enough I'd get a different lead that was specifically made for coping with that kind of load.

Answer 10

in theory yes as long as the things plugged in do not go over the rated max wattage on the first extension