Daisy chaining extension cables? Current leaking to earth?

[linuxthefish]

I think I have a power distribution unit right now, when i got it there was an IEC power connector on it. I'm more concerned with how much I can plug in without the RCD tripping, is there an easy way to measure the earth leakage with a multimeter?

Pictures:

http://linuxthefish.net/personal/plug.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/long-cable.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/cable1.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/cable2.jpg
http://linuxthefish.net/personal/cable3.jpg

 

[Andy78]

The twin and earth cable in the plug top is not designed for plug tops and trailing over floors, flex would be much more appropriate.
Coils of cable drawing current through them as in picture 2 are bonfires waiting to happen. Magnetic effects cause overheating and dramatically reduce the current carrying capacity of the cable.

You cannot accurately measure current leakage with a multimeter, you need an earth leakage meter.

What is the RCD you are conscious of tripping ? what does it serve ? what problems arise upon it tripping ?

Oh and you definitely need some more sockets fitting lol.

 

[dan86]

two things if say looking at those pics.
1) unwind all the cables instead of coiling them up like that.
2) not quite sure what's plugged into the 3rd socket on 4th pic, but looks like nothing is attached. I'd switch anything off that's not in use. each one is switched, so may as well take advantage of that

 

[SPARTYKUS]

I don't see the issue here. BS1362 fuses are readily available in 10A rating:

Plug Top Fuses - BS1362

Well I never.

readily available if you knew those were there!! (i didnt and have never, in 44 years, seen or heard of a 2, 7, or 10 Amp plug top fuse).

so that was the issue

 

[KAS1]

This is the problem with the part P rubbish it leads to more and more of these lash ups as its all easy to do and no need to register with anyone, suppose you could run these all over your house with a 13amp fuse protecting everything, maybe run 1 for upstairs and 1 for downstairs off the 1 ring and the same off the other ring (if you have 2 rings) you could have all the sockets you want lol

 

[linuxthefish]

I would love to have more sockets, though it's rented accommodation and they don't see the point in extra sockets. One double socket in each room in a awkward location.

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

 

[dan86]

I would love to have more sockets, though it's rented accommodation and they don't see the point in extra sockets. One double socket in each room in a awkward location.

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

wtf? for real?! so if an mcb trips at 2am, you have to call someone to come out and reset it for you and charge you for it? who exactly would come out anyway. landlord/lady, sparky?

 

[HandySparks]

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

That's totally unreasonable!

If you say where you are, someone on here may be able to call round and do some earth leakage measurements (for a modest fee). You can't (safely) do this with a multimeter, you need a sensitive earth leakage clamp ammeter round the relevant supply conductors or CPC.

 

[Andy78]

Also the CU is padlocked, and they charge to come out and reset things...

Do you have access to a main switch to isolate in the event of an emergency ?

 

[dan86]

is that even legit..? surely you must be able to isolate supply in event of an emergency...

 

[kingeri]

They can't to that!!!!

 

[Flanders]

The pictures look wrong and this all sounds wrong ask the land lord for the last EICR Or PIR and unplug those extension leads before the place burns down !!!!

 

[kingeri]

I get the impression the OP doesn't want to listen so I'm unsure why he asked in the first place TBH.

 

[linuxthefish]

Do you have access to a main switch to isolate in the event of an emergency ?

If the DNO fuse counts, then yes.

I get the impression the OP doesn't want to listen so I'm unsure why he asked in the first place TBH.

I'm more concerned about having the RCD trip or whatever, than overloading the 10A fuse in the socket. The cable near the plug has been shortened for anyone who is concerned, so it's not looped anymore

 

[Flanders]

The RCD will trip if there is high earth leakage but if you are not concerned about over load then I am concerned ! Overload causes fire !! every time you add an extra extension lead the resistance is getting higher due to the connection between plugs and sockets and the length of cable Resistance means more heat more heat means fire !!!

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Pretty sure this is a well engineered, elaborate wind up.

 

[Resu]

Pretty sure this is a well engineered, elaborate wind up.

Why would anyone go to the trouble?

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Resu

and many other unansweable questions like

why would someone blow them selves up on a bus.

because there are a rich tapestry of people in the world? (My diplomatic answer)

 

[Hawkmoon]

The RCD will trip if there is high earth leakage but if you are not concerned about over load then I am concerned ! Overload causes fire !! every time you add an extra extension lead the resistance is getting higher due to the connection between plugs and sockets and the length of cable Resistance means more heat more heat means fire !!!

Sorry I may be having a blond moment but assuming the lead that is plugged into the supply socket is fused appropriately for all cables in the daisy chain (eg 13A rated all of them) then how can there be an overload risk? (I am assuming all unwound fully)
To me the issues are:
Disconnection times under fault (increased Zs value)
Volt drop
A serious effing trip hazard lol