Cover our sockets

September 25, 2007 5:27 PM

At the public library where I work, our sockets are horribly placed right under the public computers. Because of this placement, our power strips are knocked out of the socket several times a week.

This is what it looks like. Any ideas on what we can use to cover these to prevent computer users' feet from kicking them out?

posted by toddst to computers & internet (13 comments total)

All engineering problems can be solved with duct tape.

At least, your problem can be.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 5:32 PM on September 25, 2007

I'd recommend a power strip with a flat plug, or you can use your current power strips with a flat plug adapter. then a bit of duct tape to make sure people don't hook the cord itself.
posted by wemayfreeze at 5:35 PM on September 25, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

(1) Move or rotate your or the public computer desk, or put a divider between the cable outlet and the public computer, so it becomes much more difficult to accidentally kick out.

(2) The fact that the cord sticks straight up directly out of the socket seems the major problem. it should be possible to get an extension cord or thin double adapter or power strip that has a plug with a very low profile, and is much harder to kick out. Is there a local electrical supply store?

(3) How about a wooden or very thick cardboard box, ie a small packing crate, with an open bottom and a hole large enough to thread cords through on one side? Put some weight (a brick, or some books) on the top of the box, and it should be a good bit more difficult to accidentally dislodge.

(4) Get an extension cord and run your power strips to a more suitable socket (eg the one the public computer(s) are plugged into), and if you must use these badly placed sockets at all, plug the public computer(s) into them.

(5) Point out to management that the difference between someone kicking the cord out safely and getting themselves shocked is a matter of sheer luck, and the attention of an electrician is cheaper than public liability payments.
posted by aeschenkarnos at 5:40 PM on September 25, 2007

As already pointed out, you need a flat plug to start. Instead of duct tape, they make cable covers for this type of arrangement. I assume you don't want extension chords across the floor to the desk, which is why they put the plugs in the floor. You should probably arrange the desks so the plug is at the back of the desk between the legs, then run the cable covers from leg to leg of the desk. Secure the chord up the leg of the desk. The other cables (network) coming up look like they could use protection as well.

Oh, and you can secure the cable covers with --- rolled up duct tape on the bottom.
posted by Yorrick at 5:52 PM on September 25, 2007

If you're not in the mood to deal with flat plugs and duct tape (although that's a good suggestion), get one of these.

Note that there are lots of similar products to choose from; essentially you're looking for baby-proof outlet covers that allow you to plug cords into the wall. The better ones require you to reach down and squeeze a couple of tabs to get the cover off, or even use a screwdriver.

also note that my link above isn't an endorsement of that particular product or web site; that's just what a web search turned up for an example.
posted by davejay at 5:52 PM on September 25, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

The flat plug adapter wemayfreeze mentions is a marvelous little thing.

You can also get "cord locks", like this $5 one here:
http://www.angelguardproducts.com/retail/cordconnect/cordconnect.htm
Cord locks are clamshell-like things to your power tool or other widget from disconnecting from your extension cord.

Finally, along with duct tape, you may find zip ties useful.
posted by sebastienbailard at 5:53 PM on September 25, 2007

Thanks...some good ideas so far. Moving the desks is not an option, but a flat extension cord is a great option. Is there any danger on using an extension cord with a power strip? I remember hearing my Dad warning me about that in the past, but I do not know the truth to that. And, I like the box idea, but even a thick one would probably crumble in little time.
posted by toddst at 6:04 PM on September 25, 2007

extension cords and power strips are fine as long as both the components are of at least mediocre quality. I do that all the time at work with DJ equipment.
posted by DJWeezy at 6:47 PM on September 25, 2007

If you are going the tape route even temporarily, try gaffer's tape rather than duct tape. Duct tape always seems to leave a nasty gummy residue if it's been sitting too long.
posted by cabingirl at 6:54 PM on September 25, 2007

I think what you want is what is sometimes called a pedestal fitting. It's like a little quonset hut for your plugs.

I'd start with the brand you have (should be on or under the face plate, or maybe your architect knows), and see if they offer a pedestal fitting that could just be dropped on in place of the flush face plate. An electrician will be able to tell you whether they're standard enough that any brand will do.

There are some other options in this catalog.
posted by dhartung at 7:16 PM on September 25, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

Using an extension cord with a power strip is fine as long as the current rating (in amperes) of the extension cord is equal to or greater than the current rating of the power strip breaker.

If the extension cord current rating is lower and if you tax the power strip to its limit, there's a possibility you could start a fire.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 9:21 PM on September 25, 2007

Might want to invest in UPSes to prevent dataloss as well.
posted by delmoi at 10:15 PM on September 25, 2007

CableOrganizer.com is the place to start. They have all sorts of covers, and combined with a right-angle extension cord, you should be all set. Take a better picture (wider view) so their sales folks can understand what you're doing and what angle it needs to exit at.

Simply moving the furniture a little bit might be the easiest, safest, and most reliable fix.
posted by Myself at 10:34 PM on September 26, 2007