So you go buy a power strip, the multi-outlet device to plug in all your doodads. And when you rearrange the room you now need a power strip with a longer cord so you go buy one and stick the short one in a drawer. And then a longer one next month for something else.
Computers (in the US anyway) all use the same detachable, trapezoidal ended power cord, available in various lengths. I propose the same deal for these outlet strips in place of a hardwired cord. Easier to store, it would allow reuse of old PC power cords and you wouldn't have to keep buying the entire thing when all you needed was a longer cord.-- whatrock, Jan 31 2024 https://extrastaruk...-leads/cable-reels/ [xenzag, Feb 01 2024] //"mickey mouse" plug// - do you mean a “cloverleaf” plug?-- hippo, Jan 31 2024 [+] Available from RePlug: an adapter from PC oval 2-prong female to standard triangular 3-prong male wall plug. Now you can daisy-chain all your old PC power cords!-- minoradjustments, Jan 31 2024 You can open the casing and fix a longer cable to the contacts inside. At least you used to be able to when this kind of thing was all assembled with slot headed screws.-- pocmloc, Jan 31 2024 // someone else already had it before you (link) //
For only $175. Only! Jesus! I was thinking of <$10 for my version above. And it does predate mine so I can't complain even though I will anyway. And why can't I find these things online when I search? Sometimes I think you ARE the internet, [a1].
{stomps off grumbling about worm holes, time dilation and who drank the last beer}-- whatrock, Feb 01 2024 This wouldn't be too difficult to make. Although the plug you're talking about (c13, usually) I've never seen on anything more than a 6" cord, so I think you'd be back in the same boat.-- bs0u0155, Feb 01 2024 This is idea is specific to North America where the electrical system is primitive, compared to UK, where long cable reels with multiple outlets are commonplace. See link-- xenzag, Feb 01 2024 [xenzag] I was always taught to fully unreel the cable before using, because otherwise you have a nice little induction coil which might do strange things. Not sure if this is true or not though.-- pocmloc, Feb 01 2024 Basically just that, [a1], longer cords easily mated to a standard power strip connection on the cheap for use by primates in our primitive electrical system.-- whatrock, Feb 01 2024 [pocmloc] In a land where power fails irregularly, unpredictably and often, we are cautioned not to coil the heavy duty wire from a generator to your load or panel. I have felt the heat from the coil.-- minoradjustments, Feb 01 2024 Can't you half twist every loop so it goes back and forth instead of round and round?-- Voice, Feb 02 2024 //otherwise you have a nice little induction coil// It’s true - I’ve had digital projectors, which use very little power, activate the cut-off trip switches in an extension lead that wasn’t fully unwound.-- xenzag, Feb 02 2024 [pocmloc] That "unreel the cable fully" thing matters only if you're drawing a lot of power. If you're charging your phone it's OK; if you're operating heavy power tools, then maybe unreel the cable fully-- hippo, Feb 02 2024 random, halfbakery