Advice on Surge Protection

[elsmandino]

Hi I would be really grateful for any advice on how important surge protection really is (the kind you get on extension leads).

I have a few extension leads in use in my house (for computers etc.) but I do not use them for the surge protection, but only because you can plug lots of low wattage electrical bits in at a single socket.

I have used other electrical items (e.g. Laptops and TVs) that I have plugged directly into the electrical outlet and I have never had a problem before.

I was just wondering whether there are any items that you should always use a surge protector with or whether, in realtiy, the surge protection is a bit of a marketing gimmick.

 

[JohnW2]

Hi I would be really grateful for any advice on how important surge protection really is (the kind you get on extension leads).

I would say important only to the wealth of those who sell them. IMO, a total waste of money. Others may disagree.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

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[elsmandino]

Many thanks to you both for that - I have long suspected that they are just a gimmick and you have helped put my mind at rest.

One other quick question if I may:

I have a flat screen TV, mini computer (raspberry pi) and a hub on my bedroom wall that I am trying to tidy up a bit.

I have stuck the pi and the hub on the back of the TV and really want to put the plugs behind the TV too to make everything neater.

I have the option of running a three-gang extension lead up behind the TV and fixing it to the wall or fixing a proper backplate and socket to the wall instead.

The first option would be the cheaper and would be slightly flatter - other than this is there any difference between the two methods?

 

[JohnW2]

Many thanks to you both for that - I have long suspected that they are just a gimmick and you have helped put my mind at rest.

You're welcome.

I have a flat screen TV, mini computer (raspberry pi) and a hub on my bedroom wall that I am trying to tidy up a bit. ... I have stuck the pi and the hub on the back of the TV and really want to put the plugs behind the TV too to make everything neater. ... I have the option of running a three-gang extension lead up behind the TV and fixing it to the wall or fixing a proper backplate and socket to the wall instead. ... The first option would be the cheaper and would be slightly flatter - other than this is there any difference between the two methods?

Particularly for the small loads you are talking about, electrically there is no difference. Indeed, I suspect a high proportion of the sort of things you're talking about are plugged in to multi-outlet extension leads. The only thing to watch with extension leads is that the cable is in a 'tidy' place that doesn't present a trip hazard etc. I presume you would not be intending to 'bury' the lead of the extension lead?

However, I'm sure I need not tell you that the second option is the 'nicer' approach. If you did go down that route, you need to be aware that a new socket would have to have RCD protection (the circuit quite possibly already has that) and that any new cables buried in walls have to be installed in 'safe zones' (and, again, also RCD protected).

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The fact that he says the extension lead would be slightly flatter leads me to think he's not planning to have concealed cables and flush sockets.

 

[JohnW2]

The fact that he says the extension lead would be slightly flatter leads me to think he's not planning to have concealed cables and flush sockets.

Agreed - but I thought I should cover all possibilities, since the alternative was to wait for someone to jump on me (they probably will, anyway, for not having mentioned safe isolation or testing!)

Kind Regards, John

 

[elsmandino]

Sorry, should have specified in my original post.

I was either going to run the extension lead along the skirting board and up the wall and then cover the wire with trunking

or

buy separte plug, wire, backing plate and socket faceplate and do exactly the same - i.e. run it along the skirtying board and up the wall and then cover it in trunking.

 

[JohnW2]

Sorry, should have specified in my original post. I was either going to run the extension lead along the skirting board and up the wall and then cover the wire with trunking ... or ... buy separte plug, wire, backing plate and socket faceplate and do exactly the same - i.e. run it along the skirtying board and up the wall and then cover it in trunking.

Fair enough. In that case, you probably might just as well use the extension lead, which is slightly simpler!

Kind Regards, John

 

[elsmandino]

Completely agree - a quick project for the weekend.

Thanks again.