Editing AC power plugs and sockets (section)

== Extension ==
[[File:Tricklestar Plug Strip.jpg|thumb|A plug strip with two USB ports and built-in [[Surge protector|surge protection]]]]

Various methods can be used to increase the number or reach of sockets.

=== Extension cords ===
[[Extension cord]]s (extension leads) are used for temporary connections when a socket is not within convenient reach of an appliance's power lead. This may be in the form of a single socket on a flexible cable or a  [[power strip]] with multiple sockets. A power strip may also have switches, surge voltage protection, or overcurrent protection.
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=== Multisocket adaptors ===
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File:Adaptateur électrique multiprise CEE 7 04.jpg|A French CEE&nbsp;7 adaptor
File:Multisocket adaptor (once common).jpg|An old US multisocket adaptor
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Multisocket adaptors (or "splitters") allow the connection of two or more plugs to a single socket. They are manufactured in various configurations, depending on the country and the region in which they are used, with various ratings. This allows connecting more than one electrical consumer item to one single socket and is mainly used for low power devices (TV&nbsp;sets, table lamps, computers, etc.).

They are usually rated for 6&nbsp;A, 10&nbsp;A, or 16&nbsp;A at 250&nbsp;V or for 15&nbsp;A or less at 125&nbsp;V. This is the general rating of the adaptor, and indicates the maximum total load in amperes, regardless of the number of sockets used (for example, if a 16&nbsp;A 250&nbsp;V adaptor has four sockets, it would be fine to plug four different devices into it that each consume 2&nbsp;A as this represents a total load of only 8&nbsp;A, whereas if only two devices were plugged into it that each consumed 10&nbsp;A, the combined 20&nbsp;A load would overload the circuit).

In some countries such adaptors are banned and are not available in shops, as they may lead to fires due to overloading them or can cause excessive mechanical stress to wall-mounted sockets. Adaptors can be made with ceramic, Bakelite, or other plastic bodies.
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