Extending a 4 socket gangway plug cable.

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reoreborn

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Hey.
Odd question one that I assume is rather straight forward but I just wanted to run it past a few people here.

I am no sparky but I've extended lamp plugs etc many times, changed plugs etc. .
I currently have a 2m gangway plug (pictured) and wish to extend it to 9m. I have the the correct cable (3 core). My plan is to open the gangway plug, rewire it with a 9m (3 core cable) and attach a 13amp plug on the end.
I have looked online and I can't really see anything about anybody else trying this.. so, is it safe? Am I missing something? I know I could buy a somewhat cheap extension but I do like to try new things and learn while I'm going and it would save me £20 lol. So, any ideas? Thanks for any advice you can give
 

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What is the size (CSA) of the flex that you are planning to use?
And secondly, some of those ready made extensions, may be unscrewed, but inside, the cable could still be welded to the bus bars - have you taken apart the extension to investigate?

A decent quality rewireable extension board can be found here...

www.screwfix.com

Masterplug 13A 4-Gang Fused Rewireable Socket with Neon White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Robust, heavy duty, rewirable socket. Suitable for 3-core cable up to 1.5mm². Ideal for workshop, DIY and outdoor applications. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.
www.screwfix.com www.screwfix.com

But, it may be just as cheap to buy a ready made 10m extension.
 
RandomGrinch said:
What is the size (CSA) of the flex that you are planning to use?
And secondly, some of those ready made extensions, may be unscrewed, but inside, the cable could still be welded to the bus bars - have you taken apart the extension to investigate?

A decent quality rewireable extension board can be found here...

www.screwfix.com

Masterplug 13A 4-Gang Fused Rewireable Socket with Neon White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Robust, heavy duty, rewirable socket. Suitable for 3-core cable up to 1.5mm². Ideal for workshop, DIY and outdoor applications. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.
www.screwfix.com www.screwfix.com

But, it may be just as cheap to buy a ready made 10m extension.
Click to expand...
Ty for the reply!
I must admit I haven't opened the plug yet as I'm waiting to borrow a friend's triangulara screw driver. I opened one ages ago and it wasn't soldered and I thought they were all rewireable lol so thanks for the heads up.
If I open it and it's soldered I'll pick up the one in the link! Thank you for that!:)
P.s I've found a few 10m on Amazon for about a tenner but I'm not really keen on buying the cheap ones. I purchased a few years back from Amazon started smoldering due to a dodgy wire.
 
...and the cable size?
I'd be looking for at least 1.25mm2, although 1.5mm2 would be nice! :)
 
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reoreborn said:
I have looked online and I can't really see anything about anybody else trying this.. so, is it safe? Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
My experience is that is manufactures intend the cable to be replaceable they install a small cover with dedicated screws for replacing it. Said cover will normally use normal screws, even if the rest of the extension strip uses "security" screws or rivets.

If you don't find such a cover, then most likely you will not find screw terminals either.

I don't recall ever seeing a power strip where the flex was soldered, those that don't use screw terminals seem to prefer either crimps or spot welding. Still the result is the same, not very practical to replace the flex.

Unfortunately it's often tricky to find out if a power strip has a replaceable flex before buying it.
 
A set of 3 triangular screwdrivers costs about tenner on Amazon.

The strip recommended by @RandomGrinch might well be the better option.
 
opps said:
A set of 3 triangular screwdrivers costs about tenner on Amazon.

The strip recommended by @RandomGrinch might well be the better option.
Click to expand...
And not only that, those models are good quality sockets, miles and miles better than many (possibly most) of the versions without a removable terminal cover.
 
I have done similar things with Australian equivalent "Power Boards" but mostly it was to shorten the cords to use in a TV Cabinet
(with Video Recorders, DVD/Blu-ray players etc.)
to avoid having unnecessary "coiled up" wiring
BUT
keep the Molded Plug on the Leads.

Even if the existing wires are welded, you can cut them off
(often the weld can be broken if you "wiggle" it between two pair of pliers.)
The new wires can then be soldered to the "conductive strips".

However, it is best to remove the "strips",
solder the wires with the "strips" away from the plastic (to avoid melting the plastic)
and then
replace the "strips" in position.
 
reoreborn said:
Lol sadly after opening it I discovered it was infact welded and I don't have the confidence (or brave enough) to weld it.
However, I am wondering would it be okay to simply strip the plug off, use a 13amp terminal box and extend the wire that way?
Like this:
https://www.wickes.co.uk/13A-3-Terminal-Line-Connector/p/256003
Click to expand...

Sorry, I don't understand your logic.

£3 for a bulky inline connector (plus petrol/bus fares/etc) Vs a tenner for a significantly better quality block...
 
opps said:
Sorry, I don't understand your logic.

£3 for a bulky inline connector (plus petrol/bus fares/etc) Vs a tenner for a significantly better quality block...
Click to expand...
...plus in adding extra terminals, there's the possibility of adding resistance and a risk of overheating, increasing the voltage drop over the long length of cable and creating another point of failure! :)

I have used those flex connectors before, but in this case, I would definitely go for the Masterplug block.
 
Last edited:
RandomGrinch said:
...plus in adding extra terminals, there's the possibly of adding resistance and a risk of overheating, increasing the voltage drop over the long distance and creating another point of failure! :)

I have used those flex connectors before, but in this case, I would definitely go for the Masterplug block.
Click to expand...
And... AND it means you will have another 4way available.
 
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