Slim mains plug on extension cord or power board?

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Slim mains plug on extension cord or power board?

phrozenpenguin

870 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 90

#293200 5-Jan-2022 14:32

Bit of an odd question but this looked like the most suitable forum.

I need to use a power socket right behind some furniture, and the power plug means the furniture has to be moved out from the wall further than ideal. Does anybody know a suitable slim plug - attached to either an extension cord or power board? Or is there an east way to recess flush sockets back into the wall, or something similar?

Thanks in advance!

gbwelly

1264 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 777

Subscriber

#2843762 5-Jan-2022 14:47

I slap these on all sorts of stuff for similar reasons as you. Additionally they prevent power multi boards being pulled out of the wall socket when my robot vac mauls them.

wellygary

8928 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5462

#2843763 5-Jan-2022 14:50

How many devices are you looking to run??

If it is just one, then hard wiring a Permanent Connection Unit (PCU) might be an option

If its more than one, I'm not sure if wiring a power strip onto a PCU is legal...

phrozenpenguin

870 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 90

#2843817 5-Jan-2022 15:18

gbwelly:

I slap these on all sorts of stuff for similar reasons as you. Additionally they prevent power multi boards being pulled out of the wall socket when my robot vac mauls them.

Thanks they look useful, will measure depth next time I'm in Mitre10.

phrozenpenguin

870 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 90

#2843818 5-Jan-2022 15:20

wellygary:

How many devices are you looking to run??

If it is just one, then hard wiring a Permanent Connection Unit (PCU) might be an option

If its more than one, I'm not sure if wiring a power strip onto a PCU is legal...

Probably just one device, but not hardwired into the wall i.e. would need ability to remove item (not often, but sometimes).

The other option might be to relocate the plug so it is not behind the furniture item.

richms

29251 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10357

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2843825 5-Jan-2022 15:46

There are recessed boxes that are made to go behind TVs on the wall that are often used for furniture as well. Otherwise can you put an upstand on the back of the furniture so that its not got a gap between the wall for things to fall down?

Richard rich.ms

phrozenpenguin

870 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 90

#2843826 5-Jan-2022 15:49

richms:

There are recessed boxes that are made to go behind TVs on the wall that are often used for furniture as well. Otherwise can you put an upstand on the back of the furniture so that its not got a gap between the wall for things to fall down?

I have only seen big recessed boxes designed for AV - any nice neat double socket ones that could be retrofitted?

What do you mean by "upstand" - I don't quite follow? Thanks for the input though!

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

richms

29251 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10357

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2843828 5-Jan-2022 15:54

phrozenpenguin:

I have only seen big recessed boxes designed for AV - any nice neat double socket ones that could be retrofitted?

What do you mean by "upstand" - I don't quite follow? Thanks for the input though!

Yes, those are the boxes - we ended up with a couple for the TVs from JA Russells that were way overpriced for a plastic box with mounting wings and a hole in the back.

Upstand is just a vertical on the back of the desk or whatever so that it stops things falling off the back. I have added that to my computer desk which was just a MDF shelf from bunnings I screwed to the back of the desk surface sticking up about 50mm or so stopping things falling when I pushed the keyboard back to make room for the bowl of noodles.

Richard rich.ms

mdf

mdf
3569 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1527

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2843848 5-Jan-2022 16:43

You can certainly get power boards and extension leads with a right angle (or "side entry") plugs. I mostly shop at Bunnings and there are always plenty of options there with side entry plugs, usually with a piggy back plug - e.g. https://www.bunnings.co.nz/hpm-powerboard-4-outlet-white_p0485883 or https://www.bunnings.co.nz/arlec-5m-white-piggy-back-extension-lead_p4420177.

pih

670 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 359

Lifetime subscriber

#2843863 5-Jan-2022 17:15

If you don't need it to be switched, it looks like this might be a cheap option to install:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETADX1022/AMDEX-AV-RPS01-Recessed-Single-Power-Outlet

Otherwise PBTech also do the AV recessed box that @richms was talking about for ~$50.

gregmcc

2174 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 837

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2843895 5-Jan-2022 18:46

phrozenpenguin:

wellygary:

How many devices are you looking to run??

If it is just one, then hard wiring a Permanent Connection Unit (PCU) might be an option

If its more than one, I'm not sure if wiring a power strip onto a PCU is legal...

Probably just one device, but not hardwired into the wall i.e. would need ability to remove item (not often, but sometimes).

The other option might be to relocate the plug so it is not behind the furniture item.

You can wire a power strip in to a PCU....but you are triggering a whole lot of compliance issues, the circuit would have to be protected by an RCD (it may already be RCD protected) and BEFORE it is livened checked by an Inspector who will issue a COC.

easy option, don't wire a power strip in to a PCU......

phrozenpenguin

870 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 90

#2844004 5-Jan-2022 22:33

pih: If you don't need it to be switched, it looks like this might be a cheap option to install:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NETADX1022/AMDEX-AV-RPS01-Recessed-Single-Power-Outlet

Otherwise PBTech also do the AV recessed box that @richms was talking about for ~$50.

This looks just the ticket, thanks!

If the right angle plugs / boards don't give us enough clearance we shall get the switch swopped out.

Don't worry I won't be wiring a board to the fixed unit.

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
9451 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6331

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2844049 6-Jan-2022 01:41

phrozenpenguin:

I have only seen big recessed boxes designed for AV - any nice neat double socket ones that could be retrofitted?

Depending on how much you want to spend:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/building-renovation/electrical-lighting/switches-switchboards/sockets/listing/3415888609?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoNWOBhCwARIsAAiHnEgFiZDyhsyquS7E-R7XoKgPGcAcUcyrnSSAoqXUjyZvrvm2jn44xhQaAg6KEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://surplustronics.co.nz/products/10540-recessed-wall-box-with-power-outlet-and-2x-clipsal-style-av-outlets

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.