Opinions, please....

[JDgreen227]

Over the weekend I attended a dinner at a distant (both mileage wise and relations wise) relatives house, and while there I observed one of those classic safety hazards: An duplex electrical outlet (2 prong type) that had about 14 different things plugged into it, lights, phone chargers, tv set and related gear, most running off extension cords and cube taps and all the things we are warned not to do so the circuit doesn't overload.

Now, had you been in my place, would you have said anything to the young couple that own the house about the safety hazard that presents? I decided not to, but wonder if I should have. Thanks for your input.

 

[Pixguy]

Distant relative... Nope, stay quiet and out of it. Not your place.

This opinion is worth what you paid for it.

 

[Depmandog]

Why don't you drop them a line (snail mail or email) and thank them for the dinner. Tell them how great a time you had, how good the food was, blah blah blah and then wrap it up by mentioning you noticed a potential safety hazard and you just couldn't live with yourself if something tragic happened to them and you had kept quiet.

Perhaps even offer to comeback and help add an outlet (if you are so inclined). I don't think they would be put off at all by your correspondence.

 

[CalG]

Even drawing 10 amps is difficult to do with modern "electronics"

Caution for the sake of caution is stupidity.

If you do the load analysis and have real issues, then say something. Otherwise.

 

[rekees4300]

Now, had you been in my place, would you have said anything to the young couple that own the house about the safety hazard that presents? I decided not to, but wonder if I should have.

If their house burns down how are you going to feel? I would have mentioned it to the man tactfully in private so he wouldn't have been embarrassed or defensive. If he did ignored your advice and suffered the consequences, at least you would have the peace of mine knowing you did what you could.

 

[George2615]

I agree with Dean to drop them a line and mention the safety hazard. Whether a relative, or just an acquaintance I would have said something. How would you feel if their safety hazard started a fire and they died as a result and you didn't say anything. You didn't mention whether they own or rent but either way their electrical needs to be upgraded before a fire starts.

 

[jaotguy]

if the house was new enough to have "breakers" instead of fuses, let it go .... they will trip long before anything overheats...

the octopus may just be temporary , or a lot of wall warts with no real draw ... either case, it is their choice.

most items these days draw far less than those from years ago .... and few people, these days, use the Ol' penny under the fuse trick to stop them from blowing.

 

[Looking4new]

I think I would have said something to him in private. At least that way I could live with myself IF anything did happen.

 

[PILOON]

With all the gadgets we use these days the old rule of thumbs are no longer valid.
Couple of examples:
Kitchen, any less that 6 circuits with all the appliances today is a hazard IMHO.
While power consumption is rarely the issue, quantity of outlets to charge all our computers, phones, GPS, walkmans, EBooks, cordless this and thats we really need a charging station or dedicated space.
My kitchen has 12 circuits so we can run just about anything anywhere. Each outlet is split and has 2 breakers per, overkill but no problems.
A norm is 12 outlets per circuit but I only have 10 in case of expansion.
My shop has 3 circuits, one for lighting and 2 others (one per wall) all 20 amp circuits and that is not counting my 220 circuits for some power tools and welding. Shop is also set up with a sub panel so that I don't have to go back to the main panel if or when I pop a breaker.

Electrocution being kinda final I would have been tempted to make a few suggestions, but that's my 2 cents.
True breakers protect (Usually) but with just the right conditions (wire size and current draw) you can really heat up to the point of combustion without popping a breaker.
Also loose wires can chafe and then the exposed breaks cause nasty shocks and hopefully not near water.

 

[Depmandog]

Even drawing 10 amps is difficult to do with modern "electronics" Caution for the sake of caution is stupidity. If you do the load analysis and have real issues, then say something. Otherwise.. Don't be a dick.

So you suggest he should have pulled the gear away from the wall and tallied up the watts for each plugged in item? And what about any open receptacles at the end of those cheapie indoor extension cords? Just assume those would never be used? What happens if (and it's a big if) they also plug a space heater in that same rats nest when it gets cold?

Not everyone is a master electrician, a well versed DYI or has a modicum of common sense.

"About 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. - See more at:

Fire-Related Statistics - ESFi :: Electrical Safety Foundation International

Oh and nice name calling...class act for sure.