Managing power cables

[Nefertiti]

Currently I am running out of space to plug in all my computer goodies. I can run another extention cord with more plug space. Add those Y power cable where I can. However I was wondering if there is more elegant or better solution than this. And how many devices can I plug in to one wall socket before I overload everything?

For now its only 2 computers, modems, printer etc, however it could grow more by the end of the year.

Any ideas?

 

[howardb]

I started by seeing what plugs I needed, as follows:
- 4x PC's and 3x monitors and 1x printer - I need 4x Y power cables (all use the same power input plug type)
- 1x modem/router + 1x scanner + 1x speakers + 1x camera - all are 2-pin, so I got two 2-pin adapters that can take 3 plugs at a time, like this one:

All this fitted onto a single extender plug with six 3-pin sockets. I eventually split them equally over two extender plugs with five 3-pin sockets (that also take 2-pins), to distribute the load - similar to this one but with 5 sockets:

Anything else I need then plugs into a different plug on the opposite end of the room, or via an extender cord.

Makro have these for R115:

 

[Big Kriss]

Whatever you do, use QUALITY components ! Most extension leads and stuff are made in China and imported by the millions ! Most if not all extension leads you find today-you know, those nice white ones from 1.5 meters to 6 meters ?- are SUB STANDARD when it comes to amperage ratings.
The problems lie in the 3 prong plug .It cannot carry more that 8 amps continuously or it starts getting hot ! My main outlet is in a cupboard and thats where my extension lead was plugged in.
Im running 2x computers via 2x UPS,s-1000W each- and 3 Acer 22 " screens with an printer.
I also have two bedside lamps fitted with low wattage neon saver lights in them.

I had a major fire one night due to the plug melting inside the cupboard and setting clothing alight.
Now, I dont leave my stuff switched on and un attended at all, when Im finished I kill everything and leave the room. So this all happenend while I was here at the keyboard one night.

I have now bought quality components and made up my own , properly rated extension leads for my setup and monitor everything by feeling for heat from the wires and plugs regularly. Its all cold to the touch.

Just my 2 c worth..

 

[risingtide]

Makro have these for R115:

They are good. The most irritating thing when using such multi-plugs is to find that one cannot use plugs adjacent to each other because the spacing is too close. Usually it is just a millimeter or so. This strip seems to have a slightly wider spacing so you can use all 9 sockets.

 

[howardb]

@ Big Kriss - totally agree, the ones I have are not made in CHina and run cold all the time, even with all five sockets on (which is not often) - shop around for the best components and don't skimp on the price.

@ risingtide - too true. This is one of the reasons I went with the straight 3-pins that were able to double as 2-pins - all my power adapters fit perfectly without wasting space.

I also have them all on surge protectors and inverters (except the laser printer). Again. don't skimp on the price for these - it's worth it.

 

[Nefertiti]

plugs

HI Guys,

tx for all the responses. I'll start looking for everything this coming weekend. and i definately wont buy chinese, dont want my stuff to go up in flames.

 

[Drunkard #1]

It's not just the Chinese. Clipsal did a major recall of their third rate crap a few months back. Crabtree (Litemaster) seem to have kept their standards though. If only the best will do, you could look at Crabtree's modular range of wall sockets, I think you could get six switched sockets into one surface mount wallbox, amongst other things.