Is it safe to plug power bars into power bars?

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  • Опубліковано 22 лис 2016
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,5 тис.

  • @VBProgrammerFreak
    @VBProgrammerFreak 6 років тому +547

    *Looks under desk* "Well I'm screwed."

    • @Radovan787
      @Radovan787 6 років тому +7

      As long as not much power is going through it I think it’s ok.

    • @sethmoneygetter7140
      @sethmoneygetter7140 6 років тому +1

      Depends on what ur pc specs.

    • @sethmoneygetter7140
      @sethmoneygetter7140 6 років тому

      Haimanala TV I assume you are a gamer. It might be just enough, but it wouldn’t be crazy if something did happen

    • @thorgarrettrs
      @thorgarrettrs 6 років тому +1

      Same, running a heater, PC with 4 monitors, 5.1 surround speakers/sub, a solder station, lamp, chargers and more.... thinking its about time to get one of those industrial power strips with like 20 connections, and to check my breaker

    • @Engineer9736
      @Engineer9736 6 років тому

      Shremeant “Depends on your PC specs” LOL. Do you really think a highend video card will make 300 watts difference or so? A PC is just a PC. The maximum i have ever seen a PC drawing was like 350 watts. Normal household PC uses 150 watts or so. A 16” laptop can go as low as 15 watts.

  • @McHeisenburger
    @McHeisenburger 6 років тому +730

    If you plug a power bar into itself you actually get infinite power.

    • @Lord_Reeves
      @Lord_Reeves 5 років тому +15

      I too marvel at the idea of a flux capacitor

    • @benjat08
      @benjat08 4 роки тому +1

      you moron

    • @1TSR0CK
      @1TSR0CK 4 роки тому +16

      I did what u said and my house caught fire Thanks for lying in actually mad

    • @CrispyNugget
      @CrispyNugget 4 роки тому +8

      DONT TRY IT CAN EXPLODE OR CAUSE A FIRE

    • @1TSR0CK
      @1TSR0CK 4 роки тому +5

      I have already received the consequence 😓

  • @bobbybackmarker9665
    @bobbybackmarker9665 7 років тому +933

    Three safety cut-off devices all failed to activate? Maybe someone's trying to get rid of you. :)

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  7 років тому +114

      I`m looking into it. So far I left no witnesses. And I don`t know nothin` `bout those mysterious electrical deaths reported in the news.
      (just kidding, of course;)
      Could be a loose/broken plug pin arcing, ...

    • @NinjaOnANinja
      @NinjaOnANinja 7 років тому +28

      Crap... he is on to me... wait, why did I open my mouth? I just exposed my self. I mean, I can still delete this comment and not post it... Yet, I am going to post it anyway. Weird.

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  7 років тому +23

      The trap set by the MasterNinjaonANinja has snapped and narroly missed me. Here is the actual victim: ua-cam.com/video/53pkJQVQ6OY/v-deo.html So the hunt continues ...

    • @bobbybackmarker9665
      @bobbybackmarker9665 7 років тому +7

      The most disconcerting piece of information I have ever been given, (other than at the tender age of 6 my big Sister telling me I was adopted from travelling gypsies) was the supposed fact that in an urban environment, you're never more than 10 meters from a rat!

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  7 років тому +10

      Yeah, that 10 m is pushing it ... That 10 is an average type figure, such us if I have $1 and my bro has $3, on average we have $2 each but ACTUALLY no-one has $2. So it could be close to 0.5m in a travelling gypsy camp or inner city London, UK, but 19.5m in a National Park, hence 10 m on average ... something like that ...

  • @thegamerguy56
    @thegamerguy56 6 років тому +198

    Its all about the load. Hook up fifteen 5 watt phone chargers and you'll be fine. hook up two 1200 watt space heaters and you got issues.

    • @randomtube8226
      @randomtube8226 6 років тому +20

      My friend had two 15 amp window air conditioners on a single 15 amp circuit and couldn't figure out why the breaker kept tripping.

    • @Boyardee_my
      @Boyardee_my 2 роки тому

      oh man thank you, after watching this video I only thought about the amp. But you saved me xD

    • @chiefinspector7280
      @chiefinspector7280 2 роки тому

      Nope.Killed all the peep on the dive boat last year. phone chargers can be 3 amps.

    • @TOG3AX
      @TOG3AX 2 роки тому

      yeah no shit sherlock

  • @raymondleggs5508
    @raymondleggs5508 6 років тому +1143

    The heater was the problem NEVER EVER hook a heater to a surge protect!

    • @unlimiteduploads2971
      @unlimiteduploads2971 6 років тому +138

      a heater is just consuming electricity like any other, just because you know it consumes a little bit more he should still be able to check all his devices and their power consumption.
      if one power bar is rated 1500w and other one is 1500w, once you run 1500w on either you're at max capacity, you're running 1500w thro both ofcourse, this guy probably ended up running more than rated for thats all, heaters has nothing to do with this, just the power consumption of the devices attatched.

    • @time-lapserpro4370
      @time-lapserpro4370 6 років тому +28

      Kinda. In pretty much all cases it will be fine, just keep in mind that it's a high resistance load. Cheaply designed power bars' caps would never be able to handle a high resistance load.

    • @beedslolkuntus2070
      @beedslolkuntus2070 6 років тому +3

      Lol then whats the use of the surge protect

    • @Dreadballoon
      @Dreadballoon 6 років тому

      Raymond Leggs thank you

    • @carlzimmerman8700
      @carlzimmerman8700 6 років тому +1

      Had the same thing happen years ago, had a heater plugged into a power bar, that was plugged into another power bar. Outlet melted where the 2nd power bar plugged into the first.

  • @fireplaceninja
    @fireplaceninja 6 років тому +135

    I actually learned a lot from this

  • @tadass.2675
    @tadass.2675 6 років тому +21

    Also I would also give a notice. Over time contact between chinese and even non chinese plugs/sockets tend to oxidize due to thermal cycling, moisture, also dust adds its toll. So it may start heating even if you are at 11/12/13/14A of your total 15A maximum. Also, if contact between socket and plug gets overloaded for some time, oxides and burns start to develop between contacts and that encourages even more heating. So I would recommend reaching 50-80% of the load maximum and recycling the plugs into sockets, also taking a look at the state of conductors and cleaning if neccessary. When unplugged/replugged, the conductors scratch off the oxides/dust and thus the contact improves.

  • @Xyspade
    @Xyspade 3 роки тому +37

    For those who don't feel like counting to 15, you can grab a Kill-A-Watt meter which will tell you exactly how many amps and watts a plug in an outlet is taking. Very useful for determining how close you are to overloading! (This is not endorsed by any company, I have a few and they're great.)

    • @LazyScoutJace
      @LazyScoutJace Рік тому +1

      Wow thanks. Time to pull the Kill-A-Watt out of the office

    • @cliffmathew
      @cliffmathew 26 днів тому

      Does it help with the scenario he was showing - many plugs on the same breaker?

    • @Xyspade
      @Xyspade 26 днів тому +1

      ​@@cliffmathewYou would need to know how many outlets are on the circuit and use the device to measure the current being drawn from each one. Easiest way to find how many outlets on the circuit is to flip the breaker off and check how many outlets lose power.

  • @Tom-Lahaye
    @Tom-Lahaye 6 років тому +36

    The same mistake you noticed with the speaker adapter you made with the modem.
    The modem runs at 5 volts from an adapter, and the sign on the modem itself said 1 amp at 5 volts, so that's just 5 watts.
    That's 0.043 amps from the mains, but given you have some losses in the adapter, lets say it draws 0.05 amps.

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  6 років тому +4

      Thanks for the correction.
      (Errors happen when I have 1 take and no script)

    • @nelsonahlvik6650
      @nelsonahlvik6650 3 роки тому +1

      I was just about to point this out.

  • @okaro6595
    @okaro6595 5 років тому +28

    3:57 You need to take the power factor into consideration. Basically it is about 0.5 on such equipment so double the figure. 4:43 It is output 1 A at 9 V. The input is 15 W at 120 V which gives 0.125 A but lets double that for the power factor so we get 0.25 A.
    A circuit breaker does not trip immediately if the overload is not large. Also if there is poor contact in the plug it can cause heat. The more you chain the more change there is for poor contact.
    Here extension cords are for 16 A. I have a 10 A circuit breaker.

    • @chelvis1569
      @chelvis1569 2 роки тому

      What is the radius of your head?

  • @ShadesGameSource
    @ShadesGameSource 3 роки тому +36

    Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. This was incredibly educational and helpful.
    This is the kind of stuff that everyone SHOULD learn in high school.
    I made it to age 31 without ever understanding this stuff.
    How horribly irresponsible and unsafe.

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  3 роки тому +9

      Thanks for watching! (hearted)

    • @Xyspade
      @Xyspade 3 роки тому +3

      Indeed, I learned a lot from this as well. It's rare to find facts and truth instead of generic PoWeR sTrIpS bAd advice.

    • @user-kr7gb5dy8k
      @user-kr7gb5dy8k 3 місяці тому

      😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂😢😮😅😊🔥 😊

  • @cowboyfrankspersonalvideos8869
    @cowboyfrankspersonalvideos8869 6 років тому +311

    The total didn't exceed 15 amps. The rotational plug in the last plug strip was defective and over heated with the heater plugged in.

    • @donaldholden2090
      @donaldholden2090 6 років тому +45

      You hit the nail on the head. I was scrolling through looking for this very comment. Those rotating plugs suck and are prone to premature mechanical failure. I'm convinced that was the failure point.

    • @stevendegreef93
      @stevendegreef93 6 років тому +4

      Indeed, the resistance inside the contacts on the plug was just too high (bad contact, fouled by greasy fingers perhaps), which in turn generates a lot of loacl heat build-up. Hence the fire.

    • @angrydragonslayer
      @angrydragonslayer 6 років тому

      it looks like it was the socket rather than the plug that burned though...

    • @renton9999
      @renton9999 6 років тому +2

      no, they both got hot at the connection point and both fried

    • @ethanmartin1642
      @ethanmartin1642 6 років тому +1

      I saw your profile pic the read your comment in my head with a country accent

  • @loob9166
    @loob9166 6 років тому +118

    1:58 LMAOOO

  • @casualriley
    @casualriley 6 років тому +7

    It's quite clear to me what happened. Electrical conductors get warm when they are pushed near their rated limit (doesn't have to be over), the first place to get warm will be the weakest point, such as a connection like a plug. As a conductor gets warm resistance increases, as resistance increases it generates more heat, and it can turn into a runaway effect until it starts a fire. Your circuit did not exceed 15 amps, which is why the breaker did not trip. The problem was the cheap Chinese power bars, despite saying 15 amps they are not designed to handled that kind of load. If you've ever used Chinese batteries that say something like "6000mah" but actually are more like 800mah, you'll be aware they are not shy about overstating the capacities of their products.

  • @EdwinDPZ
    @EdwinDPZ 3 роки тому

    I'm just glad there's easy addition you can do to check if you're fine instead of just hoping everything is fine.

  •  4 роки тому

    Thank you. I have cords, and strips plugged in everywhere throughout my woodshop. This was a big wakeup call for me.

  • @andyboy13100
    @andyboy13100 6 років тому +10

    The faces look so shocked at the death of their dear friend :(

  • @gabrielgarza3707
    @gabrielgarza3707 6 років тому +27

    Always buy a very high quality surge protector

  • @MercyOnMySoul
    @MercyOnMySoul 3 роки тому +1

    Thank You for making this very informative video. I learned something about Watt and voltages that I had no idea before. Great video. Thank You

  • @hokage1997
    @hokage1997 6 років тому

    Thanks for the video.
    I completely forgot about the amp ratings and such.
    You refreshed my memory and saved me from a fire.

    • @hokage1997
      @hokage1997 6 років тому

      BarcrestPlays I knooo I have a wide video vocabulary XD
      well, range of videos like searching XD

  • @caek2
    @caek2 6 років тому +67

    *plugs a fridge, heater, microwave and coffee maker in*
    *House Explodes*

    • @BENZYTbenzmcpe
      @BENZYTbenzmcpe 6 років тому

      InstantCake lloooool

    • @noahbones1221
      @noahbones1221 5 років тому

      InstantCake No, Breaker trips.

    • @aidenhenrie4736
      @aidenhenrie4736 5 років тому +1

      Fridges and microwaves by themselves would far exceed the 15A breaker. That's why they have their own breakers.

    • @tier3rd375
      @tier3rd375 4 роки тому

      Refrigerators and microwave ovens are usually served by 20 amp circuits.

  • @billybassman21
    @billybassman21 6 років тому +72

    It's all about load. Running a bunch of power powered devises is fine, just don't hook up anything that draws a lot of power such as a space heater.

    • @the_expidition427
      @the_expidition427 6 років тому

      billybassman21 there are breakers you know

    • @samirfakoua
      @samirfakoua 6 років тому +1

      The Minecraft Expidition and there are faulty breakers you know. Can’t rely too much on these things

    • @spencer8240
      @spencer8240 6 років тому +2

      Is a gaming pc alright fine to plug in

    • @dreyt1x494
      @dreyt1x494 6 років тому +1

      +PreCook ed yeah if its not an amd based gaming pc

  • @johnm9263
    @johnm9263 3 роки тому +1

    Breakers sometimes have problems with "slow blow" events, where the operation is overloaded, but everything else is within limits. Some devices also sont always draw power and allow tripping mechanisms to "reset" before the point of activation.
    It can be as simple as that it wasn't a true fire, but instead, an overloaded outlet connection between the affected strips. This is why price matters

  • @DubstepEditzz
    @DubstepEditzz 4 роки тому

    Hilarious video that actually was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

  • @thetwistedsamurai
    @thetwistedsamurai 6 років тому +5

    Oh... this is literally how I have my PC setup because the nearest outlet is insanely far away from my desk.

  • @alekrodimidecu4625
    @alekrodimidecu4625 6 років тому +6

    Red things on power bars ARE NOT BREAKERS, they are just switches that humans can use if needed, only breakers you have there are the ones in basement. Meltdown could happen from two factors:
    1st the wall plug could've been connected to a higher amperage breaker by accident, so the meltdown occurred (it would happen first on contacts between wires);
    2nd it could have been a loose connection.

  • @saishrinathr9946
    @saishrinathr9946 6 років тому +2

    The heat damage / fire was caused by a loose (or) high resistance connection between the socket of the first power strip and the plug of the second power strip, and not because of an overlaoad.
    And while adding the amperes of the different loads. All the amperes rating should be converted to it's equivalent 120V reference before adding them up.

  • @ChongMcBong
    @ChongMcBong 4 роки тому +2

    thanks for the clarification. i have a couple of chains of these in my office for screens and computers, but its a calculated amount of power used, well below the rated amount for my cables :)

  • @RK-kn1ud
    @RK-kn1ud 7 років тому +134

    Your math is flawed...lets use the the speakers as an example.
    Speakers DC adapter said it has an output voltage of 9 VDC and is capable of supplying 1A of current which give you a maximum output of 9 watts o f power (I know it saw 15W but I just did the math for you).
    9 Watts / 120 VAC = 0.075A Max Draw on 120V mains.
    Basically stating that the speakers won't draw more than 0.08A at max volume....not even 1/10 of an amp from the wall.
    If it could draw 1A at 120 volts that means it would use 120 Watts...which is unrealistic.

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  7 років тому +20

      That`s right, thanks for noticing. I pointed at the OUTPUT numbers by mistake.And those are DC.
      The INPUT is 15 W, so same math as with the TV 15/115 = 0.13A
      I`ll insert some text box fix.

    • @Tom-Lahaye
      @Tom-Lahaye 6 років тому +3

      The input of the speaker adapter says 15 watts, and the output is 9 watts.
      But these numbers are right, as the speaker adapter has a transformer in it, and transformers are not 100% efficient.
      Some of the electricity is turned into heat in the coils, you can feel that a transformer gets warm when in use.

    • @yosefmacgruber1920
      @yosefmacgruber1920 6 років тому

      Power consumption is not the same as power that goes into producing sound in speakers. Much of the power is consumed by the amplifier. And power consumption ratings, are probably more of a "maximum under reasonable conditions" rating, and not the "average" or typical usage. Probably a bit more power will be used when played as maximum volume, than at the typical volume.

    • @MELOD
      @MELOD 6 років тому +6

      The router is also 1A at 5 volts, not 1A at 120 volts.

    • @maximecollet30
      @maximecollet30 6 років тому +5

      Was looking for this comment...

  • @travis4798
    @travis4798 6 років тому +151

    Common sense says no more then 1 power strip at a time just because of the fact you can plug a lot of things in already. Most power strip packages they tell you not to plug multiple strips into each other. If you need a second one, use both wall plugs. These cheap power strips are a joke especially Monster branded ones, very thin copper strips running along the inside and everything is molded, which means plugs can get loose. All of my strips are metal with actual outlets. You can get them from some electronic stores and most hardware stores. Way better construction. The reason why the breaker didn't trip on the power strip nor the breaker box was because there wasn't a physical short, just a connection heating up.

    • @niftyjig
      @niftyjig 6 років тому

      travis piper is right.

    • @KuraIthys
      @KuraIthys 6 років тому

      I'm using both wall sockets already.
      My problem is the house I live in has a grand total of 10 power sockets total.
      the bedroom has just two.
      My computer setup alone requires 3 plugs all to itself.
      I am faced with 12 things plugged in at once right now in a location that only has 2 accessible wall sockets, and that's with half the stuff I keep around my desk not actually plugged in at all.
      To top it off one of the power strips I use has UK plug sockets, because I have several UK devices.
      That's not otherwise a problem, because the voltages are the same, but the power strip is the only way I can reasonably plug those in to anything...
      If these properties actually had a decent number of power sockets for modern conditions, this absurd setup wouldn't be quite as necessary.
      But as it is...
      In any event I try to keep stacked anything to an absolute bare minimum.
      The two standard strips are plugged into a wall socket each.
      The UK strip is plugged into one of the other strips.
      (I'd give it it's own wall socket if I could. In fact I did, when this whole setup was in a different room, but I'm simply out of options...)

    • @UrMom-hh9sh
      @UrMom-hh9sh 6 років тому +3

      Who else hates reading long comments.

    • @jaxativejax662
      @jaxativejax662 6 років тому +4

      That's not how "common sense" works. 2 devices plugged into 1 socket can attempt to draw 30 amps by themselves if they are high current devices like heaters whereas you can piggyback to your heart's delight if the drain from each device is low enough.
      A double powerpoint doesn't supply any more power than a single one does, they are BOTH on the same circuit.
      "Common sense" is no substitute for logic or maths.

    • @jaxativejax662
      @jaxativejax662 6 років тому +2

      You can also buy firelighters...a much cheaper and more efficient way of burning your house down.

  • @TheAcronyxe
    @TheAcronyxe 6 років тому

    now with cable extensions in the UK no idea how many amps but you can connect extension leads and other equipment plugged into them and it still works correctly.

  • @kmemz
    @kmemz 6 років тому +2

    I noted a problem when you added 1A from the router. the router was attached via a powerinversion brick, that converts 120VAC to 5VDC. This conversion changes the amperage alongside the voltage, to create the overall wattage pull. 5Vx1A=5 Watts, so 5W/125V=0.04 Amps pulled from the wall, plus efficiency loss, which should be listed on the power brick.

  • @EthanShort
    @EthanShort 6 років тому +3

    In the UK we have fuses in every plug. I have 4 power strips plugged into one wall outlet but on the one plugged into the outlet I have a 5 amp fuse, so I should never encounter any fires I hope.

    • @honbagguette80
      @honbagguette80 6 років тому +1

      Ethan Short doesn't that almost render them useless for amp-eating appliances?😂

    • @EthanShort
      @EthanShort 6 років тому

      yep but ive never had a problem and its never set on fire so thats pretty good. i plug hairdryer and whatever into the other socket

  • @elevator1tom
    @elevator1tom 6 років тому +10

    Moral of the story anyone: Plug as many surge protectors into surge protectors with things plugged into those as you want, just make darn sure NOT to exceed 15 amps.
    If those circuit breakers were not flipping when you drew a lot more, there's something wrong with it obviously, and I won't be surprised if there is considering it was from 1971, right in the middle of the time contractors were using aluminum wiring, which is extremely unsafe. If you need to be worried about anything at all it is that wiring in your house, that will go up in flames WAY before the copper stuff in the surge protectors will.

    • @CoWinkKeyDinkInc
      @CoWinkKeyDinkInc 6 років тому

      elevator1tom real story: don't buy cheap pieces of shit and not expect it to blow up and catch fire

    • @elevator1tom
      @elevator1tom 6 років тому

      Well, obviously. My college used very cheap Belkin power strips, with no surge protection. I measured ground voltage from the neutral and hot terminals and got a voltage reading of 42 volts and 46 volts. I immediately unplugged it. I at home use a 200 dollar UPS unit as my power strip.

    • @jasonlisonbee
      @jasonlisonbee 6 років тому

      Now I'm starting to consider that maybe using ground voltage to power low power devices and charge batteries for occasional use of high power devices is viable. Shouldn't it be not normal for ground to get a measurable amount except during spikes?

    • @kevindavis4709
      @kevindavis4709 4 роки тому

      I love my electronics but I don't wanna BBQ either 😂😂😂😂

  • @LanternLooney
    @LanternLooney 6 років тому

    Thanks for the info. Might come in handy one day!

  • @grapsorz
    @grapsorz 6 років тому +1

    we do this on a large scale on LAN parties. we do however go thru EVERYTHING and plan how we spread it out. Here we use 10-16A 230V systems and fuses and we use 16A rated stuff AND spread it out as best as possible. we try to allocate 8A to a 16A circuit. .

  • @kennybutcher6307
    @kennybutcher6307 6 років тому +3

    This power bar is a classic case of a poor connection. Happens when the plug doesn't make a full connection. Ive seen this on CH breakers too - in particular the BR style. 14 gauge can handle 18A without a problem. The 15 A is a rating given also to compensate for high ambient air temps which changes how many amps rather conductor can carry and for how long before the insulation is compromised.
    The power bar problem above is avoided when an AFCI breaker is used.

  • @kinga.d9791
    @kinga.d9791 6 років тому +89

    Infinite *POWER*

  • @demonfangamadeus7156
    @demonfangamadeus7156 6 років тому +1

    Thanks sir you have clarified what I have been doing for three years is safe. Lot of electronic stuff I use never even hit the limit. Only way a fire could happen at my house is faulty powerbar or faulty electrical circuitry in my house.

  • @gotaigo
    @gotaigo 3 роки тому

    Excellent! Thanks for the talk. Good point that there could be other outlets on the same circuit.

  • @JuanHerrero
    @JuanHerrero 6 років тому +7

    Daisy chaining is the name that springs to mind to me. It's perfectly okay and safe to do as long as you don't exceed the power rating of the power strip, which should be molded somewhere in the plastic casing, or the sockets thereof.

    • @chadmargraf4020
      @chadmargraf4020 2 роки тому +1

      Except it violates the safety devices that are on the power strip, extension cord or surge protector. They are not designed to be plugged into each other in any form or fashion at all. They are designed to be independent equipment.

    • @Beefnhammer
      @Beefnhammer 2 роки тому +6

      @@chadmargraf4020 The reason manufactures warn against daisy-chaining is because they assume people will use every available plug in both the first and second power bar, and I don't blame them for assuming that because people are idiots. However, as long as you keep the full power draw well within the maximum amp rating for a single power strip, (which is usually around 14 or 15 amps) then it is not dangerous. People just need to understand that a chain of power-strips has the same maximum amp capacity as a single power strip. You don't gain extra capacity by chaining them because every strip in the chain must bear the full load of everything that's plugged in.

    • @Garysopinion
      @Garysopinion Рік тому

      @@Beefnhammer thats what I figure, that you are not using all the devices at once. and would shy away from using the bar for anything that heats up and thereby draws a lot of electricity.

  • @umachan9286
    @umachan9286 6 років тому +7

    You can do this but it's not really recommended that you do. So long as the draw doesn't exceed the amps you should be fine.

  • @CitizenPerkins
    @CitizenPerkins 6 років тому

    Thanks for the info. I'll pay more attention to that now.

  • @tlarson91119
    @tlarson91119 6 років тому +2

    Question. Let's say my bedroom has 3 duplex receptacles (giving me a total of 6 outlets).
    1. Would each outlet, in a duplex, split the 15A (having 7 A load on one outlet and 7 A load on the other) if that makes any sense? So it would trip the breaker if you tried to put a 15 amp load on both outlets of a duplex?
    2. If I have 3 duplexes, could my bedroom be powered on a single breaker switch rated for 45 Amps or would each duplex have their own 15 amp switch?
    Thanks for any feedback, I just wanted to make sure.

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  6 років тому +2

      1 No fixed split at 7 A, total is 15 A for both. So a 10 A load and a 6 A load in the same duplex trips the breaker, or 12 A + 6.5 A, or 17 A + 15 A etc.
      2 3 duplexes still LIKELY to have a total of 15 A, depending on actual number of wires running to breaker panel. There is no 45A breaker or circuit for residential bedroom outlets.
      Makes sense?

    • @tlarson91119
      @tlarson91119 6 років тому

      Yes that makes more sense to me. But just one more question, sorry.
      So, depending on how my bedroom was wired, which of these would be correct for a single bedroom? :
      A: 3 duplexes on their own 15 A switch (total of 45 A) or
      B: 3 duplexes on the same switch (each duplex handling 4 A load) or
      C: depends on the way the room and duplexes were wired
      I understand now the 1st part about fixed split on one duplex, I was just confused on how the power is routed to the room and between all three duplexes. *edit: I should look at the breaker panel, which I haven't done yet. lol*

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  6 років тому +2

      No worries, mate. This works like water in trees gets divided to branches, twigs, shoots, leaves.
      The panel is anywhere between 200 A or 125 A, depending on year of manufacture and then current code. That`s the total Amps you have. The range / cooker is on a 40 A breaker, the washer / dryer is on a 30 A breaker, so if all the elements are on max setting and both appliances run, that leaves you between 55 A - 130 A for everything else plugged into outlets and all the lights.
      You have maybe 10 pcs. of 15 A circuits. You can not have a load of 15 A on all 10 of them at the same time. That would require 150 A, but you only have between 55 A - 130 A.
      Say the 3 duplex outlets in the bedroom are on a single 15 A circuit. In any combination of those 6 outlets, the 15 A can not be exceeded.
      Correct answer is C.

    • @tlarson91119
      @tlarson91119 6 років тому

      Thanks a lot. That cleared things up for me.

    • @kennybutcher6307
      @kennybutcher6307 6 років тому +2

      15A is the rating of the circuit. You can't use a 40a breaker on 14 gauge wire because that would over load the wiring.
      A rule to follow (one I learned in university) the circuit rating is determined by the lowest rated piece in the circuit. You can have a 20 plug but if the wire is rated at 15 a it's a 15 a circuit. :)
      The max number of outlets on a 15a circuit by code is 12 devices or 12 outlets. Or 12 lights. Or 12 anything equaling 1a each. When I design the electrical layout for a room I actually only put 8 outlets (or devices). This keeps the loads smaller for the most part and prolongs the life of the wires insulation. It also allows future additions without compromising on the electrical code.

  • @phototristan
    @phototristan 6 років тому +5

    It all depends on the draw through each powerbar. If you're only drawing low power, it will make no difference and hurt nothing. I agree that is a big 'if' however for someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

    • @bobbrooks80
      @bobbrooks80 6 років тому

      Phototristan==You are correct.

  • @flyguille
    @flyguille 6 років тому +161

    It overheated because the resistence of the connection was high (the plug connected to the other power bar), that resistence did two thing, ONE it avoided the ampers (current) to go nominal 12.5A, TWO it generated heat and fire, that is the reason protections didn't trip.
    Was a loose connection?, not necesarily, if you study the internal shape of the females contacts, it is just a tiny part which really get in contact with the male counterpart, the parts are not perfectly parallel frictioning, notmally is a tiny part which press against the male plug. That minimal surface normally can't conduct 12.5A.... , when the power bar say in the label it is 15A, it don't reffers to just ONE female plug, female counterparts are not designed that way, but the label reffer that the sum of all females will do up to 15A, and the protection is normally 15A sustained during X ammount of period, it is NOT just past 15A barrier and PUUUFFF (instantly).

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  6 років тому +6

      It looks like the overcurrent arced at a loose-fitting pin, manufacturing problem.

    • @flyguille
      @flyguille 6 років тому +3

      if it were really loose the user will notice it just when pluggin, what happens is that the metals increase resistence on heat, and change its shape on heat, and it is a run, if at the beginning it was a tiny surface in contact, it heat, then the heat makes it worst.

    • @KuraIthys
      @KuraIthys 6 років тому +3

      That doesn't really make sense, because it means you could overload a power strip far too easily in general.
      Consider I have 6 socket power strip rated for 240 volts 10 amps.
      OK, so if I plug in 6 devices that use 400 watts each, that's the power limit.
      But so is one device that uses 1500 watts, and one that uses 800
      And if you don't think something can use those kinds of wattages, a typical portable fan heater is anything from 1500-2000 watts.
      My Desktop PC has a 650 watt power supply. And that's the OUTPUT power rating, and when heavily loaded efficiency may be as little as 80%, meaning it draws closer 780 watts.
      Meanwhile, it's fully possible to buy 1250 watt power supplies for computers, and while those tend to be much more efficient...
      It still means you're pulling more than half the total power the entire strip is rated for through a single plug.
      For that matter, the power strip has pretty much the exact same rating as the wall socket.
      If you overload the power strip as a whole you're also overloading the household circuit...
      So there are things like resistance and inductance and some other complex issues, and in general plugging a power strip into a second power strip isn't the best idea ever.
      But if you're careful it's perfectly safe.
      I've seen professional theatre crews plug a whole heap of equipment into several power strips leading into another power strip this way, which was then plugged into a rather long extension cord...
      That worked perfectly fine. (admittedly the extension cord was a 20 amp rated chord, which means something like 4.8 kilowatts, but nonetheless it was quite a mess of wires and adapters and other things...)

    • @TheChews771
      @TheChews771 6 років тому +1

      well done bro i thought in my head if the WHOLE amps is 15 not one outlet is 15A all the four is and he must have fought that one outlet is 15A so he plugged the printer in which must have been over 3.75A

    • @flyguille
      @flyguille 6 років тому +1

      here in argentina is outlets at wall for 10A and 20A, if a power bar must meet it, it can be 10A or 20A in the main plug, now, now, except for industrial type, to see power bars where each individual plug is capable of that, overall thinking the POWER BAR concept is for dividing power in several female plugs, has no-sense for making each individual female plug capable of the full input Amps. Other way I would be a power extension cord, not a power bar. But, any way, this burn, your video case, is not about you did those Amps, it was just heat from a loose conection or DIRT in the contacts, that did't the required resistence for allowed heat to be developed, so, it is normal that none protection shut it down.

  • @deanokken8960
    @deanokken8960 6 років тому

    For 5 years I had a power plug connect to my PC, but that same power plug extended to my TV and retro game consoles (2) and VCR. The TV was a CRT. Am I lucky or is there something that I missed concerning European electricity?

  • @pokefantic1504
    @pokefantic1504 3 роки тому

    I just randomly thought about this- thank you, I wasn't planning to do it but thank you

  • @Atlink
    @Atlink 6 років тому +3

    It's quite simple: If you plug low-power drawing items into a power strip that's coming off of another power strip, you should be just fine. However, under NO circumstances should an extremely high wattage item (like a space heater) be plugged into ANY kind of extension, be it a power strip or extension cord. If anything, it should be the only thing plugged into that outlet. Same goes for air conditioners.
    Plugging a computer or laptop charger into the primary strip (the one plugged into the wall) and then using a second strip for something like an lame with a CFL or LED bulb, maybe a phone charger... You'll be fine.
    I have a dual strip setup at my house but I only use the 2nd strip to power a small LCD monitor, my computer speakers (about 5A), and an LED lamp. Pretty sure I'm not going to burn anything down.

  • @thewhitefalcon8539
    @thewhitefalcon8539 6 років тому +10

    FYI - the router is rated at 5V 1A, that's what comes out of its power brick, check the rating for the input of the power brick and it'll probably be much less than 1A.

    • @niftyjig
      @niftyjig 6 років тому +2

      Totally glossed over that, didn't he?

  • @bluspectre2042
    @bluspectre2042 6 років тому +2

    You also need to include the margin of error for the electronics and also that the splitters themselves also draw a slight load individually.

  • @SUPERBOBESPONJA1000
    @SUPERBOBESPONJA1000 6 років тому

    i have 2 power bar plugged together the principal carries more of 800w? and the secound has a crt using 200w (samsung syncmaster 753s) the principal has my pc and a 120 to 240v so really never exploded

  • @MrPartyWaffle
    @MrPartyWaffle 6 років тому +9

    They are safe up until a certain point, being mindful of the amount of current you're drawing will be a life saver.

  • @kinga.d9791
    @kinga.d9791 6 років тому +30

    This video is so electrifying

    • @ralakus8784
      @ralakus8784 6 років тому +6

      These terrible puns shock me.

    • @eliad6543
      @eliad6543 6 років тому +3

      Watt do you mean by that?

    • @pipsta
      @pipsta 6 років тому +1

      These hurtz my head

  • @nymphohalo
    @nymphohalo 2 роки тому

    I made the biggest mistake during college by plugging a heater into an electrical cord instead of an outlet and the power on the side of the room it was plugged into went out and I had to get my RA to flip the breaker switch. 5 times in the first 2 months of school.
    I’m grateful a fire never started but I did get fined when a separate RA reported me.
    Be safe with ur heaters!

  • @gisl2159
    @gisl2159 Рік тому

    I understand that. You had a clever visitor who experienced it and left you the sample :D

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  Рік тому +1

      I work with lots of 'suppliers' who get me the trash of life to be featured here.

  • @nebbyandthecosmogrevolutio8477
    @nebbyandthecosmogrevolutio8477 6 років тому +5

    *When your too lazy to plug in your charger so you plug in a power bar's plug into itself and plug your charger there*

  • @NinjaOnANinja
    @NinjaOnANinja 7 років тому +10

    Also, don't let your dog pee on them. That also starts fires.

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  7 років тому +3

      We don`t keep dogs in the office, it`s a heritage building from 1892. But there aren`t any washrooms either, so that there might be something to look into ... I just remembed we have a high electrocution rate among workers there, all misteriously found dead with pants down, never been solved cases ...

    • @NinjaOnANinja
      @NinjaOnANinja 7 років тому

      theoverengineer You know, I think we may be on to something major here. If we combine our brain power, we might be able to save lives. Or at least keep power outlets dry. But it is sketchy.

    • @noahbones1221
      @noahbones1221 5 років тому

      No, it will just shock him badly, usually.

  • @LFCROXforLIFE
    @LFCROXforLIFE 3 роки тому

    I have a question, my appliances show both an input and output current. In this case do I sum up the input or output currents of all my appliances to make sure I am not exceeding the 15A limit? Thanks!

  • @immortalsofar5314
    @immortalsofar5314 6 років тому +1

    From experience, I can say "No, it's not." I had an old house with a single outlet in my office with a 2->4->6 setup with the lowest powered devices furthest. With a 2KW heater on the second of 2, the melting began further up the chain where I would not have expected it.

  • @ressouchebenoit8594
    @ressouchebenoit8594 6 років тому +8

    "plug power bars into power bars" is : ( in France )
    unauthorized, installation outside the norm, not covered by insurance,
    and it's very dangerous !!! (because, made in china multiplug is not alltime full good, and up the problem of the power run in.

    • @717dash_cam
      @717dash_cam 6 років тому

      All depends where you're at. Here stateside we are anywhere from 110-120 for most residential applications with some 220-240 volt plugs for larger appliances requiring special plugs. Think large residential electric dryers and range/ovens. So for our applications daisy-chaining power strips can act as extra outlets, or in the case of my college dorm an extension cord since those were banned from the dorms. In the UK and most other places that side of the Atlantic I believe use 220 for all applications. At 220 volts you are likely to sooner exceed the limitations of the single power strip.
      I am a firm believer in only buying products from reputable brands when it comes to anything handling electricity, especially with higher requirements. I believe what may have been the issue is that some power strips have an 'always on' outlet that could have caused a problem, or could have just been old/faulty where there was enough draw to cause the heat and melt. Too many factors for it to really say for sure based off this video alone. But typically I would agree daisy-chaining multiple power strips isn't a best practice for wide application across an entire home or business and is begging for a fire.

    • @patrick_test123
      @patrick_test123 6 років тому

      Ryan Slemmer the Heat generated really only depends on the current flowing through the socket and it's resistance (P=R*I^2). With the same load the current is lower on a 220V system and I theory you're less likely to start a fire. But it really depends on if the power strip is reasonable good if it will hold the bold promise molded into it's casing

  • @elevatorsofamerica
    @elevatorsofamerica 7 років тому +8

    I got 2 15s and 5 20s, and a 1952 Cutler Hammer circuit panel. lel

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  7 років тому +1

      The panel`s about up for donation to a museum ... Probably has only 60A supplied to the household

    • @elevatorsofamerica
      @elevatorsofamerica 7 років тому +1

      theoverengineer The master breaker is only 50A. It still does good!

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  7 років тому +2

      and it will function indefinitely well as long as the 50A is not exceeded (eg. by a meltdown by lightning strike)

    • @elevatorsofamerica
      @elevatorsofamerica 7 років тому

      theoverengineer The 3 prong outlets in my home aren't really grounded, except for the gfci, hehe.

  • @jcak654
    @jcak654 6 років тому

    Thank you I showed this to my dad because he's always getting at me for having 2 power bars on one circuit

  • @gisl2159
    @gisl2159 Рік тому

    The cords with buttons switch when a hazard occurs? I didn't know that. I never read what it says on the chord. I am watching to figure our If I can plug in two computer charge and one phone charge to a small 3 outles chord. My pc charger says 100-240V-1.16A, 50/60 Hz. I am not in the kitchen and voltage circut is probably 100 but for both, current is 1.16A? The cord says on the label that it is 125 V, current max 13 A. Is that right?

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  Рік тому

      That's right, 13A can easily take the electrical load of 1.16A (eleven times over)

  • @2KSYT
    @2KSYT 6 років тому +4

    I learn't a lot to be honest.

  • @ghost307
    @ghost307 6 років тому +8

    The math is irrelevant.As soon as you plug one power strip into another you've violated the UL Listing.Good luck getting your insurance company to pay you for your losses.

  • @04deoxys
    @04deoxys 6 років тому

    I used to daisy chain at least four of these, every single outlet plugged in for the length of about two years. I'm shocked my house didn't burst into flames

  • @kaeldlr2018
    @kaeldlr2018 6 років тому

    This is actually helpful. Thanks

  • @speedygameclips388
    @speedygameclips388 6 років тому +5

    Who the heck plugs a heater into a surge protector in the first place...
    Air Conditioner, Refrigerator, Portable Heater, Deep Freezer, All of these things draw massive amounts of wattage, and should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. A surge protector can not handle those levels of wattage very well, which is obvious why the fire started in the first place.

    • @JamoWaffleSponge
      @JamoWaffleSponge 6 років тому +1

      Speedy Game Clips people who just want to use them for a longer cord length for one appliance

  • @vionixmoon2547
    @vionixmoon2547 6 років тому +3

    I have this kind if setup of power bars, no fires or smoke for me. Works amazing and no issues for me.

    • @tact1calbanana388
      @tact1calbanana388 6 років тому +1

      InactiveCunt he explains in the video why if you took the time to watch it.

    • @wclifton968gameplaystutorials
      @wclifton968gameplaystutorials 6 років тому

      that's dangerous and unsafe incase too much energy goes through the wires causing it to overheat and catch fire.

  • @Kansasavation
    @Kansasavation 4 роки тому

    What would happen if you did that and you turn the one that is attached to the main power source off with the other ones catch on fire or something since it says there’s still electricity but there’s not and it cuts off all of a sudden

  • @nisserot
    @nisserot 6 років тому +1

    One of the disadvantages of using a low voltage such as 120V is that it requires a higher current to deliver the same power as a higher voltage can do at a lower current, and thus requiring more bulky connectors and thicker wires to establish a good connection. I've seen lots of pictures and videos of charred and burned 120V outlets. I live in a country with 240V phase-to-neutral and I've never seen a burned outlet here (not saying it hasn't happened, I just haven't seen one). Most outlets here are fused at 10A.

    • @jeremy6384
      @jeremy6384 11 місяців тому

      now I want to look up comparison info on 120 and 240 vac.

  • @JustinY.
    @JustinY. 6 років тому +165

    Well yeah if you plug an energy and shove it into another energy bar you get twice the energy, twice the power.

    • @nnz405
      @nnz405 6 років тому +1

      Justin Y. Hey man

    • @doublemanok6569
      @doublemanok6569 6 років тому +3

      Hey you here again!?

    • @lordbaccoon1821
      @lordbaccoon1821 6 років тому +8

      Justin Y. Wtf... I have seen you on every video I have watched in the last 24 hours

    • @benlogicfactsshapiro
      @benlogicfactsshapiro 6 років тому +15

      Hey guys, if your genuinely sick of this parasite just ignore his comments. Bonus points for using the (pointless) downvote button!

    • @ZAxis
      @ZAxis 6 років тому +4

      Dumbass Demoman dude no one's sick of him, he just appears in every comment section

  • @kilurz8629
    @kilurz8629 6 років тому +3

    *no*

  • @number1511
    @number1511 6 років тому +1

    "youre gonna have a happy little housefire" lmao

  • @JGO.
    @JGO. 3 місяці тому +1

    Great video! Thanks for sharing

  • @Zanewv
    @Zanewv 6 років тому +11

    Power strips should never be plugged into each other

    • @alfredjonathankwak955
      @alfredjonathankwak955 6 років тому

      that's just my multi use room...

    • @Zanewv
      @Zanewv 6 років тому

      Börk Deutsche Doesn't matter they do not get plugged into each other

    • @Zanewv
      @Zanewv 6 років тому

      potato Wrong about what?

    • @Turdsmear
      @Turdsmear 6 років тому

      i dont have any extensions so i used 2 power strips to run the length of my bed just to power 1 small lamp

    • @TheDorianTube
      @TheDorianTube 6 років тому +6

      Been doing this for years, no issues whatsoever : /

  • @bumboy8736
    @bumboy8736 6 років тому +6

    Its from china that's the problem

    • @Sircliffe
      @Sircliffe 6 років тому +2

      Everything is from China.

  • @Gamez4eveR
    @Gamez4eveR 6 років тому

    I used one power bar as a source that went to another two bars, powered a computer with the monitor and my studio monitors.
    Never had a problem (at least for the 2 years I used that config), probably because there wasn't too much current going through at once.

  • @jk-ed3pi
    @jk-ed3pi 4 роки тому +1

    great video, first 3 minutes answered all my questions thank you sir

  • @Garysopinion
    @Garysopinion Рік тому +1

    wonder if I should divide watts by 115V or 120V?

  • @caleb4863
    @caleb4863 5 років тому

    I remember one time over winter break this past Christmas, I had my PC on, with 2 monitors as well, a space heater, and some speakers and a vacuum because I was cleaning my room and listening to music. They were all powered by one power strip, it literally exploded💀💀

  • @pokesavage1823
    @pokesavage1823 6 років тому

    This was some great education about electricity I didnt know any of these I love learing about stuff that this

  • @varykmcilvenna8542
    @varykmcilvenna8542 3 роки тому

    what if you use extension cords, and draw small amounts of power?

  • @BalsamicJeebs
    @BalsamicJeebs 6 років тому

    But could you plug one into another, then that one into the one that was just plugged in, then plug one of them in a power bank to make another power bank?

  • @karenoncrack5674
    @karenoncrack5674 3 роки тому

    If I have 1000w running through a 900 joule 15A power strip is it safe? Sorry but I don’t know anything about electrical things

  • @dillweed8591
    @dillweed8591 6 років тому

    I finally learned something about using powerstrips.

  • @johnwilkerson9804
    @johnwilkerson9804 2 роки тому

    5years later and this video just won another argument lol thank you

  • @saibot0
    @saibot0 6 років тому

    what kind of ancient power bars do you own

  • @christianzaky3820
    @christianzaky3820 4 роки тому

    Great video. Learned a lot. Thank you

  • @MXALOVE
    @MXALOVE 6 років тому +1

    So either get a longer extension cord or a longer power bank cord

  • @zakariyyya
    @zakariyyya 4 роки тому

    God bless U brother, whoever U R. May God bless U & ur family.

  • @ugh2668
    @ugh2668 6 років тому

    Thanks for the advice!

  • @joseluislopes3956
    @joseluislopes3956 6 років тому

    Never gave much thought about it... In Europe most eletric bars also have 16A max, but since we use 240v we atually have about twice as much capacity, unless I plug home appliances or several heaters to one, it's quite hard to overload one

  • @andersonklein3587
    @andersonklein3587 6 років тому

    Wait a little bit!
    those devices that had 1Amp but at 5Volts actually were only using around 0.05Amps out of the wall, right?
    I mean, you can convert 15A at 115V to 345A at 5V, right?
    Wouldn't it be better to use watts?

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  6 років тому

      No, wire size is based on the definition of Amp

  • @SgtLuke
    @SgtLuke 6 років тому +1

    All depends on what is plugged in and how far you're expanding the power bars.

  • @EggyBoi
    @EggyBoi 6 років тому

    I have that exact power bar from a super long time ago I don’t know how we have the same one

  • @AaronBilger
    @AaronBilger 6 років тому

    I have some cheapo power strips from walmart plugged into each other but of course I only have one thing plugged into the 2nd one and it gets shut off all the time because I use a subwoofer on it when done using it I shut it off no heavy power usage

  • @DB-47
    @DB-47 6 років тому

    Not only amps matter, but also cable gauge does. I had one power strip rated on label for 230 V 16 amps, but cable had gauge only 1.0 mm^2, that is safe for up to 10 amps instead of required 1.5 mm^2 so I have to keep on mind I can't exceed 10 amps

    • @theoverengineer
      @theoverengineer  6 років тому

      That`s right.
      (Here is more on wire gauge ua-cam.com/video/Wz9Uv-oe2LE/v-deo.html)

  • @missbossy143
    @missbossy143 4 роки тому

    Very informative, thanks!!! 👍🏾😀