Never plug in several extension leads one after the other
Is it allowed to plug in several socket strips in a row?
Plugging in several power strips in a row - Is it allowed? A television, two computers and countless household and kitchen appliances - but there is no power socket nearby. In this case, many people reach for a power strip - or even get the idea and want to plug in several power strips in a row. But why not plug in several power strips one after the other?
A power strip has many advantages. On the one hand, it offers many connection options for devices, whether with two, six or even ten sockets. On the other hand, it serves as a kind of extension cord and can therefore be used flexibly.
Multiple socket in multiple socket
So far so good - but what do you do if the cable is too short? Or if a multiple socket outlet has too few sockets after all? Plugging a second socket strip into the first would be a good idea, wouldn't it? That way you could get extra sockets. Be careful with this assumption!
Why not plug several power strips in one after the other?
Before you get this idea, you should know that you should generally not plug several socket strips into one another. This must even be noted (according to VDE 0620) on the power strip with a warning "do not plug in one after the other".
Check the maximum power of your power strip
On every power strip you will find a power rating, which is usually around 3,500 watts. This power must never be exceeded in the household mains.
Simple calculation: How many appliances may I connect to my power strip?
You will also find the respective power rating on the so-called "type plate" of your appliances. For example, you use the following appliances at the same time with the help of a multiple-socket outlet:
- Kettle 2,000 watts
- Coffee maker 900 watts
- Microwave 1,000 watts
The total power of all appliances is 3,900 watts. However, since the power strip can only provide a maximum power of approx. 3,500 watts, the power strip is overloaded at 3,900 watts.
What happens if you connect more multiple socket strips together?
If a multiple socket outlet is plugged into a multiple socket outlet, the power consumption is not distributed between the two socket strips, but accumulates only on one socket strip. Thus, the load quickly adds up to a total value that is too high and the power strip is overloaded.
Why is too high a load on power strips so dangerous?
Many people think that the fuse blows in the event of an overload. This is also true, but only if the specified current flow is significantly exceeded. This can cause the fuse to blow only after the power strip has been overloaded for a long time.
When a power strip is overloaded, it can heat up to 200 degrees after only a few minutes.
This can cause a so-called "smouldering fire". A smouldering fire differs from a normal fire in that there are no visible flames. A fire of this type is so dangerous because it is not easy to detect. Dust or other easily flammable materials can then cause a flame fire to start and, in the worst case, it spreads further and the entire environment catches fire.