maneo wrote:Strong Eagle wrote:I've just not seen this issue over many years of use, and the question would be... why would it be ok to plug a set of prongs into a socket in the wall but not into an adapter?
If equal in quality to the electrical outlet, then the nature of the contact is the same inside the adapter as it would be if plugged into the wall outlet.
The concern mentioned by PNGMK is a real concern.
If there is significant oxidation on the contact surfaces (e.g. using old adapters, old plugs) the increased resistance could result in heating under high current (i.e. high power appliances). If there is noticeable heat then there will be the potential for fire, but this should not be an issue for new adapters.
A more common problem is overloading a multi-point adapter (or extension cord unit) with too many high current drawing appliances. If all connected are very low current (e.g. clocks, phone chargers, etc.) then this shouldn't be a problem.
However, if plugging in several appliances or components using hundreds of watts each (e.g. TVs & sound systems & lighting, etc.) the current can & will add up.
Of particular concern would be high power appliances like vacuum cleaners, crock pots, blow dryers, etc.
It would be best to put such appliances into different power points.
I understand the oxidation issues and what have you... I just cleaned and rewired an electric dryer showing oxidation signs on the wiring terminal.
My point is this: What's the difference between contact oxidation in the adapter and in the wall outlet? Assuming they are both made of quality materials, there is none.
I will agree that if one is to use a multipoint adapter, then it should both be top quality, checked regularly at the wall outlet, and be fused for the maximum rating of the wall outlet. And I agree that high amperage products should be run separately, further, one be aware that every outlet is properly fused.
With respect to fusing, I find Singapore to be somewhat odd. US electrical code provides for a central breaker box with multiple runs to various outlets and lights. Therefore, no fuse in any given outlet is required since there is a 15 amp breaker in the circuit.
In England, at least in earlier codes, there would be, say, a single hundred amp service line that ran to all the points in the house. Each outlet piggybacked off the main service line, and thus individual fusing was required for each wall outlet and/or light switch.
In Singapore, there is a combination. All the electrical setups I have seen use a breaker box and separate circuits to various parts of the house but still use fused outlets.