power in the workshop

[Arlen moulton]

In Britain we have two main types of plugs openable and moulded, in my workshop I have a six socket power strip under the bench but because the bench is right up against the wall only cables will fit behind it so I put openable plugs on everything is this wise or should I move the power strip

[IanB]

Do you mean that you cut off the original moulded plugs, feed the wire behind the bench, and then install a new plug on the end of the wire? So what happens if you want to move things off the bench later on?

Only you can say if this is a wise or foolish thing to do. I don't think we can help you.

[Wilksey]

Meh,
"Openable" plugs are just as reliable/safe as moulded plugs.
As long as they are wired correctly of course.

[VK5RC]

I'ld vote to move the power board, putting a plug on every cord is a PITA and an excellent opportunity to stuff up!
I also am a bit OCD and like to disconnect the mains from gear as I finish using it.

[Towger]

I would drill a few 50mm holes in the bench and feed the wires through. Assuming it is not the wife's kitchen worktop :-)

[Arlen moulton]

I've tried to only use things with removable leads or easily wireable plugs. Although there is one moulded plug it goes into a figure of eight connector and the wallwart has a junction further up the cable and the circuit breaker is a wirable one

[Shock]

Don't stack adapters get more or long power strips. I like the switchable variety.

[nctnico]

I mounted the outlets on the underside of my desk along with cable ducting like this:

Having cables on the floor just gets a big dusty mess.

[GreyWoolfe]

I like that ducting.  Where did you get it?

[SeanB]

Standard industrial slotted trunking, available from any place that sells DIN mounted relays, PLC, and other industrial logic. Even from electrical wholesalers. Available in quite a few sizes as well, though you will typically have to buy a length of 2m or so of each size. You probably want the largest 100mm by 100mm for mains wiring though, the smaller ones work well for 1mm solid core cable inside a machine.

[nctnico]

I wouldn't use a very high type of ducting though otherwise it gets though to put something under the desk. The type I have is 80x80mm.

[Arlen moulton]

The only reason I had that adapter plunged in there was so I could run my solder fan and charge up my portable speaker PS anyone know where I can get some dead cheap australian plugs from?

[SeanB]

The only reason I had that adapter plunged in there was so I could run my solder fan and charge up my portable speaker PS anyone know where I can get some dead cheap australian plugs from?

Find somebody who ordered a few mid range HP printers ( or Canon) and you generally get a package inside with around 5 mains cords, covering USA, EU, RSA, Aus/NZ and UK with the assorted IEC leadsets in the pack. The printer generally only uses the one most common in your country, and often the supplier will have a whole box of the others around.