Wiring Electrical Plug Sockets

[idlefingers]

I've seen in many people's photos, from both fresh and saltwater setups, multiple plug sockets which have been wired up and mounted to the cabinet.

Do these kind of things need to be wired into the wall or can it just have a plug on the end of the wire leading from all the sockets which is just plugged into a normal wall socket? Does anyone have any links or literature I could read on how to wire up such arrangements? Should I get an electrician's help? I don't know where to start with looking into how to do this..

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[chr15_8]

your sure its not just extentions lead?

if its not they could well be bodged in by wiring them on a plug or they could be wired in properly to the mains

its not hard but if you have no electrical expereince its best to call in the pros


chris

could you not pm the people and see how theve done it?

 

[idlefingers]

Pretty sure they weren't just extensions, they looked like proper switched plug sockets. I guess I'll get in touch with an electrician.. I can do simple things but I dont want to take chances and end up electrocuting myself or setting the house on fire

I know I've seen pics of different tanks with this kind of wiring but cant remember wether it was even on this forum or who's tanks they were.

 

[chr15_8]

well good luck

ill probably do it on my tank as 3 timers dont fitt on a 5 way extension lead

however ill just plug it in like an extention lead but with proper sockets

chris

 

[idlefingers]

however ill just plug it in like an extention lead but with proper sockets

That's what I'm wanting to do.. If possible I don't want to have to wire it directly into the wall. I was thinking like that, it might be simple enough for me to do.

 

[chr15_8]

do you know how to wire a plug?

if so all i would do is use some 2.5mm flex (3 CORE)

Take the cable from the plug to the 1st socket then another bit of cable to the 2nd, the another bit from the 2nd socket to the 3rd (i wouldnt do ay more and 6 should be fine? however if you want you can)

so you should have 2 cables at socket 1 and 2 and 1 cable as socket 3 (the last one) on the back of the actual socket it will tell you where live, neutral and earth go.

live is brown
neutral is blue
earth is green and yellow or copper

all you need to do is make sure your connections are tight!!


if and when i do mine i will take pics for you

chris

 

[dominicbeha]

just a word to the wise- all electrical installations must now be done by quallified electician, please check ur insurance policy!!!

 

[idlefingers]

Thanks chris, that explains a lot. You say you wouldn't do more than 6.. Why? I have 8 plugs at the mo and I'm sure it'll only grow so I need a lot of sockets.

Basically what I'm needing is a lot of plugs which lead from one socket, is safe and if possible is individually switched. I'm completely happy to use an extension lead but I can't find anything which fits the criteria which is why I've started looking into sockets but tbh, I feel out of my depth very quickly when it comes to electrics so I'm not sure what to do..

Thanks for the heads-up dominicbeha.. I'll definitely check into that before doing any electric DIY!

 

[chr15_8]

just a word to the wise- all electrical installations must now be done by quallified electician, please check ur insurance policy!!!

im sure your can do your own in your house however an unquilified electritian carnt do it in somebody else' house but worth checking insurance

Thanks chris, that explains a lot. You say you wouldn't do more than 6.. Why? I have 8 plugs at the mo and I'm sure it'll only grow so I need a lot of sockets.

Basically what I'm needing is a lot of plugs which lead from one socket, is safe and if possible is individually switched. I'm completely happy to use an extension lead but I can't find anything which fits the criteria which is why I've started looking into sockets but tbh, I feel out of my depth very quickly when it comes to electrics so I'm not sure what to do..

Thanks for the heads-up dominicbeha.. I'll definitely check into that before doing any electric DIY!

there no reason as such depends on what your plugging in really. you could put 4 doubles if you want but would be better to do 2 lots of 2 sockets.

or 1 lot of 3 sockets and another lot of 2 sockets
basicly i was trying to keep stuff to a minimun to stop over loading/blowing the fuse

chris
sorry if ive confused you

 

[dane261]

what you have seen is a cable tidy box which has sepperate switchs foryour heater and that and has one lead going to the socket that easy to wire up i would let my son do it

ps there only about 7 quid


cheers dane

 

[idlefingers]

?? I'm intrigued.. I've never seen something like that.. Is that something you'd get from an lfs or diy shop?

 

[SuperColey1]

Easier to get a 6 or 8 or 10 extension and mount it in your cabinet (surge protected preferred)

Andy

 

[idlefingers]

An extension lead would be much easier but I cant find one with 8+ sockets which are well spaced apart (for timers), individually switched (because I'm needing to turn things on and off all the time for feeding, maintenance, etc.) and which has a decent sized lead on it (why is it that most only have 1-2m? it winds me up!).

 

[chr15_8]

An extension lead would be much easier but I cant find one with 8+ sockets which are well spaced apart (for timers), individually switched (because I'm needing to turn things on and off all the time for feeding, maintenance, etc.) and which has a decent sized lead on it (why is it that most only have 1-2m? it winds me up!).

this is why im thinking about doing it plus it will be free for me anyway

 

[Rob.S]

?? I'm intrigued.. I've never seen something like that.. Is that something you'd get from an lfs or diy shop?

I think Dane is describing the Algarde powercentre.

HERE