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Contactor/multi plug board?

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Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by Nom »

Hi all

Does anyone know how to make one of these minus the timer?

Image

I have two single plug sockets available but need more and I don't fancy having loads of gang plugs. I'm fairly handy but don't usually mess about with electrics too much without a decent guide. So should I get/build a contactor thingy or just take the sockets apart and turn them into lots of multi sockets ir something? Don't fancy any electrical fires. Anyone got any ideas?

I need about 12 plug sockets
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by Marcus »

Hi Nom.

How much load does it need to take?

Why do you need a contactor?

Will extension leads not do the job?
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by Marcus »

About 2kW (ish) ... 2kW is 9 amps (ish).

If I apply diversity and assume the heater is on during lights off then it's 1kW (ish) draw... Your kettle is around 3kW.

Plugs are fused and there to protect cables from overheating, just size the extension leads correctly. Make sure they're 13amp.

A contactor won't stop an incorrectly sized and fused lead from getting hot and melting.
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by Vador »

I’m in a similar position to you except I have one plug socket, looking for a safe way to do this without burning the house down.
I like the look of that board though, nice and tidy
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by seymore_budz »

I've made these before you could just replace the timer for any switch. The first one I made was in a lunchbox and the contactor used to knock the front off when it switched on lol

Please be careful though because that shit ain't no joke and you can burn your house down.

https://www.electrician-1.com/2020/10/s ... h.html?m=1
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by Nom »

So by the sounds of it a couple of these

https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-1 ... _container

Should solve my problem perfectly well then?
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by 2-Scoops »

I just use a 10 plug > 13amp extension which takes 13A x 240V = 3120 watts. I do also use 2 x heavy duty timers plugged directly into extension for shit like my hps lighting or my oil filled rad, but nothing takes extension over 3k. The heavy duty timers are used more for initial electricity jolt when stuff comes on and to keep shit running smoothly.

Also I don`t use the type of extensions with surge protection for my grow area or anywhere tbh, it does my nut in when they trip out for feck all when theirs a small surge of electric coming into house from supplier, at end of shift if surge is too much of a jolt my household fuse board has all that covered as should anyone's in UK.


So by the sounds of it a couple of these

https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-1 ... _container

Should solve my problem perfectly well then?
Sound as a pound those @Nom
Last edited by 2-Scoops on Sun Oct 24, 2021 8:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by duke »

hi all well i use grasslin timer with built in contactor it handles plenty and has never gone wrong in 5 yrs,more than can be said for the digitals of which i have 3 all with fecked contacts,hence a proper grasslin at twice the price :oh-shit: better safe than sorry with electrickery! :wave:
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by Nom »

TVM all, problem solved
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Re: Contactor/multi plug board?

Post by Treetrunk »

Morning Nom. I got a sparkie to fit 2 extra sockets on the wall. Cost £40.
For what you're running those extension leads should be fine.
Are you still getting bubblers?
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