How To Safely Use Extension Leads And Adaptors

The more wall sockets you have in your home the less you will need an extension cable or adapter. However, many portable electrical items like lamps and chargers are supplied with relatively short cables, and you may need more sockets for multiple items. While extension leads can be very useful in these situations, they can also pose significant safety risks if not used and maintained properly. In this blog post, we will go through some tips to help you use extension leads and adaptors safely.

Firstly, beware the following dangers:

• Damaged Cable: Extension cables can easily get damaged when they're walked over, bent repeatedly at the same point, or stored poorly. A damaged cable can be a significant fire hazard and should not be used. Regularly check your cables for damage, and replace them if needed.
• Tripping Hazard: Extension cables that are stretched across walkways can become tripping hazards. Always make sure your cables are safely out of the way to prevent accidents.
• Power Tool Leads: Leads on power tools can easily become tangled and eventually fail. This can pose a significant safety risk. Always make sure your power tool leads are untangled and in good condition.
• Overuse of Multi-way Adapters: Overusing multi-way adapters or adapter blocks can also be a fire hazard. Try to minimise your use of these devices and don't overload them with too many appliances.

When using an extension cable, follow these tips to ensure safety:

• Overloading: Don’t overload electrical adaptors by plugging too many appliances into one socket, especially those with a high electrical current rating such as kettles, irons and heaters.
• Pre-assembled Extension Leads: Always use an extension lead that was bought ready-assembled to ensure that it is safe and meets the required safety standards.
• Length: Extension leads should ideally not exceed 15 metres in length. Longer cables can potentially carry more electrical current, which increases the risk of overheating and fire.
• Insulated Connectors and Plugs: Ensure the extension leads are fitted with properly insulated connectors and plugs. Do not join two lengths of cable by twisting the bare ends of wires together, which can create a risk of electric shock and fire.
• Positioning: Position your extension lead carefully to prevent any risk of damage. Do not let it cross a pathway, but if unavoidable, cover it with a rubber protector strip.
• Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your extension lead for damage. Look for any signs of wear or tear on the leads, plugs and sockets.
• Correct Fuse: Check the extension lead plug contains the correctly rated fuse for the equipment being used. The wrong fuse can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire.
• Avoid Overheating: If you're using a cable drum extension lead, make sure it's fully unwound to prevent overheating.
• Avoid 2-core Extension Leads: For general use, avoid using 2-core extension leads. These lack the necessary ground wire and can be dangerous if used with appliances that require grounding.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that you're using extension cables safely and minimising any potential risks.