in the safety manual, the exact terminology used is “daisy chaining, aka plugging one power strip into another” because it specifically mentions power strips, can you run single port extension cords from one large power strip and can you run multiple power strips off a 3 way extension cord splitter?
I believe that rule is guided by OSHA rules on power distribution. In that ruleset, a 3-way splitter is treated no differently from a power strip. See below:
“OSHA’s electrical safety rule at 29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2) allows the use of power strips as long as they are installed and used in accordance with instructions from the manufacturer and included in the listing or labeling on the device from a certified source such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory). The power strips “shall have an ampere rating not less than the load to be served,” so the equipment plugged in to it must not collectively exceed the amperage of the strip. They must be directly connected to a permanently installed branch-circuit receptacle outlet only, not to an extension cord or another power strip.”
Recognize the problems: (1) a power strip has a maximum current it can handle – daisy chaining strips makes it easier to go past this current. (2) individual receptacles on the strip may have their own maximum that wasn’t intended to support the full current from another power strip.
So: (a) plugging a single-outlet extension cord into a power strip shouldn’t be a problem as long as there’s not a power strip (or other multi-outlet device) on the other end. (b) the three-way extension cord splitter is effectively a mini power strip, so don’t so that.
Now, technically it’s possible to look at the various loads you’ll place on your power strips, add them up, and be safe while daisy-chaining. BUT, that assumes there won’t be somebody who sees an empty spot on your power strip and decides that’s the perfect place to plug something into, ignoring all your careful calculations.
Okay. Thanks! I always knew there was a safe way to daisy chain, but the odds of everyone doing it are slim. That’s why its not allowed. Time to go buy a massive power strip and a bunch of extension cords.
This is overkill and not necessary, but what we did years ago was buy a couple bench mount power strips (rated for 15 amps) and hard-wired them into a small electrical sub panel. This small panel only had a 15 amp “main” breaker that was fed from the single line cord to connect into pit power.
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OSHA only applies to you if you are being paid. But NFPA 70, The electrical code that does apply says essentially the same thing. 
Since the power to your pit is likely supplied by an extension cord and the code code says you are not supposed to use power strips on the end of the extension cords, using power strips in your pit is at least a technical violation of the code. Power strips can be made of light wiring (think 18 gauge) internally so it is generally a bad idea to daisy chain them or use them for multiple heavy loads. You should use quality power strips in the pits and not dollar store specials.
What we did was make a pit cord of 12 Gage SO cord and metal receptacle boxes with industrial grade receptacle with everything appropriately grounded. We made it long enough to have outlets where we need them without additional extension cords.
That was the other thing i was thinking about doing, but with an inline breaker and no distribution box
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