Hiding mains cables - safety issues

[daveb975]

I am currently redesigning my system, and one of the things that I am looking to do is move my consoles (PS3 & Wii) and DVD recorder onto a bookshelf.

This would mean having a 6 socket power lead underneath the bookshelf (a standard Ikea 'Billy'). I am a little concerned that this might cause issues with heat - do you need to allow a lot of ventilation for these?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Phlog]

If a power block has heat issues then there's a fault. The only circumstance that could happen in "normal" usage is if one of the connected appliances is imposing what amounts to an overload.

It would be wise to have surge/spike protection built into the block.

Make sure you use adequate cables on the block and the appliances. Keep audio interconnects well away from all mains cables and above all do make sure that your kit is well ventilated. Years ago I thought my valve amplifier was well ventilated, only to discover that it was actually making scorch marks on the nearest wood panel ...

 

[spl23]

You shouldn't have any problems - if a mains lead is getting hot, then it isn't working as designed. Ditto a multiway power block - the resistance of the conductors in one should be low enough that there is no significant resistive heating. If you want to reassure yourself - how hot is the surface of the multiblock in use? If it is noticeably above room temperature, throw it away and buy a new one!

 

[daveb975]

Thanks. It is more the power 'bricks' I am worried about rather than the mains block itself.

I will keep all of the equipment well ventilated, but the Wii power brick will have to go down with the mains block.

 

[spl23]

Thanks. It is more the power 'bricks' I am worried about rather than the mains block itself.

Ah, ok. Yes, some power bricks do get a bit warm. In my experience, the older transformer ones get warmer than the newer switch-mode ones, but they do seem to vary. Is the power brick warm to the touch in normal use? If so, it probably does want some ventilation - I'd be inclined to run a mains lead with a flying socket to the multiblock so you can put the power brick somewhere it can get some fresh air.

 

[daveb975]

Ah, ok. Yes, some power bricks do get a bit warm. In my experience, the older transformer ones get warmer than the newer switch-mode ones, but they do seem to vary. Is the power brick warm to the touch in normal use? If so, it probably does want some ventilation - I'd be inclined to run a mains lead with a flying socket to the multiblock so you can put the power brick somewhere it can get some fresh air.

Thanks. Thinking about it, it is only the Wii that has a power brick as the PS3 and DVD recorder have them built in. Not sure if that one runs too hot anyway. I used to have an Xbox 360, and that brick had a fan in it!

 

[Gregory]

I'd watch even a multi-way block. In normal use they are fine, but I have had two that have had connection issues and got dangerously hot/sparking. At least get a good quality one!

 

[daveb975]

I'd watch even a multi-way block. In normal use they are fine, but I have had two that have had connection issues and got dangerously hot/sparking. At least get a good quality one!

I have got an Olson Sound Fantstic block that I have had for a few years. I has been rock solid, and never generates any heat itself, so should be ok.