Solved Storing power strips

[Computer0304]

Is it safe to plug power strips and surge protectors to themselves when storing them? Also, do I have to unplug everything from it before doing this?

(This is not a joke, it is a real question)

One more small question, how come the metal end of plugs start to show little black marks after a few years? (Some plugs are already showing marks in one year) Is this because they are plugged in and out often? Does this affect safety and quality? I can upload a picture if needed.

 

[PSCO2007]

As long as no power is going to them, I don't see why not.

I wouldn't keep things plugged in though, because the pins could become twisted.

 

[Ranger4]

What do you mean by plugged to themselves when stored.

The black marks may be just oxidation if they are made of brass.

 

[PSCO2007]

What do you mean by plugged to themselves when stored.

Isn't he talking about the plug that would go into the wall outlet, instead being plugged into the second power strip?

 

[Computer0304]

I mean plug the end that goes into the wall to itself. You know, like what they do in YouTube videos claiming to have infinite electricity. I don't mean daisy chaining. Well, I guess it would be fine since it has no power anyway.

 

[Computer0304]

As long as no power is going to them, I don't see why not.

I wouldn't keep things plugged in though, because the pins could become twisted.

What do you mean by the pins twisting?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I'll be honest, I seriously thought you were trolling with that first question. The simple answer is it will not hurt anything to plug the plug of a power strip's power cable into the power strip. In fact, if you store it with the power cable wrapped around the power strip, plugging in the plug will keep the cable from unwrapping. The only downside might be it would take up a bit more space in storage. I'm curious, though; why would you be concerned about this?

I would need to see a photo of the black marks on the plug blades before venturing an opinion (or even a wild guess).

 

[strollin]

2 things I can think of that may cause the ends to have black marks. First is oxidation as others suggested, although not usually black just darkened. Second, if you have a habit of plugging/unplugging the strip's plug into the wall socket while you have things plugged into the strip and powered on ( a no-no), this can cause arcing which will cause the plug blades to turn black (burned) but will also pit and damage them.

 

[Computer0304]

I'll be honest, I seriously thought you were trolling with that first question. The simple answer is it will not hurt anything to plug the plug of a power strip's power cable into the power strip. In fact, if you store it with the power cable wrapped around the power strip, plugging in the plug will keep the cable from unwrapping. The only downside might be it would take up a bit more space in storage. I'm curious, though; why would you be concerned about this?

I would need to see a photo of the black marks on the plug blades before venturing an opinion (or even a wild guess).

Well, I was worried that maybe there could be a reason you guys may tell me not to do it.

2 things I can think of that may cause the ends to have black marks. First is oxidation as others suggested, although not usually black just darkened. Second, if you have a habit of plugging/unplugging the strip's plug into the wall socket while you have things plugged into the strip and powered on ( a no-no), this can cause arcing which will cause the plug blades to turn black (burned) but will also pit and damage them.

This isn't happening on the plug for the power strip, but instead on the plug for my computer and plug adapters.

I will take a picture later today.

 

[Layback Bear]

I would need pictures also. Because the blackness could be cause by arching.

How in the hell is plugging a bunch of thing together without power going to any of them going to hurt anything. Well it can't hurt anything. This has got to be a joke of some kind.

 

[Computer0304]

Well, I guess I just worry too much. Do you think someone like me would write a joke thread outside the Chillout Room?

 

[derekimo]

Obvious to most does not mean obvious to all, it's a simple question. I don't know why it has to be a joke.

 

[Computer0304]

If only there was a seperate simple questions sub forum...

 

[Computer0304]

Here are pictures of the plug:




The marks are only at the tips of the pins.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

The pictures are pretty grainy but I don't see anything to worry about on them. As long as the plug doesn't get hot while plugged in, it should be fine.

 

[Computer0304]

Well, as I said, it is only the round tip that has a few burn marks on the rim. And sorry about the pictures not being clear. I had to crop the first one and the camera on my Nexus 7 does show some noise.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Sorry, I couldn't resist when I saw this:

 

[Computer0304]

Sorry, I couldn't resist when I saw this:

That's basically what I meant I was doing. I obviously know that you can't actually power something like that. I just want to store it like that. I guess I worried too much that doing this can cause a problem.

 

[Layback Bear]

Then to answer you question Computer0304.

No it will not hurt anything.

 

[Computer0304]

Well then I guess my question has been answered. Thanks everyone who answered.