Electrical face plates: multi adapters

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timbo1604

102 posts

Master Geek

#107546 14-Aug-2012 14:46

At a backpackers hostel we have thousands of guests every year asking for multi-adapters for their chargers, hairdryers, etc. We have tried various forms of lending/hiring them out but inevitably keep losing them time and time again.

I'm wondering if there is such thing as a multi adapter face-plate for a wall socket that would allow people to plug foreign devices directly into the wall. I would guess voltage limits may be an issue but is it possible that these things exist?

I've googled a few different key words but not really found anything. If anyone knows anything I'd be grateful to hear from you.

I've attached an image of the adapters we currently keep losing.

trig42

5809 posts

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#672291 14-Aug-2012 15:03

Shaver sockets used to be multi input. Don't know if you can still get them, I think they have RCDs built in too so won't be cheap.

Talkiet

4792 posts

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#672299 14-Aug-2012 15:08

Simple answer, sell them, or lend with a deposit?

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

timbo1604

102 posts

Master Geek

#672300 14-Aug-2012 15:13

trig42: Shaver sockets used to be multi input. Don't know if you can still get them, I think they have RCDs built in too so won't be cheap.

Good idea. I'd think that since it would be in a bedroom and nowhere near water I could use a non-isolated one too?

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#672310 14-Aug-2012 15:39

timbo1604:
trig42: Shaver sockets used to be multi input. Don't know if you can still get them, I think they have RCDs built in too so won't be cheap.

Good idea. I'd think that since it would be in a bedroom and nowhere near water I could use a non-isolated one too?

Don't go down this path, Shaver sockets are low load, they will go fut as soon as someone plugs in anything with a high draw.....

Why not install a bunch of double hot points and superglue/plastic cement one those multi adaptors to one of the sockets.......

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#672325 14-Aug-2012 16:02

Maybe something like these, too big to pop into your pocket, or you could screw them to the wall.

http://traveloasis.com/powerstrip1.html

trig42

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#672326 14-Aug-2012 16:06

Also, make sure you put a large sign above them saying 220-240V, otherwise when someone plugs their 110V hair dryer into it they will get a fireworks display.

Maybe a 110V with a red line through it like the no smoking signs.

oxnsox

1923 posts

Uber Geek

#672333 14-Aug-2012 16:18

timbo1604: I'm wondering if there is such thing as a multi adapter face-plate for a wall socket that would allow people to plug foreign devices directly into the wall.

I believe I have seen these in catalogues overseas but don't believe you could fit them legally here.

I would guess voltage limits may be an issue but is it possible that these things exist?

Re Voltage. Because we have a different voltage than many of your guests. When you rent them the $2 shop adaptor it gives you the opportunity to give them that warning.
Although most electronics these days should be fine as they come with multi-voltage adaptors. Hair-driers are another story!!!

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oxnsox

1923 posts

Uber Geek

#672341 14-Aug-2012 16:27

kiwitrc: Maybe something like these, too big to pop into your pocket, or you could screw them to the wall. http://traveloasis.com/powerstrip1.html

You can buy these in NZ ~$25ish. There is an irony though. It'd my understanding that they can't sell them legally unless they have an 'approved' Aus/NZ plug. Which means one of the ones where the Phase and Neutral pins are partially insulated.

So you can buy a power board that you could fit your tongue, a pen tip, or childs finger into... but only if the plug is 'safe'.

khull

1245 posts

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#672399 14-Aug-2012 17:47

I stayed at Shangri-la and they had a universal/international adapter built into the wall sockets - so they do exist.

richms

28168 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#678816 29-Aug-2012 16:00

Not legal to install them as the pins fail the finger test.

Also the pictured adapter is one of the illegal ones because again it fails the finger and misinsertion tests.

Richard rich.ms