Electrical experts have issued a stark warning to Brits about the dangers of plugging certain appliances into extension leads. Charanjit Mannu, director at Elec Training, has singled out kettles, heaters and toasters as the top appliances that should never be plugged into your extension leads, but always directly into the wall.
Mannu explained: “These three items draw massive amounts of current – far more than most extension leads can safely handle. A typical kettle uses around 3000 watts, electric heaters can use 3000 watts or more, and toasters typically use 800-1500 watts.”
This advice is in line with official guidance from the London Fire Brigade, which states: “Some appliances use more power than others, so be mindful of not overloading your extension leads. Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves shouldn’t be on the same extension.
“Always use a fused ‘inline’ type – not the plug-in cube type – but be really careful not to overload it. This is all too easy if you add extra adaptors/extensions, or appliances that use lots of power like kettles, tumble dryers or heaters.”
The risk lies in the fact that high-powered appliances can cause extension leads to overheat. As these leads are usually encased in plastic, this could potentially lead to melting and ignition of any surrounding materials.
The Brigade cautioned that coiling extension leads while they are plugged in can heighten the risk of catastrophe: “It’s also important to fully unwind drum extensions leads. If you leave them coiled, they can overheat and cause a fire.”
Mannu added: “The statistics are alarming, we attend numerous callouts where extension leads have caused fires simply because people don’t understand which appliances are too powerful for them.
“I’ve seen cases where people had a kettle, microwave and toaster all plugged into a single extension lead in their kitchen. This creates an extreme fire hazard as the combined wattage far exceeds what any domestic extension lead can handle safely.”
Budget and unbranded extension leads may also heighten the risk of safety dangers, as the specialist urged people to examine their cables for the correct safety markings and fuses.
He clarified that inexpensive, unmarked items frequently lack “basic safety features” which can make it significantly more perilous to use.
He stated: “Many people don’t realise that the type of extension lead matters enormously. Those cube-type multi-adaptors are particularly risky as they have no overload protection.”
It is also worth inspecting your extension leads for any indication of wear, tear or damage.
This can include frayed cables, burn marks and loose connections which are all warning signs. The London Fire Brigade issued a stern warning: “Don’t be tempted to try a DIY fix such as electrical tape – always replace faulty leads and extensions. Is it worth risking your loved ones and your home for the sake of a few pounds?”