Surge protectors: Is it safe to plug in an extension lead that has other items plugged in?
I bought two of the surge protector extensions. I have one tower and another one that is wireless and plugs directly in to the wall socket. At one end of the lounge there are no pulg sockets so I use an ordinary extension. Would it be safe for me to plug that extension in to the surge protecter that is wireless?
The only other option is to get another tower but they don’t come cheap. I have mostelectrical items protected now but a couple of lamps and my music system isn’t. I only have 2 double sockets in the lounge and 16 items to connect.
Count or add the wattage of each item you are using or plugging in. Check the wattage rating of the surge protector and the extension. Make sure the items you are using do not add up to be more than the rating of the extension, surge protector, etc. I have a surge protector that says, “MAXIMUM LOAD: 15A 125VAC 60Hz 1875W”. Yours may have a different rating. It is the extension cords that can easily be overloaded. New extensions today will tell the amp rating. The way to convert watts to amps is divide the watts by the volts. The voltage in most homes today in the USA will range from 115 – 125. Go ahead and use the maximum 125 volts for safety.
Example: 1875 watts / 15 amps = 125 volts
Or, 1875 watts / 125 volts = 15 amps
If you have an extension cord that is rated for 10 amps, what is the max wattage?
125 volts x 10 amps = 1,250 watts.
I like to de-rate this to 80% for an added measure of safety. 1,250 watts x 80% = 1,000 watts.
Final thought or summary: If your surge protector is rated for 1875 watts, and you extension is rated for 1,000 watts, limit the extension to 1,000 watts, and limit the surge protector to a total of 1875 watts. Extensions must be used in a safe way (do not cover with rugs, etc).
I hope this helps.
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