Hi all! I have just moved into a place with these annoying skirting GPOs. None of my power boards will plug in due to the proximity to the floor. Any ideas?
Hello @sarahlo
Thank you for sharing your question about your powerpoints. The plug positions are too low and would be impossible to plug in a regular power board or extension cord. If there is a technique, only the landlord knows how it's done. I suggest calling your property manager and asking them if there is a way to plug into this powerpoint. The only other option I can recommend is to ask a registered electrician to change the powerpoints height.
Let me call on our experienced members @MikeTNZ and @TedBear for their recommendations
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @sarahlo
Maybe you could try an adaptor similar to this below. Available from Bunnings, at least you can use the top plug, it also has surge protection.
Or as @EricL suggested a short lead connected to the power point then connect the the power board to the end of the lead.
Morning @sarahlo
"Any ideas?"
Thump on the desk of the real estate agent and demand action.
What an amazing situation. It looks like the floor is rising similar to our current flooding. Is that concrete with lino covering?
No wonder you can't get a plug into it - the 'floor' is nearly at the height of the earth pin. To my eyes I can't see that adapter working because of the distance indicated...
Please, please, let us know how you get on with this.
I remember seeing along time ago,
a plug with a flat bottom. I might ask some electrical companies if it still exists. I’m not in this house for too long it’s just to get by for now this particular point I need to plug in my WIFI. All the bedrooms have the same. Renovated kitchen and laundry are ok though.
Have you tried a cord that exists on the rear of the plug, @sarahlo? Something like this Arlec 3m White Extension Lead? @Noyade has depicted the issue most adaptors will face as their chassis extends a substantial distance downward below the earth pin. In the image below, I've indicated how a rear entry plug is of a smaller size. Some extension leads use quite soft plastic for the plug, and you might just squeeze it in.
Mitchell
I’m looking for a powerboard. Not lead to board. Otherwise it’s too long. If it doesn’t exist I have no option I guess. It’s a shame Arlec doesn’t do a swivel plug to power board
I should note this wasn’t my original heading it been changed.
@sarahlo
I believe (I could be wrong) sometimes the titles are changed to assist with the search function.
Looking even closer at your photo - it would appear the submerged power point casing is cracked above the active and neutral pin holes.
With this and being so close to the floor and therefore an electrical hazard, would it not be advisable to inform the landlord or real estate of its existence?
It may not help you, as you mentioned you will be moving out soon - but what about the new tenants?
I have just moved in the last few weeks. The owner moved out. She is well aware of the condition of her property. I’m saying I’m not staying long as my house is being built. The personal details isn’t really what I want to discuss, but as you are incorrect I feel I have to justify. What is also a hazard is running an extension lead across the middle of the lounge which is the current situation.
Fair enough, @sarahlo. I just thought if the rear-exiting lead worked, it could be plugged into whatever you wanted. You could use some cable management to keep the excess lead length in check. Swivel plug to power board would've worked well if it fitted. However, I looked at the swivel plugs, and they don't appear to be any smaller than a rear-entry plug. There is the Arlec 5 Outlet Surge Protected Power Board With USB Charger And Wide Spaced Outlets with a rear-entry plug that you could consider if you run out of options.
At the best of times, it can be difficult to plug electronics with power packs into these low-lying powerpoints. When the newer flooring was installed, they increased the floor height without considering the existing skirting-mounted powerpoints and rendered them basically inoperable, so options for using them are very limited.
Please let us know if you have further questions.
"but as you are incorrect"
That's OK - story of my life.
Any chance of chiseling a small amount, of whatever that floor is, away from under the earth pin?
I did purchase (when?) a Arlec power-board from Bunnings - Model PB405L Series 2 that has four points with individual switches. The cord comes straight out from the plug and the distance between the bottom of the earth pin to the outer diameter is around 5 or 6 mm. Possibilities?
as mentioned this isn’t my house I can’t just chisel the floor. Thanks for your help and suggestions. I’ll check my local Bunnings tomorrow and if no joy will go to a place like Rexel. Just need one that is small and has the cord to the side and not underneath, or a swivel. I’m sure I’ll find something!
Thanks heaps!
Hi @sarahlo,
Those particular socket-outlets aren't even meant to be installed there.
They are a work-top type socket for above benches.
The current wiring regulations (AS/NZS 3000) prohibit socket outlets within 300 mm of a floor surface and of course, as anyone can see,
there is no way in hell you can plug anything into them.
My guess is, the floor has been resurfaced and lo and behold, they had to cut the floor in around the sockets.
This is really poor and I would be talking to the last building owner, as these sockets are not electrically compliant the way they are installed
and any outlets like this need to be relocated to at least 300mm above the finished floor level.
I say that as a registered electrician with 30 years experience.
If you require any further advice, I'm more than happy to give you any advice you need.
Cheers,
Mike T.
Hi MikeTNZ,
Sorry there seems to be some confusion thanks to the change of heading of my post. I am all sorted from my end thank-you, this is not my house. My only option then is to run extension lead across the lounge which is what I’m currently doing. I appreciate your input but it’s a lose situation for me. Hopefully my own house will be finished soon!
It's good to hear that you've managed to find a solution for your extension lead. If you're worried about tripping on it, I suggest getting an even longer lead and running it along the skirting board next to the side of the house. At least it won't be in the middle of the lounge where you might accidentally trip on it at night.
The best part is that when it comes time to move, you can bring all those extension cords with you.
Great to hear that you now have everything you need.
Just wanted to explain why the moderation team sometimes change the title on posts on Workshop. It's so that common search terms are used and other members and visitors to the site can also benefit from all the replies and advice shared. Other people might face a similar situation to yours and advice like @MikeTNZ has shared would be really valuable to them.
Many thanks for your understanding,
Jason
