[cusimar9]

Hi all,

I have a dual plug socket which needs to power 8 things, one of which is an electric fire.

Would I be better off getting 2 x 4 way extensions or plugging the fire into 1 and running an 8 way extension off the other?

I really don't need much cable at all (like 30cms), and I'd like it to be black. Any recommendations? I don't fancy paying a lot without good reason, what's all this I've heard about mains conditioners?

[Badger0-0]

The electric fire needs to go on it's own, as that'll most likely be 13 amp, which is the maximum for one socket.
As for where to go, I'd try Maplins or the like. They're bound to do black cable, but you may have to make your own up, as extensions are mostly white from what I've seen.

As for mains conditioners, I'm not getting into that one

[cusimar9]

So you'd recommend getting a 1 x 8 way extension? Would that really be ok?

[Badger0-0]

It sounds a lot, I know, but will be perfectly fine, as long as you don't exceed a total of 13 amps, or more easily checked, 3200W, I think it is.
It obviously depends on what you're going to plug in.
Check your gear for the Wattage rating, tot it all up and as long as it's less than 3200, it'll be ok. Even then, it's extremely unlikely you'll be using everything at once, drawing maximum power.

Biggest current draws are probably your amp and telly, around 500W max and the 350W, so your're only on 850Wish. Most other stuff, like games machines draw substantially less. One thing to watch out for is anything with a heating element, they draw lots of power.

[Badger0-0]

Also, don't forget, you can use 2 4ways. Plug one into the other and you have 7 outlets, just the job.
Of course, it's getting more unsightly

[cusimar9]

So you don't think a 'mains conditioner' is necessary... what about surge protection?

[Badger0-0]

Surge protection may well be worth having as it can be fairly cheap now.
But then our mains is pretty reliable, IMO (I know it does vary).
Do I have it?
No.

[cusimar9]

With Surge Protection

Without

Then again I've lived in this house for over 2 years now and never had surge protection on any of my sockets. Why would there be a sudden 'surge' anyway?

[Badger0-0]

I don't think the first one is a surge protector, it's an RCD, which is designed to prevent electric shock.
Either way, if you are willing to pay the extra, it can't be a bad thing