[ZZZZZ]

I'm still a few weeks off in doing the work, but I'm starting to plan how to remodel my home office, which is technically a bedroom.

Right now I have a total of 14 electrical devices plugged in to 6 sockets (3 duplex outlets), via an ugly spaghetti network of extension cords and power strips. About half of the devices are low power items like modems, routers, cell phone charger, etc., but I do have 2 power-hungry laser printers.

Obviously this is not an ideal situation, so I'm looking for some guidance as to how to reconfigure the power distribution in the room. With at least 14 devices plugged in (but not drawing power simultaneously, or drawing very little) how many receptacles would you install in the room? Ideally, would you provide a dedicated socket for each item? (7 or 8 duplex outlets) Is that overkill?

Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Oso954]

You should plan to install receptacles to eliminate all extension cords.

Power strips are sometimes a necessary evil, particularly with wall warts, or when they are actually surge protection.

I use a power strip type surge protector attached up under the knee hole of my desk for my computer related equipment. Cords go down thru a hole/desk grommet and are individually coiled to the required length and zip tied to eliminate tangles and keep them up out of sight.

You can get 4-6 socket surge protectors that mount over the receptacle. They have a long screw that goes into the wall plate screw hole. For low power uses, they work well.

Consider moving some equipment. Cell phone chargers don't have to be near the computer, they don't even have to be in the same room.

Power and other cords can look ugly when running free in plain sight. You can hide them inside of the plastic type wire mold.

 

[psgama]

Have you considered installing multi outlet assemblies? Google it.

 

[ZZZZZ]

Have you considered installing multi outlet assemblies? Google it.

Nope. That's why I'm asking for suggestions. I'll have a look at that.

Thanks.

 

[jreagan]

are you thinking of any battery backup device? That results in me still using several powerstrips so I can isolate the stuff that needs to be on the battery (modem, router, etc.) and the stuff that doesn't need to battery but just surge protection (photo printer, etc.)

 

[ZZZZZ]

are you thinking of any battery backup device? That results in me still using several powerstrips so I can isolate the stuff that needs to be on the battery (modem, router, etc.) and the stuff that doesn't need to battery but just surge protection (photo printer, etc.)

Good point about battery backups. I forgot to mention that.

I have 2 battery backups. The batteries only last about 15 minutes, not good for much longer than to wrap up what I was working on and do a safe clean shutdown and switch over to my laptop if needed.

I don't use any power strips with the backups now, but each one has two outlets, So I have have my PC, the monitor, the modem and a router plugged in to them.

I will do some more thinking about how to use the backups or maybe invest in some newer equipment.

 

[herdfan]

What is your timeframe to stay in the house?

When I moved my office into room in the basement, I made sure to add some outlets (via wiremold) at desk height. That way I have access to power that is not behind the desk. Doesn't look great, but I am really the only one that sees it.

When I build my retirement home with a dedicated office, the outlets will be at desk height around the room.