Extension leads

[GoonerGary]

I have no knowledge of electrical things, so need some advice on loading up extension leads with multiple heat presses. What sort of 2m extension lead would be suitable for 4-5 heat presses or should they be plugged directly into the plug socket by themselves?

[ArferMo]

Need a bit more info what is the wattage rating of each press.

[GoonerGary]

1200W Flat Press
350W x 3 Chinese Mug presses
280W Adkins Mug Press
2000W fan heater

I would probably buy something like this, but there are are no specs with any of these leads.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000 ... ROKL5A1OLE

[ArferMo]

Too much wattage for a 13A fuse. Max would be 3Kw.

[logobear]

Your appliances would draw about 16 amps, so you would need 2 separate extension leads.
You will be able to plug then into double sockets next to each other as the ring main will be 30amp, but each socket (and especially extansion cables) will be 13a max - check the actual cable rating.
Fully uncoil any reel cable when drawing significant currant or they can overheat.

[James990]

You should always uncoil any cable no matter how much current you are drawing!

[pisquee]

Put the heater on one 13 amp ext lead, and everything else will go on another 13 amp lead.
Assuming this is to set up a workshop/workroom where things aren't really going to move, I would measure up how long the cables need to be, and buy the correct size cable - not extension reels. Also, if you can tack them to the skirting board then even better (make sure you buy long enough for this.
To be on the safe side, the cable with the heater on should only have the one socket, and the cable for the presses, if you can get one with 6 sockets on at the right length then even better.

[arthur.daley]

Gary - PM me. If you want i can drop in on my way home one evening and sort this out for you, might even be able to make you up a couple of leads.

How safe or practicable it is to pull 16 amps from 2 sockets would really depend on what else you have running on the same circuit.

Be good to see inside a dark room again.

Arthur