Additional electrical

sawmill · Post by **sawmill** » Sun Feb 03, 2013 10:23 am

I am looking for an idea of how to add a couple of elec. plugs in my basement. I have a support beam running the full length and have some tools sitting under it. I have plugs on the post under this beam but I have to run an extension cord to use most of them in the middle. I am going to add a couple of plugs between the posts on the beam. I am thing of using a drop cord wired into the line and I would like to have more than a single plug on the end. Does anyone know if you can buy a flat plug that has a place that you can plug 2 or 3 plugs into it. I can buy an extension cord with these on them and cut them but I would like a heavier wire than these have

db5 · Post by **db5** » Sun Feb 03, 2013 11:34 am

Post a couple of pictures so we can see what you are dealing with.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Feb 03, 2013 12:31 pm

sawmill wrote:I am looking for an idea of how to add a couple of elec. plugs in my basement. I have a support beam running the full length and have some tools sitting under it. I have plugs on the post under this beam but I have to run an extension cord to use most of them in the middle. I am going to add a couple of plugs between the posts on the beam. I am thing of using a drop cord wired into the line and I would like to have more than a single plug on the end. Does anyone know if you can buy a flat plug that has a place that you can plug 2 or 3 plugs into it. I can buy an extension cord with these on them and cut them but I would like a heavier wire than these have

Check out the receptacles shown on page four.

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Sun Feb 03, 2013 2:00 pm

I personally hate extension cords. But that's my issue. Extension cords are fine if properly sized. Most people buy what they think is good, but they have no idea of the size of the wire. Many use 50', 100' or longer cords and wonder why their device(s) is/are slow or the wire heats up.

I ran a 100-amp subpanel primarily for my workshop so I could have the capability to run dedicated outlets for my Shopsmiths and turn on a Shopvac without tripping a circuit breaker. What a pain that was for me to go across the house & down into the basement to reset. But then the PowerPro came out. Oh well.

So without a writing one of my 'chapters' be sure to use an extension cord rated to handle the load. If it is 20 amps, use at least a 12-gauge wire extension cord. Just use the length extension cord you require. If you make your own, be sure to ask someone where the black, white, and green wires go. Please do not break off the safety ground prong if you only have a 2-opening outlet.

Always consult someone who is competent as being electrocuted is no fun- nor is creating a potential fire hazard, etc. Been there & fried for a minute before someone pulled the emergency power kill switch. I was lucky. I never got to say thank you to the guy. Thanks Jose!

anmius · Post by **anmius** » Sun Feb 03, 2013 5:24 pm

sawmill wrote:I am looking for an idea of how to add a couple of elec. plugs in my basement. I have a support beam running the full length and have some tools sitting under it. I have plugs on the post under this beam but I have to run an extension cord to use most of them in the middle. I am going to add a couple of plugs between the posts on the beam. I am thing of using a drop cord wired into the line and I would like to have more than a single plug on the end. Does anyone know if you can buy a flat plug that has a place that you can plug 2 or 3 plugs into it. I can buy an extension cord with these on them and cut them but I would like a heavier wire than these have

How about something like this from Harbor Freight?
[ATTACH]20168[/ATTACH]

sawmill · Post by **sawmill** » Sun Feb 03, 2013 6:03 pm

Thanks for the replys. I got the job done today by using a double box with 2 plugs in it. It is all wired to my subpanel for my tools. I very seldom use more than one tool at a time but it was a pain unplugging one so I could use another only to have to plug the other one back in. I also hate extension cords and that is the reason that I added more plugs As for the harbor freight one goes thanks but no thanks I have seen the wire they use in most of there products. Thanks again for all your help on a cold and snowy day. Ivan

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Mon Feb 04, 2013 12:37 pm

sawmill wrote: As for the harbor freight one goes thanks but no thanks I have seen the wire they use in most of there products. Thanks again for all your help on a cold and snowy day. Ivan

SMART MAN!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Feb 04, 2013 3:36 pm

sawmill wrote:Thanks for the replys. I got the job done today by using a double box with 2 plugs in it. It is all wired to my subpanel for my tools. I very seldom use more than one tool at a time but it was a pain unplugging one so I could use another only to have to plug the other one back in. I also hate extension cords and that is the reason that I added more plugs As for the harbor freight one goes thanks but no thanks I have seen the wire they use in most of there products. Thanks again for all your help on a cold and snowy day. Ivan

I don't exactly hate extension cords but I would agree that they should be used with discretion. Don't use cords that are in poor condition and don't use exceedingly long extension cords.

As for fearing the use of extension cords just because they came from Harbor Freight might be excessive. Pay attention to the origin of most anything you buy these days and you might find reason to believe they are of inferior quality.

Besides - are we not adequately protected by all the various consumer protection agencies that work in our behalf. Example: The cords at Harbor Freight all carry a UL approval.