Power points maximum? - Page 4

2xCPU · 10th August 2012, 2:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonox

- anyone pulled one of them apart to determine if the internals and circuit breaker are 15A components?

Yeah, I have.
The circuit breaker is rated for 10A.
As for the terminals, there is so much variation between brands and models that you can't make a general comment other than to say 'most are built to a price' - ie. they are crap.

Having said that, I've also pulled apart UK boards (13A) and German Boards (16A) and there is not much between them.

2.

Symon · 10th August 2012, 8:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussellK

Not quite, but I'll have a go - on another forum someone pulled apart a Clipsal (or HPM) 10A and 15A GPO and found the conductive components for the A&N were identical, implying that a 10A GPO was capable of carrying exactly the same current as a 15A GPO.

Imply whatever you like, but the fact remains that both are made to AS 3112, and to comply with that standard they have to be subjected to 110% of the rating and not exceed a certain temperature rise.

So a 10A outlet is tested to 11A.
So a 15A outlet is tested to 16.5A

Sure some 10A outlets may handle the 16.5A, it doesn't justify going and actually relying on it. Like 2 says that is a hell of a generalisation to make considering the variation you get between manufacturers.

Privatteer · 11th August 2012, 12:25 AM

I am forever removing half melted plugs from 15Amp welders at work as they grind off the earth to make them fit in 10Amp outlets. Works but the contacts in the socket overheat and the plug starts melting from the pin outwards.
Wrecks the outlets as well at the same time.

Most power strips have a 10Amp or lower breaker in them to prevent accidental overloading of a socket.

Btw OP: 1 computer and TV while it might take up a lot of sockets in most cases does not have a huge continuous load.

Symon · 11th August 2012, 8:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussellK

Not quite, but I'll have a go - on another forum someone pulled apart a Clipsal (or HPM) 10A and 15A GPO and found the conductive components for the A&N were identical, implying that a 10A GPO was capable of carrying exactly the same current as a 15A GPO.

It wasn't the Renovators or Woodworkers forum was it? They are notorious for stuff like that.

RussellK · 11th August 2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Symon

Sure some 10A outlets may handle the 16.5A, it doesn't justify going and actually relying on it. Like 2 says that is a hell of a generalisation to make considering the variation you get between manufacturers.

I don't believe I suggested anyone rely on what was basically an interesting observation, and certainly not the earth-pin filing shenanigans mentioned here.

That said, I am surprised GPOs are only tested to 110% of rating. Given the possibly disastrous consequences of failure, I'd have thought they'd be required to have a far greater margin of safety.

Symon · 11th August 2012, 12:07 PM

The standard assumes that if the appliance draws more than 10A then it is fitted with a 15A plug. If you look at it that way 10% is reasonable.

iSTELTHYi · 11th August 2012, 1:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Privatteer

Btw OP: 1 computer and TV while it might take up a lot of sockets in most cases does not have a huge continuous load.

The PC is on 24/7.

this is whats currently running.

PC
7x Monitors
Speakers (logitech Z-5500)
Router
2x Switches
QNAP NAS
Printer (usually in sleep unless using it)
Cordless Phone

Also have my spare PC which is, PC, 2 monitors, and cheapo speakers)

This is currently setup across 2 dual power points. TV and xbox are running off a seperate pp.

Privatteer · 11th August 2012, 8:45 PM

Even with 6 monitors I would be very surprised if your over 6 amps.

Used to allow 1.5amps per PC at lan events. That's after measuring a number of high power machines with an accurate True-RMS meter.

My 2.4GHz core2 Duo draws about 1.2Amps (not idle) with a 22inch Benq, 6 HD, 1 video card. Not a flash machine by todays standard but gives you an idea.

Just because you have a 1000w or whatever powersupply does not mean your using all that continuously.

iSTELTHYi · 11th August 2012, 9:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Privatteer

Just because you have a 1000w or whatever powersupply does not mean your using all that continuously.

Yeah i know that figure isn't real world usage, which is why i started the thread. I simply didn't know how much i could run off one power point.

Cask · 15th August 2012, 7:59 PM

Because you can, doesn't mean you should.

My office has one power port (stupid, I know!!) and so I have about 6 power boards running in a daisy-chain config and everything has -- touch wood -- remained safe for a year or so now.

Sometimes though, it isn't about the house connections, it's about the other devices attached to the stream of power you've gotta worry about

Ninja_Harbinger · 15th August 2012, 9:23 PM

Get rid of the daisy chain and connect all the boards onto the first one. Otherwise you're drawing a lot of power and possibly overloading one plug on it.

2xCPU · 15th August 2012, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninja_Harbinger

Otherwise you're drawing a lot of power and possibly overloading one plug on it.

How do you figure there is a difference?
The entire load is drawn through the first plug regardless of what happens down stream.

2.

chriso_t · 17th August 2012, 2:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussellK

My understanding of breaker sizing is that its role is to stop the cable heating excessively.

On that basis, the 2.5mm cable for a standard GPO circuit can have a 20A breaker if the cable's in free air (not covered), however if it's running under insulation where it's going to heat up more, the cable is de-rated and must have a 16A breaker.

AS 3008 states that 2.5 in free air is rated to 26A. Partially surrounded by insulation its rated at 20A. Every new house we do has 20A RCDs on the power circuits. In regard to the OP, spread the load out over all four sockets and you'll be fine.

Privatteer · 17th August 2012, 8:31 PM

Lot of circuits since that only leaves you a maximum cable distance of 68m compared to 85.

desertstalker · 18th August 2012, 6:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninja_Harbinger

Get rid of the daisy chain and connect all the boards onto the first one. Otherwise you're drawing a lot of power and possibly overloading one plug on it.

Unless you are using illegal crappy powerboards, you cannot overload anything. No matter how many you chain together you cannot pull more than 10A from the first one (or its cut-off will trip) and if you cannot pull 10A from the first, the 2nd must have less etc.

So connecting powerboards together is fine, double adaptors were the dangerous ones, which is why you cant get them any more.

11th August 2012, 12:07 PM	#51
Symon (Plugging your Socket) Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Brisbane QLD Posts: 2,835	The standard assumes that if the appliance draws more than 10A then it is fitted with a 15A plug. If you look at it that way 10% is reasonable. __________________ DISCLAIMER - The mindless babble of this post does not constitute professional advice. I will not be held responsible if you choose to act on this advice. Unless I tell you to eat jellybeans, everyone likes jellybeans OCAU's self-appointed electrical safety expert - Founder of the bakasan Technical College - enrollments welcome. -- My Web Server in a Box

15th August 2012, 7:59 PM	#55
Cask Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Castle Hill, Sydney Posts: 679	Because you can, doesn't mean you should. My office has one power port (stupid, I know!!) and so I have about 6 power boards running in a daisy-chain config and everything has -- touch wood -- remained safe for a year or so now. Sometimes though, it isn't about the house connections, it's about the other devices attached to the stream of power you've gotta worry about __________________ X79S-UP5-WiFi \| i7 3820 @ 4.5GHz (water) \| 64GB RAM \| Pentax K-x \| Canon 60D (ML) \| OCAU Pentax Users \| WordMean \| Personal Website \| Trades

11th August 2012, 12:25 AM	#48
Privatteer Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 471	I am forever removing half melted plugs from 15Amp welders at work as they grind off the earth to make them fit in 10Amp outlets. Works but the contacts in the socket overheat and the plug starts melting from the pin outwards. Wrecks the outlets as well at the same time. Most power strips have a 10Amp or lower breaker in them to prevent accidental overloading of a socket. Btw OP: 1 computer and TV while it might take up a lot of sockets in most cases does not have a huge continuous load.

11th August 2012, 8:45 PM	#53
Privatteer Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 471	Even with 6 monitors I would be very surprised if your over 6 amps. Used to allow 1.5amps per PC at lan events. That's after measuring a number of high power machines with an accurate True-RMS meter. My 2.4GHz core2 Duo draws about 1.2Amps (not idle) with a 22inch Benq, 6 HD, 1 video card. Not a flash machine by todays standard but gives you an idea. Just because you have a 1000w or whatever powersupply does not mean your using all that continuously.

17th August 2012, 8:31 PM	#59
Privatteer Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 471	Lot of circuits since that only leaves you a maximum cable distance of 68m compared to 85.