Multiple power sockets or extension strip?

[superdon]

Hi

The builders start next week on our cellar conversion, so lots of things to think about.

The cellar will be used as a 'home cinema' and as such will contain a lot of AV kit, which will all be housed in a cool cupboard. At the moment, the total of power sockets I need in the cupboard is 8!

The question is, am I best having 8 sockets in the cupboard, or just a couple and have a surge protected, conditioning extension strip?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Whereabouts in the UK are you?

 

[superdon]

Worcestershire?

 

[bongos]

Hi superdon.

Is it this project you refer to? Did you speak to the LABC for planning info in the end?

What sort of power is the cinema system going to be demanding? It may be better to run a 20A radial with the appropriate number of sockets instead of using four way adaptors. Bear in mind that a new circuit from your CU will be notifiable to the LABC.

 

[superdon]

Yes, spoke with the building regs people at the council. All sorted. I just had to add in some mains smoke alarms to the house and its all sorted.

As for power requirement. Off the top of my head, I dont know. Its a AV reciever, a media PC, a PS3, a electric projector screen, a Harmon remote charger, a wireless router, and acouple of other very low powered bits of kit.

 

[superdon]

Was thinking of one or two of these, if I went extension strip route...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tacima-Cond...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1270300487&sr=8-1

 

[Monkeh]

I'd simply buy a Belkin one. I've used them around the place for years, with a fair amount of load at times (my portable AC springs to mind), and their filtering (not to mention connected equipment warranty) is pretty good.

This, for example: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Home...6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1270654960&sr=1-6

 

[bongos]

As for power requirement. Off the top of my head, I dont know. Its a AV reciever, a media PC, a PS3, a electric projector screen, a Harmon remote charger, a wireless router, and acouple of other very low powered bits of kit.

Doesn't sound like you'll require much power then. Up to you which method you go with. Make sure there are enough sockets in the room though for whatever general use you will require.

 

[superdon]

so no need (safety wise) for actual sockets?

 

[electronicsuk]

so no need (safety wise) for actual sockets?

Nope. Extension leads/strips/blocks wouldn't be sold if they were unsafe. However, seen as you have the chance, it would make sense to install the number of sockets you need and do the job properly.

 

[Monkeh]

so no need (safety wise) for actual sockets?

If surge protected extension strips were that dangerous I've have had a fire by now.

 

[Monkeh]

so no need (safety wise) for actual sockets?

Nope. Extension leads/strips/blocks wouldn't be sold if they were unsafe. However, seen as you have the chance, it would make sense to install the number of sockets you need and do the job properly.

That gets expensive if you install filtered ones.

 

[superdon]

cheers all. I think a extension strip is what I will go with.