Extension cord?

[truck1]

Thanks for your thoughts truck1!

Welcome.

 

[westom]

Maybe the individual outlet might not be a concern, however some of these outlets wired in parallel would put stress on the circuit feeding these outlets.

"would put stress on the circuit" must say specifically what this stress is. Otherwise the claim is classic junk science reasoning.

Similar wiring in every house also "would be stressed" using that reasoning. Houses are also wired in parallel with many more receptacles on that one circuit. Where is the "stress" - defined with numbers.

 

[westom]

I guess what is the definition of a power strip is in question?
How many receptacles on an extension cord constitutes becoming a power strip?

Exampled power cord does not have a UL Listing. Technically, an inspector should confiscate it. In practice, probably not due to its history.

A classic power strip must have that 15 amp circuit breaker to avert overloads. Otherwise it is not UL Listed.

If a power strip has a UL Listing and if it does contain surge protectors, then it will state that it meets UL 1449. That was to answer a question of how to verify it does (or does not) contain surge protector circuits.

You will (should) find a UL Listing on Apple chargers (and other equivalent devices). They provide a separate power supply so that only that supply need be inspected / tested by a UL Laboratory. If a power supply was inside a computer, then any change anywhere inside that computer would require a completely new UL inspection. Separated is why computer changes are made and still use a UL Listed supply.

Not all devices are UL Listed. Generally, confiscated are devices that have a history of creating fires. That is especially true of plug-in surge protectors - ie ones commonly found in homes (that even have UL Listings). UL only means it is less likely to cause fire. Surge protectors are a UL Listed device that still has a history of creating fires (which is why so many APC protectors must be removed immediately according to the CPC).

 

[MSPeeler]

What normally gets checked is things like hair dryers, power steips, flat irons stuff like that. Something that would have a large power draw and potentially overload a circuit. Phone chargers and laptops there not worried about.

Oh no! My flat iron?!

 

[insureman]

"would put stress on the circuit" must say specifically what this stress is. Otherwise the claim is classic junk science reasoning.

Similar wiring in every house also "would be stressed" using that reasoning. Houses are also wired in parallel with many more receptacles on that one circuit. Where is the "stress" - defined with numbers.

My concern was the age of the ship's (Magic) wiring, breakers, connections. Unlike a home a ship is exposed to salt air, moisture and vibrations which will deteriorate electrical systems sooner than than residential wiring. I have seen this first hand on board Navy ships. That's not "junk science" . You never really know there's a problem until you max out (Stress) the circuit and something along the line burns out.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Maybe I'm naive, but I would think DCL would have checked electrical systems every time they were in dry dock. Also, I would think it would be inspected every time an inspection is required.

 

[truck1]

Maybe I'm naive, but I would think DCL would have checked electrical systems every time they were in dry dock. Also, I would think it would be inspected every time an inspection is required.

They do. The wiring is swapped out at regular intervals also. Ive talked to an electrician that has pretty much on at the least the Magic class several times a year doing upgrades to the electrical system. The way he explained it is that every few months, DCL has them strip a block of cabins of their wiring and redo everything.

 

[truck1]

Oh no! My flat iron?!

Ill try and find the policy but the last I saw was basically an electrician is supposed to look at certain things to make sure they are ship friendly. I have yet to see them flag my wifes flat iron or hair dryer, so its probably spotty at best.

 

[truck1]

Oh no! My flat iron?!

Looked at DCLs site and the only thing that is showing as needed to be checked is personal fans for the rooms. Nothing is mentioned for any other electric devices except for extensions cords, power strips and surge protectors, all of which are prohibited. However, if someone needs a extension cord for say a cpap, gs can make 1 available.

 

[C6PT7]

Looked at DCLs site and the only thing that is showing as needed to be checked is personal fans for the rooms. Nothing is mentioned for any other electric devices except for extensions cords, power strips and surge protectors, all of which are prohibited. However, if someone needs a extension cord for say a cpap, gs can make 1 available.

Where does it say on the disney cruise lines website that power strips are not allowed? You are not the first person to say this, but all I see is extension cords or surge protectors?
Is this just some assumption made by someone years ago that all power strips have surge protection and has been retold forever onwards?
Are these power strips allowed because they only have a breaker and a half meter cord?
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/70086401/

 

[truck1]

Where does it say on the disney cruise lines website that power strips are not allowed? You are not the first person to say this, but all I see is extension cords or surge protectors?
Is this just some assumption made by someone years ago that all power strips have surge protection and has been retold forever onwards?
Are these power strips allowed because they only have a breaker and a half meter cord?
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/70086401/

Looking back, it would probably fall under the "like" verbage of the prohibited items. However, I did see it specifically under wdwinfo page, which is almost verbatim from what the DCL page is, except power strip is added.

Extension cords, surge protectors and power strips - **Power strips, extension cords and other such devices are not permitted to be brought onboard any of the Disney Cruise Line ships. There will be extension cords available at Guest Services that can be borrowed for a $50 deposit. These will be available on a first come first served basis. If a guest needs one for a CPAP or medical device, one will be made available.

ETA: Went back and reread the CG advisory. DCL may be doing the same thing that CG is doing and considering a power strip as a surge protector. It actually says SPD or more commonly called a power strip. When I asked Uncle Google I found a bunch of references to DCL prohibiting power strips.

 

[C6PT7]

Looking back, it would probably fall under the "like" verbage of the prohibited items. However, I did see it specifically under wdwinfo page, which is almost verbatim from what the DCL page is, except power strip is added.

Extension cords, surge protectors and power strips - **Power strips, extension cords and other such devices are not permitted to be brought onboard any of the Disney Cruise Line ships. There will be extension cords available at Guest Services that can be borrowed for a $50 deposit. These will be available on a first come first served basis. If a guest needs one for a CPAP or medical device, one will be made available.

ETA: Went back and reread the CG advisory. DCL may be doing the same thing that CG is doing and considering a power strip as a surge protector. It actually says SPD or more commonly called a power strip. When I asked Uncle Google I found a bunch of references to DCL prohibiting power strips.

To be fair, the wdwinfo pages are run by the DIS, so misinformation could be equally prevalent there, and taken as LAW on here!

Either it is the surge protector causing the problem as stated by the CG, or the ability to plug more than one appliance or electrical item into a receptacle that is the problem.
I'm going with surge protector for the reason of the in-depth detail of thermal runaway that is not present on a power strip without surge protection due to lack of MOV!
Eitherway, the disney cruise lines site does not mention power strips, and it seems only the DIS and associated websites do?

 

[Starwind]

I agree about the Anker multi chargers. I also have read about them overheating and melting down.
Anyone buying a $7 charger to charge their $700 equipment is foolish IMO.
Buying a manufacturers charger or cable is the best policy IMO.

The rechargeable battery rechargers are a great option too!

I do agree that the best option is the original manufacturer charger + original charging cable.

Unfortunately the Anker multi-port chargers are not $7 chargers; IIRC mine was about $40+ at the time. There were many very positive reviews and it was only after we bought it that the reports of problems started coming out. Right now I only use it to charge the rechargable battery rechargers.

While we always only use the original manufacturer cable when charging our devices, after reading about the Anker charger problems we decided our devices will only be charged with the original manufacturer charger+cable OR a rechargable battery recharger + orgiginal manufacturer cable. The except is if charging in the car, which (1) rarely has to happen; and (2) my preference is to use one of the battery rechargers if I have it with me (for road trips we do).

FYI, Apple and other manufacturers have made public statements about after-market chargers (e.g. the very cheap critters that replace the iPhone's charging cube) and cables: there have been incidents of the after-market products: causing fires; damaging the attached device, and containing malware which tries to infect and/or steal data from the attached device. Buyer Beware.

SW

 

[Starwind]

They are Apple iPhone/iPad single chargers, the ones that came with the devices.

Thanks for the info! I'd hate to be the one who sparks the fire (and not in the cool dance way...)

The manufacturer's (Apple, Samsung, Blackberry, etc) original charging cubes for iphones and ipads or other smartphones and tablets are fine. They are not "extension cords". They are the equivalent of the cord and block that a laptop has, only smaller because idevices need a lot less power than a laptop.

We try to charge things (at home and when traveling) when us humans are around who would hopefully discover a problem and be able to stop it before it gets out of hand. When traveling, we also don't leave electronics "out" when we are not in the room, so charging when we are in the room is really the only option. One of the reasons I like the recargeable battery rechargers - they let us bring the charging with us and help get through the day without the need to plug in to an electrical outlet.

A little story: One of the reasons I am cautious about charging things is because of an incident that happened when I was at home many many years ago: I had an IBM Thinkpad laptop that I had purchased new and owned for a few years by then. One day I was sitting using it in the dining room when suddenly smoke and small flames started to come out of it. I pulled the (original IBM) power plug and was standing up to run to the kitchen for the fire extinguisher. Fortunately pretty much as soon the power plug was pulled the flames stopped and the smoke quickly after. No fire extinguisher was needed (grateful for that - no mess to deal with). Evidently not enough smoke to trigger the smoke detector. No damage was done to anything except the innards of the laptop - looking at the outside there was no visible evidence there had been a problem. Once I calmed down enough (that took a while), I called IBM Customer Service and explained what had happened (the laptop was about 6 months out of warranty). Kudos to IBM, their first question was to make sure that I and everyone else in the house was ok. They were very concerned about what had happened and even though it was out of warranty they wanted to inspect the laptop. They would also repair it. About three days (IBM had a great process for repairs, partnering with FedEx) later I had a repaired laptop. Obviously this is a rare exceptional incident, but it demonstrates the need to be at least a little cautious when we charge or use electronics.

SW

 

[Starwind]

These kind of Ebay sellers and products scare the hell out of me!
10 USB chargers for $10.79......
yeah, quality components used in these!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-1A-USB-...Outlet-FOR-iPhone-4-5-6-Samsung-/221871276818

The scary thing is lots of people buy them and others like them. :-(

Our household was multiple original Apple and Samsung charging cubes and cables. At $25+ each they are not cheap. Compared to the cost of the device they are charging, they are incredibly cheap. So I have one for home and one for travel for each device. We also have a spare or two that has been acquired over the years (like when traveling and the charging cube was forgotten.... off to the reputable brand name store for a replacement). While not a guarantee there won't be a problem (see my previous story about the IBM laptop), it would be a rare exception, not the norm. And I would much rather be dealign with Apple if something goes catastrophically wrong than some unknown seller you probably cant contact anyway.

Apple replacing knock-off chargers after iPhone owner dies
http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-replacing-knock-off-chargers-after-iphone-owner-dies/

iPhone Catches Fire, Burns Teen Who Blames Third-Party Charger
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2484293,00.asp


SW

 

[Starwind]

Looking back, it would probably fall under the "like" verbage of the prohibited items. However, I did see it specifically under wdwinfo page, which is almost verbatim from what the DCL page is, except power strip is added.

Extension cords, surge protectors and power strips - **Power strips, extension cords and other such devices are not permitted to be brought onboard any of the Disney Cruise Line ships. There will be extension cords available at Guest Services that can be borrowed for a $50 deposit. These will be available on a first come first served basis. If a guest needs one for a CPAP or medical device, one will be made available.

ETA: Went back and reread the CG advisory. DCL may be doing the same thing that CG is doing and considering a power strip as a surge protector. It actually says SPD or more commonly called a power strip. When I asked Uncle Google I found a bunch of references to DCL prohibiting power strips.

In July 2014 I wrote to DCL about the specific power strip I had, which I used with a medical device. This is a quote of their reply to me:

"Extension cords, powerstrips and surge protectors may not be brought
aboard the ship.

Guests may contact Guest Services on Deck 3 - Midship, to obtain an
extension cord (based on availability) to use in their stateroom during
their cruise. A refundable deposit amount of $50.00 is required."


SW

 

[truck1]

To be fair, the wdwinfo pages are run by the DIS, so misinformation could be equally prevalent there, and taken as LAW on here!

Either it is the surge protector causing the problem as stated by the CG, or the ability to plug more than one appliance or electrical item into a receptacle that is the problem.
I'm going with surge protector for the reason of the in-depth detail of thermal runaway that is not present on a power strip without surge protection due to lack of MOV!
Eitherway, the disney cruise lines site does not mention power strips, and it seems only the DIS and associated websites do?

True, wdwinfo is the Dis. But when I googled power strip and DCL there's a bunch of references specifically saying no to power strips. Touring plans was one, that other board with all of the other lines as another off the top of my head. There's was a few links that specifically say DCL bans power strips. That was as of 14. Why they specifically don't say no power strips on their page is any ones guess. Prob the same people that designed the page to begin with. On the flip side and I'm not pointing fingers at any one here, if they put every single item that they banned onboard, on a page, it would prob look like the affordable care act paperwork. (Look like a large book). Problem is, that what I consider like items, and what DCL considers like are prob 2 different things. So there in the proverbial catch 22.

 

[truck1]

In July 2014 I wrote to DCL about the specific power strip I had, which I used with a medical device. This is a quote of their reply to me:

"Extension cords, powerstrips and surge protectors may not be brought
aboard the ship.

Guests may contact Guest Services on Deck 3 - Midship, to obtain an
extension cord (based on availability) to use in their stateroom during
their cruise. A refundable deposit amount of $50.00 is required."


SW

I saw that on their page also when I looked. Kinda surprised that for a medical need they use a deposit. From the wording on their page it seemed more like a loan of the cord the a deposit request.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I assume the deposit is because they don't want the cord to disappear. They should tell us what brand and model is pre-approved, so people could provide their own, if they want. In fact, I don't know why some travel company hasn't gone through the trouble of designing and getting approval for a device that would be acceptable.

As for the fire in the laptop - my husband had a similar situation, but it was an old desktop that was finally giving up the ghost. The wiring just got fried. Literally. When you think of it, however, we don't unplug our TVs, microwaves, clocks, modems/routers, washers and dryers when we leave the house. They all have electronics in them, too.

 

[Anisum]

Hey guys, I found that this post explains the issue of using extension cords/power strips at sea in a way that is easy to understand: https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience...ere_a_technical_reason_why_surge_suppressors/