From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew
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From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

Just be careful about the spacing of the sockets especially if you are
using wall wart power adapters. Some of the compact type extensions
cannot take 8 plugs as the strain relieve on the cable covers some of
the sockets. Over wide wall warts can mean adjacent sockets cannot be
used. Perhaps you need more than 8 ways is some sockets cannot be used.

I have a Brennenstuhl extension feeding TV, set top boxes, routers etc.
BUT none of the plug adapters (wall warts) are not too wide.

The sockets ere switched, but NOT individually switched


Brennenstuhl made in Germany https://www.brennenstuhl.co.uk/en-GB/products/extension-leads

Many of there extensions are all black and difficult to see the socket configuration BUT...

Click on the product to get the individual product page
Then click on the photo of the product to get an isolated photo
Then click again on the extension and you will get another image of the
socket arrangement

Or double click on the extension within the photo of the product.


TLC stock some of their products https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/A_Trailing_Sockets_All/Premium_Trailing_Sockets/index.html#Premium_Trailing_Sockets

or

https://tinyurl.com/yh43n45c

Note the 12 way (and only the 12 way) has extra spacers bewteen some of
the sockets
--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk
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From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

They used to be around because I have one that I have been using for
years. It has 8 sockets that are two banks of 4 sockets, each with a
switch, staggered slightly so that each Live pin on one side is opposite
the Earth pin on the opposite socket, and all the Earth pins are towards
the centre.

Whether you can use all eight depends on the configuration of any wall
warts you plug in. The ones with the Earth pin near the top edge are
OK, but the ones where there is the other configuration, with the Live
and Neutral near the bottom edge, blocks the use of the opposite socket. Because of that, I can only use 7 of the 8 sockets. Unfortunately the
Wall Wart that prevents a socket from being used powers my router, so I
can't avoid using it.

I don't know who made it - I can't see a name on it anywhere. A quick
internet search found this one which is a bit longer than my one but
similarly configured.
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8527815
One that looks a bit more like mine is this one, though it is black
instead of my white one https://boxed2me.co.uk/product/ex-pro-3m-8-gang-mains-extension-socket-switched-surge-protected-black-49180
There is a white version on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393652247719
Neither of the last two have switches that illuminate when on.

Jim

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From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 9 Oct 2025 at 21:47:14 BST, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

Used one of these for a few years:

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/koppla-6-way-socket-with-6-switches-earthed-white-10392663/

Reasonable spacing between sockets - at least, manages all of the transormers I'm using with it. Only slight complaint is that the LEDs are quite bright.
--
Cheers, Rob, Sheffield UK
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From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 10/10/2025 00:33, Indy Jess John wrote:

There is a white version on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393652247719
Neither of the last two have switches that illuminate when on.

Perhaps Ok with the linked examples but also consider wall warts
covering the switches making them inaccessible or worse, knocking them
into a undefined mid switch position.
--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk
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From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 09/10/2025 23:42, alan_m wrote:

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

Just be careful about the spacing of the sockets especially if you are
using wall wart power adapters.-a Some of the compact type extensions
cannot take 8 plugs as the strain relieve on the cable covers some of
the sockets. Over wide wall warts can mean adjacent sockets cannot be
used. Perhaps you need more than 8 ways is some sockets cannot be used.

I have a Brennenstuhl extension feeding TV, set top boxes,-a routers etc. BUT none of the plug adapters (wall warts) are not too wide.

The sockets ere switched, but NOT individually switched

Brennenstuhl made in Germany https://www.brennenstuhl.co.uk/en-GB/products/extension-leads

Many of there extensions are all black and difficult to see the socket configuration BUT...

Click on the product to get the individual product page
Then click on the photo of the product to get an isolated photo
Then click again on the extension and you will get another image of the socket arrangement

Or double click on the extension within the photo of the product.

TLC stock some of their products https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/ A_Trailing_Sockets_All/Premium_Trailing_Sockets/ index.html#Premium_Trailing_Sockets

or

https://tinyurl.com/yh43n45c

Note the 12 way (and only the 12 way) has extra spacers bewteen some of
the sockets

CPC have a wide range of (their own?) Pro-Elec mains blocks. After quite
some looking a while ago, and with criteria similar to yours, I ended up
with some of their individually switchable 6-way blocks.
The ones I chose have the sockets as two 'banks', each of three, but
many other forms are available.
As mentioned, be aware that the width and for of many mains adapter PSUs
these days make it inevitable that one will block off another socket.

I looked at the Brennenstuhl range - I like the 'offset' arrangement -
but didn't like the somewhat thermoplastic material they seemed to be
made out of. I am quite sure they are not **made** in Germany, despite
what they say.

I don't say the Pro-Elec ones are great, or any better, but they are
worth a look.

HTH, J^n

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:48:52 +0100, jkn wrote:

CPC have a wide range of (their own?) Pro-Elec mains blocks. After quite
some looking a while ago, and with criteria similar to yours, I ended up
with some of their individually switchable 6-way blocks.

Some years ago I bought several mains blocks from CPC, not sure if they
were Pro-Elec. I don't recall why, but I took the cover off one of them.

I found that two or three of the screws connecting parts of it together
were loose! On checking, a couple more of the blocks had similar loose
screws.

Now I always check, although some use spot welds instead.
--
My posts are my copyright and if @diy_forums or Home Owners' Hub
wish to copy them they can pay me -u1 a message.
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK: http://www.mirrorservice.org
*lightning surge protection* - a w_tom conductor
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From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 10/10/2025 13:23, Bob Eager wrote:

On Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:48:52 +0100, jkn wrote:

CPC have a wide range of (their own?) Pro-Elec mains blocks. After quite
some looking a while ago, and with criteria similar to yours, I ended up
with some of their individually switchable 6-way blocks.

Some years ago I bought several mains blocks from CPC, not sure if they
were Pro-Elec. I don't recall why, but I took the cover off one of them.

I found that two or three of the screws connecting parts of it together
were loose! On checking, a couple more of the blocks had similar loose screws.

Now I always check, although some use spot welds instead.

Yeah, probably worth doing. I did something similar (though not with
these Pro-elec ones) with a cheap 'wifi-switchable' block a while ago
and was pretty horrified with the innards.




--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

Bob Eager wrote:

I found that two or three of the screws connecting parts of it together
were loose! On checking, a couple more of the blocks had similar loose screws.

Now I always check

For top quality use Olson, a bit spendy for home use, but search for
used ones on eBay ...

<https://olsondirect.co.uk/product-category/socket-outlet-type/uk-13a/?filtering=1&filter_number-of-sockets=6>
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 10/10/2025 06:00, RJH wrote:

On 9 Oct 2025 at 21:47:14 BST, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

Used one of these for a few years:

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/koppla-6-way-socket-with-6-switches-earthed-white-10392663/

Reasonable spacing between sockets - at least, manages all of the transormers I'm using with it. Only slight complaint is that the LEDs are quite bright.

Thanks, looks interesting, and
available in-store at their new Brighton store too.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

Andrew <Andrew97d@btinternet.com> wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

I am sure Russ AndrewrCOs will have something suitably exorbitant to suit
your needs.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 10/10/2025 18:50, Tricky Dicky wrote:

Andrew <Andrew97d@btinternet.com> wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

I am sure Russ AndrewrCOs will have something suitably exorbitant to suit your needs.

Have you seen the price of the ones on the Olson website ?, Ouch.

Probably easier to buy three Mk double sockets and three surface-
mount back boxes and make my own.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 10/10/2025 18:50, Tricky Dicky wrote:

Andrew <Andrew97d@btinternet.com> wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

I am sure Russ AndrewrCOs will have something suitably exorbitant to suit your needs.

LOL!

I see Amazon is selling NEW VINYL disks - -u45!

No wonder people Believe in Renewable Energy..
--
rCLThe fundamental cause of the trouble in the modern world today is that
the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt."

- Bertrand Russell


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 10/10/2025 21:17, Andrew wrote:

On 10/10/2025 18:50, Tricky Dicky wrote:

Andrew <Andrew97d@btinternet.com> wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

I am sure Russ AndrewrCOs will have something suitably exorbitant to suit
your needs.

Have you seen the price of the ones on the Olson website ?, Ouch.

Probably easier to buy three Mk double sockets and three surface-
mount back boxes and make my own.

When I were a lad living in a brown paper bag I did just that. 6 surface mounted sockets all mounted on a bit of wood I painted blue...I had that
for years. Never let me down
--
rCLThe fundamental cause of the trouble in the modern world today is that
the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt."

- Bertrand Russell


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

I have a Lidl one (6-way, each socket switched). It's been fine for
several years now.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 11/10/2025 13:24, Kempshott wrote:

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Andrew

I have a Lidl one (6-way, each socket switched). It's been fine for
several years now.

I cant remember where mine came from. Currys maybe? Screwfix?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-13a-6-gang-switched-extension-lead-2m/8306G
I generally 'trust' screwfix for best price decent enough kit...

The ones that are dodgy are dodgy because the internal contacts probably
won't take high current. They are fine for low current though.
--
rCLIt is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established
authorities are wrong.rCY

rCo Voltaire, The Age of Louis XIV

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:

Bob Eager wrote:

I found that two or three of the screws connecting parts of it together were loose! On checking, a couple more of the blocks had similar loose screws.

Now I always check

For top quality use Olson, a bit spendy for home use, but search for
used ones on eBay ...

<https://olsondirect.co.uk/product-category/socket-outlet-type/uk-13a/?filtering=1&filter_number-of-sockets=6>

I have a few of those, salvaged from skips. The nice thing is they have a proper 32A tail to them, even if it does terminate in a 13A plug. The datacentre versions have proper 32A commando plugs on them. Very solid
steel case, they're designed to be run at full load for long periods.

The search term to look for is 'power delivery unit' or PDU. They're often thrown out when datacentres are refurbished so are cheap/free used.

Theo
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

6 way, 12 quid from IKEA

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/koppla-6-way-socket-with-6-switches-earthed-white-10392663/
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Off topic.
The majority of (6 gang) extension sockets have the lead on the right. Couldn't find one with the lead on the left which would be easier for
cable routing.
Turning it upside down doesn't work as various 240v transformer/adaptors
need to be accommodated.
--
Regards
wasbit
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.d-i-y

On 15/10/2025 10:03, wasbit wrote:

On 09/10/2025 21:47, Andrew wrote:

All,

I am re-organising my PC setup and I need a 6 to 8 way
switchable mains adapter.

I don't need surge or lightning protection, nor do I need
one that detects power usage on one outlet (PC) and it
switches all the other outlets. I just want an inline
adapter strip with individually switchable outlets.

Are there any makes to avoid, or make a point in seeking
out ?.

Off topic.
The majority of (6 gang) extension sockets have the lead on the right. Couldn't find one with the lead on the left which would be easier for
cable routing.
Turning it upside down doesn't work as various 240v transformer/adaptors need to be accommodated.

I found the same when looking for an extension lead. My solution was to
glue some mini trunking to the lower side of the body of the extension.
This just made the whole assembly, which is attached to a wall, much neater.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/deta-tte-upvc-white-self-adhesive-mini-trunking-16mm-x-16mm-x-2m/987vt
--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk
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