# Rewiring a power strip **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 1, 2017, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295 "2017-07-01T18:49:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/1 "2017-07-01T18:49:49Z")
Mundane and pointless. When your house is 83 years old, outlets are often not where you’d like them to be. So it is in the kitchen. I decided to buy a [power strip](https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CCX0LJ2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to mount over the counter, so that the microwave oven and the toaster oven can be plugged in at one end, and the Keurig machine and phone charger can be plugged in at the other end. Other outlets can be used as needed for the stand mixer, the food processor, or other things. The strip would plug into one outlet, leaving the other one free for the vacuum cleaner or whatever. The trouble is that I don’t need a six-foot cord to go from the power strip to the outlet – a distance of inches. So I’m going to unsolder the wires (I hope without removing the capacitor), cut the cord down to four inches or so, and solder it back together. Wish me luck. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/2 "2017-07-01T18:55:04Z")
Personally, I’d buy a new plug from Home Depot (probably a 90 degree or the kind you can set at any angle). Then cut off the factory one and attach the one I got. It might not be as pretty, but it’d be safer (at least for this guy that doesn’t know how to solder. If you want, you could probably even pick up some spray paint that matches the color of the cord and spray the new plug, which will probably come in either black or yellow. ETA, the other option would be to bundle it up, much the way it is now, and use a clip to screw it up under the cabinet. Again, not as pretty, but no mods necessary. FTR, this is coming form someone who has never shied away from doing their own electrical work. Hell, my trunk is full of electrical tools and wire of various gauges. It just never would have dawned on my to shorten the cord on a power strip…at least not that way. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/3 "2017-07-01T18:59:26Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Personally, I’d buy a new plug from Home Depot (probably a 90 degree or the kind you can set at any angle). Then cut off the factory one and attach the one I got. I thought of that. It would probably be easier. I was going to the hardware store for some solder and a new ring-end-thingy anyway, so I’ll see what they have. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/4 "2017-07-01T19:05:33Z")
Why don’t you just plug in adapters, like: [http://www.homedepot.com/p/Axis-3-Outlet-Heavy-Duty-Grounding-Adapter-45092/206346665](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Axis-3-Outlet-Heavy-Duty-Grounding-Adapter-45092/206346665) > **[Uber 6 Grounded Outlet Tap, Black and Blue 25112 - The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Uber-6-Grounded-Outlet-Tap-Black-and-Blue-25112/205745665)** > > Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary with Uber Power Accessories and add a pop of color to your home or office with the blue and black Uber 6-Outlet Power Tap. Small and compact, the tap replaces > **[Tower Manufacturing Corporation GFCI 5 Outlet Adapter 30440003 - The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tower-Manufacturing-Corporation-GFCI-5-Outlet-Adapter-30440003/202510243)** > > Easy to use plug-in GFCI adapter fits any standard (NEMA 5-15R) 3 wire outlet and provides instant GFCI protection. It immediately detects ground fault from damaged cords or exposure to water and shuts ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/5 "2017-07-01T19:17:15Z")
Or there are 1 foot power strips: > **[Topzone T-Type Style 06-TZN7896 6 Outlet Power Strip (White, 1.5 Feet)](https://www.amazon.com/Topzone-T-Type-Style-06-TZN7896-Outlet/dp/B00YQXU5EI)** > > Buy Topzone T-Type Style 06-TZN7896 6 Outlet Power Strip (White, 1.5 Feet) at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/6 "2017-07-01T20:26:42Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > Or there are 1 foot power strips: > [https://www.amazon.com/Topzone-Outlets-Built-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B00YQXU5EI/r](https://www.amazon.com/Topzone-Outlets-Built-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B00YQXU5EI/r) That’s probably just a few nickels more expensive than buying the plug alone and a lot less hassle. I’m sold. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/7 "2017-07-01T20:37:49Z")
You’re going to have a microwave oven, toaster oven and other stuff on the same circuit? That sounds like a bad idea. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/8 "2017-07-01T21:07:33Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > Why don’t you just plug in adapters, like: > [http://www.homedepot.com/p/Axis-3-Outlet-Heavy-Duty-Grounding-Adapter-45092/206346665](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Axis-3-Outlet-Heavy-Duty-Grounding-Adapter-45092/206346665) > [http://www.homedepot.com/p/Uber-6-Grounded-Outlet-Tap-Black-and-Blue-25112/205745665](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Uber-6-Grounded-Outlet-Tap-Black-and-Blue-25112/205745665) > [http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tower-Manufacturing-Corporation-GFCI-5-Outlet-Adapter-30339015-13/202510243](http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tower-Manufacturing-Corporation-GFCI-5-Outlet-Adapter-30339015-13/202510243) > [@PastTense](#): > > Or there are 1 foot power strips: > [https://www.amazon.com/Topzone-Outlets-Built-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B00YQXU5EI/r](https://www.amazon.com/Topzone-Outlets-Built-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B00YQXU5EI/r) Because there’s only one outlet on the wall, and I don’t want extension cords running around. The long strip is much cleaner. It replaces the 1-foot power strip with the extension cord running to the other end of the counter. I ended up just putting on a new male plug. Easier than undoing the wiring, though not as elegant. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/9 "2017-07-01T21:12:50Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > You’re going to have a microwave oven, toaster oven and other stuff on the same circuit? That sounds like a bad idea. I do hope you are not planning to use them all at once, because it will be a very short use until the breaker in the strip pops, the fuse in the panel pops, or the knob and tube in the wall summons the nice gentlemen in the shiny red truck. I would be REAL leery of anything that pulls a lot of amps, the K&T won’t take it. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/10 "2017-07-01T21:18:05Z")
> [@The\_Vorlon](#): > > I do hope you are not planning to use them all at once… Why not? I was thinking of microwaving a bunch of potatoes while I use the food processor to chop a bunch of stuff while the stand mixer is kneading some bread dough and veggies are roasting in the toaster oven, while The Missus makes a cup of coffee. Meanwhile my phone can be charging, and I may as well top off the other batteries too. That leaves some room for me to use the stick mixer to purée some soup and the hand mixer to make tollhouse cookies. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2017, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/11 "2017-07-01T21:32:10Z")
Your strip is better; you’ll be able to use wall warts if you have to (until they fall out of the socket, anyway). ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2017, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/12 "2017-07-02T04:36:58Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Why not? I was thinking of microwaving a bunch of potatoes while I use the food processor to chop a bunch of stuff while the stand mixer is kneading some bread dough and veggies are roasting in the toaster oven, while The Missus makes a cup of coffee. Meanwhile my phone can be charging, and I may as well top off the other batteries too. That leaves some room for me to use the stick mixer to purée some soup and the hand mixer to make tollhouse cookies. 🙂 Got marshmallows? When my parents moved into their state of the arts in 1928 house in the late 60’s, it had a 15 amp SERVICE DROP That’s a toaster. For the whole house. :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: Installed a 200 amp drop. Installed a central A/C. Fired it up, and browned out the whole neighborhood. Our 4 house circle wound up with it’s own transformer. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2017, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/13 "2017-07-02T05:28:40Z")
> [@The\_Vorlon](#): > > Got marshmallows? > > When my parents moved into their state of the arts in 1928 house in the late 60’s, it had a 15 amp SERVICE DROP > > That’s a toaster. > > For the whole house. > > :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: > > Installed a 200 amp drop. > > Installed a central A/C. > > Fired it up, and browned out the whole neighborhood. Our 4 house circle wound up with it’s own transformer. :rolleyes: I can hardly wait to hear what happened when they installed flush toilets… ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2017, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/14 "2017-07-02T18:05:25Z")
A better solution IMO is to use an [outlet strip with a hardwired input](https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Cabinet-Hardwired-PS3612-20HW/dp/B00006B820/). Remove the duplex receptacle, and then run MC Lite cable between the outlet strip and the box. Use a [metal plate on the box](http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/8a/8a7fbe05-2e4d-4f5a-aff4-e91a351926d3_1000.jpg). The MC Lite will enter the box through the hole in the plate. Install a cable clamp, of course. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2017, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/15 "2017-07-02T22:47:26Z")
I have that kind of rig running underneath all my over-counter cabinets. That way all the small appliances can be lined up and left plugged in. No, you can’t use them all at once. Yes, it’s convenient as all get out. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2017, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/16 "2017-07-02T22:49:03Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > A better solution IMO is to use an [outlet strip with a hardwired input](https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Cabinet-Hardwired-PS3612-20HW/dp/B00006B820/). Remove the duplex receptacle, and then run MC Lite cable between the outlet strip and the box. Use a [metal plate on the box](http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/8a/8a7fbe05-2e4d-4f5a-aff4-e91a351926d3_1000.jpg). The MC Lite will enter the box through the hole in the plate. Install a cable clamp, of course. Of course, that entails cutting a hole in the ship-lath paneling, since I’d still want the duplex outlet there. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/17 "2017-07-03T00:55:56Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > I can hardly wait to hear what happened when they installed flush toilets… Funny you mention that… First hint of septic fun was when we had to remove the squirrel body from the pipe to the cesspool. Since the waste pipes were positioned so as to cause brain damage in the basement, the executive decision was made to connect to the city sewer, and cut the basement floor and bury the waste pipes. We never found the cesspool in the front yard. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/18 "2017-07-03T01:37:45Z")
> [@The\_Vorlon](#): > > Funny you mention that… > > First hint of septic fun was when we had to remove the squirrel body from the pipe to the cesspool. > > Since the waste pipes were positioned so as to cause **brain damage in the basement** , the executive decision was made to connect to the city sewer, and cut the basement floor and bury the waste pipes. > > We never found the cesspool in the front yard. Bolding mine. I think that sentence does not mean what you think it does. Either that or it’s really great name for a grunge band playing scruffy clubs. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Vorlon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@The\_Vorlon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Vorlon)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/19 "2017-07-03T02:52:02Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Bolding mine. I think that sentence does not mean what you think it does. > > Either that or it’s really great name for a grunge band playing scruffy clubs. 😃 Oh it means what I wanted it to–the dammed pipes were positioned at eye level. We all left skin and blood on those pipes the six months it took to set up the upgrade. Jackhammers are FUN!! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2017, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295/20 "2017-07-03T10:18:20Z")
Ahh, I get it. Very clever. The only thing funner than jackhammering is jackhammering inside the house. Not too many people get to say they’ve done it. I sure can’t. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rewiring-a-power-strip/790295.md?page=2)