Extension cord from bedroom to loft

[con1_uk]

Hi,

is it ok to run a 4/6 way power extension from a bedroom up to the loft? All cable can be hidden and the end of the plug will be fixed to a wall/beam.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mottie]

Sounds like a right bodge to me. Sorry!

 

[JohnW2]

Sounds like a right bodge to me. Sorry!

That's a common knee-jerk response to such a question. As a matter of interest, under what circumstances (if any) would you regard use of a 4/6-way extension lead as not "being a bodge"?

Kind Regards, John

 

[JP_]

Some benefits to doing it that way - it's easier to isolate the electrics. And a lot cheaper too!
I guess it might depend on what you'll be plugging into the extension cable. Is it for CCTV - I'd guess it'd be OK?

 

[Mottie]

That's a common knee-jerk response to such a question. As a matter of interest, under what circumstances (if any) would you regard use of a 4/6-way extension lead as not "being a bodge"?

Kind Regards, John

Well, it can’t possibly all be hidden. For one, it will have a plug and a bit of cable on show. If it can be hidden, why not use a bit of twin and earth and make a proper job of it or if, as above, it’s just for cctv and other low wattage stuff, why not come off the lighting circuit? I always equate the use of an extension lead with temporary use, not part of a permanent installation hence my 'bodge' quote. Maybe that’s just me though.

 

[JohnW2]

Well, it can’t possibly all be hidden. For one, it will have a plug and a bit of cable on show. If it can be hidden, why not use a bit of twin and earth and make a proper job of it or if, as above, it’s just for cctv and other low wattage stuff, why not come off the lighting circuit? I always equate the use of an extension lead with temporary use, not part of a permanent installation hence my 'bodge' quote. Maybe that’s just me though.

It's not just you - as I said, it's a common reaction to comments/questions about extension leads.

However, you haven't really answered my question - when, if ever, do you feel that use of a multi-outlet extension lead is legitimate, rather than a "bodge"? You talk as if your distinction is perhaps based on 'temporary' and 'permanent'. However, in contrast with single extension leads (used, for example, for power/garden tools etc.), multi-outlet extensions are rarely used in a manner intended to be 'temporary' - they tend to sit behind piles of A-V or IT equipment etc. 'for ever'!

Kind Regards, John

 

[Mottie]

multi-outlet extensions are rarely used in a manner intended to be 'temporary' - they tend to sit behind piles of A-V or IT equipment etc. 'for ever'!

Whoops, yes, that’s what I have now you mention it! I have a short 4 gang one that powers my telly, lamp, iPhone dock and Fire TV box. It’s been there so long I’d forgotten about it. I take back my comment about multi-outlet extensions being a bodge although mine is neatly tucked out of sight gathering dust and fluff!

 

[JohnW2]

Whoops, yes, that’s what I have now you mention it! I have a short 4 gang one that powers my telly, lamp, iPhone dock and Fire TV box. It’s been there so long I’d forgotten about it. I take back my comment about multi-outlet extensions being a bodge although mine is neatly tucked out of sight gathering dust and fluff!

Quite so!

It sounds as if the OP was planning to have it reasonably "neatly tucked away out of sight", so perhaps no much more of a bodge than yours?

Kind Regards, John

 

[SUNRAY]

I think my gut reaction is similar to Mottie.
Yes I have multiways installed at home:
4 in lounge alone viz 2 for TV setup, 2 in other corners to make sockets accessible for temporary items such as the grandchildrens plethora of chargers when they visit/stay.
Office for IT stuff.
Under bedside cabinet as wallwarts are too big for behind it.


But it would certainly never occur to me to use one to run to a different room as a permanent fixture.

 

[Mottie]

Quite so!

It sounds as if the OP was planning to have it reasonably "neatly tucked away out of sight", so perhaps no much more of a bodge than yours?

Kind Regards, John

Only about 5m more than mine!

 

[JohnW2]

I think my gut reaction is similar to Mottie. .... Yes I have multiways installed at home: ...... But it would certainly never occur to me to use one to run to a different room as a permanent fixture.

Nor me, but I'm not sure that it's a particularly rational viewpoint.

Particularly if the cable of the extension is to be clipped to a wall/whatever (and the sockets bit at the end attached to something), whilst not very neat, that would not be materially different from the (equally 'non-neat') situation if one used surface T+E and standard surface-mounted accessories, would it?

Kind Regards, John

 

[SUNRAY]

Nor me, but I'm not sure that it's a particularly rational viewpoint.

Particularly if the cable of the extension is to be clipped to a wall/whatever (and the sockets bit at the end attached to something), whilst not very neat, that would not be materially different from the (equally 'non-neat') situation if one used surface T+E and standard surface-mounted accessories, would it?

Kind Regards, John

The only difference will be that T&E is more likely to be neatly clipped or hidden [by burying etc]

 

[JohnW2]

The only difference will be that T&E is more likely to be neatly clipped or hidden [by burying etc]

I did say surface (i.e. not buried) T+E, and there's not really any reason why the flex of an extension lead couldn't be clipped more-or-less as neatly, is there?

Kind Regards, John

 

[SUNRAY]

I did say surface (i.e. not buried) T+E, and there's not really any reason why the flex of an extension lead couldn't be clipped more-or-less as neatly, is there?

Kind Regards, John

Generally flex is just that, flexible, and doesn't hold it's shape so well.

Mind you I've seen some pretty horrible T&E clipping over the years and not always DIY.

As you say there is nothing inherently wrong with using an extension lead in this situation, afterall that's how big lights are usually powered in lofts

 

[JohnW2]

Generally flex is just that, flexible, and doesn't hold it's shape so well.

One needs to use a few more clips but, if one does that, and it careful, one can get very close to what could be achieved with T+E. In the OP's case, with what is presumably an essentially verical cable run (not to mention it being hidden behind a wardrobe!), newatness ought not to be difficult to achieve.

Electrically, the only real difference is the plug/socket at the upstream end of an extension lead - but if the loads are modest, that's not really an issue.

Kind Regards, John