Question about power extension board

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and efficacy of using a power extension board for a high-energy consuming home appliance that ideally should be plugged directly into a wall socket. Participants explore whether using an extension board, while keeping other sockets unused, is equivalent to direct connection to the wall socket.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that a power extension board may not be able to carry the current required by the appliance.
  • Another participant suggests using a dedicated heavy cable or extension cord instead of a power extension board.
  • A participant requests clarification and examples of what a "power extension board" is, indicating a lack of understanding of the term.
  • Further, a participant emphasizes the importance of checking safety agency approvals and current or power ratings on the extension board to ensure it is safe for use with the appliance.
  • There is mention of brand reliability, suggesting that products from reputable companies are more likely to be safe if their limits are observed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and suitability of using a power extension board for high-energy appliances. There is no consensus on whether it is scientifically equivalent to plugging directly into the wall socket.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for safety ratings and brand reliability, but there is no resolution on the specific conditions under which a power extension board may be deemed safe or effective.

kenny1999
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I have a home appliance that should be plugged into one single wall socket because it's energy consuming, and shouldn't share with other appliances by common sense. However, due to some practical problems, I can't plug it directly into the wall socket. If I use a power extension board (i.e. 1 to 2 or 3 or 4...) to serve as an intermediate, while all other sockets on the extension board are not used. Is it scientifically the same as it directly plug into the main wall socket?
 
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The Power Extension Board my not be able to carry the current required.

Why not make up a short, dedicated heavy cable, extension cord to go between the appliance and the outlet?
 
AZFIREBALL said:
The Power Extension Board my not be able to carry the current required.

Why not make up a short, dedicated heavy cable, extension cord to go between the appliance and the outlet?

Sorry I don't understand. Any pictures of example?
 
kenny1999 said:
Sorry I don't understand. Any pictures of example?
I don't know what a "power extension board" is, but a heavy duty extension cord looks like this:

https://www.waytekwire.com/images/items/10212FL.gif
1564943929312.png
 
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kenny1999 said:
I have a home appliance that should be plugged into one single wall socket because it's energy consuming, and shouldn't share with other appliances by common sense. However, due to some practical problems, I can't plug it directly into the wall socket. If I use a power extension board (i.e. 1 to 2 or 3 or 4...) to serve as an intermediate, while all other sockets on the extension board are not used. Is it scientifically the same as it directly plug into the main wall socket?
It's hard to answer without actually seeing what you have.
Look for safety agency approvals, like UL, UR, ETL, CSA, TUV, CE, etc. If your not sure about the letters you are seeing, look online for clarification. Then look for a current or power rating marked on the device or packaging. If you aren't exceeding these ratings, then you should be ok.
If it was made (i.e. brand labeled) by a big electronics company like GE, ABB, Levitron, Hubbell (Gucci and Walmart don't count), and you are observing their limits, then it should be OK. They don't want to damage their brand with bad products.
There is a lot of cheap electronic stuff you can buy these days, but good product design requires that the device be able to carry the power/voltage/current that the compatible outlet is designed for.
 

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