Power Outlets

[Jay_Pee]

Would it be safe to plug one floor lamp directly to the bottom receptacle which is connected to the welcome light switch and a surge protector on the top receptacle? Connected to the surge protector is a gaming pc, speakers. monitor and something else (like a switch or modem).

 

[BoomerD]

Maybe? We'd need a little more info to answer with any certainty.

 

[Jay_Pee]

Maybe? We'd need a little more info to answer with any certainty.

Currently the floor lamp has a 11 watt cfl bulb which I intend to replace with an led. Providing power to the PC is a Cooler Master CX650M. The monitor in use is a 27" Asus MX279. Lastly, the speakers are 2.1 Logitech Z2300. Is that sufficient?

 

[nitsuj3580]

To reiterate, you have a two outlet receptacle and you want to use one outlet for a surge protector to plug in computer equipment and the other outlet to plug in a lamp that you turn on and off from a light switch? I don't see the issue. This is well within a typical 15A circuit.

Technically, you'd want to add up what's also plugged into other receptacles on the same circuit to see if you'd trip the breaker, but if I'm understanding your question correctly, you're fine.

 

[Jay_Pee]

Here is a visual representation.

 

[zinfamous]

Just don't try to daisy chain another splitter or extension cord off that surge protector and you should be fine. That's very common.

I guess one potential problem is if that outlet is onthe same circuit as an appliance, like fridge or microwave. They shouldn't be, but it defintiely happens. Microwave, especially, could cause problems. ...but you'll know soon enough if the devices plugged into that outlet, like the lamp, start to flicker or dim whenever you turn on the microwave.

 

[sdifox]

Would it be safe to plug one floor lamp directly to the bottom receptacle which is connected to the welcome light switch and a surge protector on the top receptacle? Connected to the surge protector is a gaming pc, speakers. monitor and something else (like a switch or modem).

why wouldn't it be safe as long as you don't exceed the 15A limit to the circuit? Circuit probably has more than just that socket pair.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Shuffle your feet on that carpet before you plug anything in. It helps get rid of static electricity before you touch any wiring.....


(from the carpet)

 

[Captante]

why wouldn't it be safe as long as you don't exceed the 15A limit to the circuit? Circuit probably has more than just that socket pair.

May not be the safest bet for the computer you connect to it if you forget and shut off power via the switch ... power draw however will most likely not be a problem.

 

[zinfamous]

May not be the safest bet for the computer you connect to it if you forget and shut off power via the switch ... power draw however will most likely not be a problem.

AH, so what do you mean here--the power switch on the computer? (or the PSU main switch on the back?). I basically have the same setup--a wall splitter at the outlet, which turns the 2 outlets into 6, with the computer/PSU main, display, various peripherals, speakers, phone charger, all plugged in. ...though I also have a separate outlet (which I know to be on a different circuit, though it is shared with some outlets in the main kitchen below...because an earlier owner was nuts) which I can, and sometiems do, use for the computer/PSU alone.

oh, you mean how the OP has that outlet powered through a wall switch. ...what I understood is that the top port on the outlet is not switched, but the bottom one is, somehow? (this confuses me), or the lamp has a seperate on/off switch, located in the floor cable--I think I see it in the photo--which shouldn't be that relevant, I think.

I mean, what is a "welcome light switch?" Is that what people call a wall switch that controls an outlet, usually used for a floor or wall lamp, somewhere on the other side of a room, that isn't the main room light?

 

[BoomerD]

View attachment 21284

Here is a visual representation.

duplex wall outlet? Well, hell...those are rated for 15 amps...so, depending on your power...1620-1800 watts. I think you'll be fine.
please tell me this is a troll thread...

 

[Jay_Pee]

Thank you all for the responses. It is not a troll thread but the post was made because of my ignorance of how electrical wiring works.

Cheers,

JP

 

[Red Squirrel]

In theory you can plug anything you want, the breaker is designed to protect from an overload, unless it's a FPE then it will just catch on fire.

That said when using power bars or extension cords in a semi permanent way, make sure to always use ones that use 14 gauge wire or thicker. That will guarantee that the power bar/extension cord is also rated for the capacity of the breaker.

 

[BUTCH1]

OP, typically both the switched outlet and the receptacle above it are running on the same 15 amp breaker, it's called a "lamp" circuit. Some electricians take the extra time, (and expense) to wire lighting and general use on different breakers, it also depends on the electrical code that was in place when your dwelling was constructed.