Safety alert issued to anyone with extension lead at home
Countless households rely on extension leads but experts are sounding the alarm over potentially deadly mistakes that could spark devastating fires. As Britain braces for the colder months ahead, millions are plugging in heating devices to combat the chill, but safety specialists warn of lurking dangers that could prove catastrophic.
Any Hour Services, renowned for their plumbing and electrical expertise, revealed that extension leads pose a genuine fire risk, with incidents occurring far more frequently than most realise. When it comes to safeguarding your property, heeding professional guidance on home security remains absolutely vital.
This latest alert follows previous stark warnings about these ubiquitous devices. Just weeks ago, another expert revealed the three things you should never use extension leads for.
The video stated: “I’m going to share with you five of the most common mistakes that can be super dangerous for your home’s electrical system. So, number one, make sure to avoid plugging in high-wattage appliances into extension cords.
“Appliances like space heaters and microwaves consume a significant amount of power, usually much more than what your extension cord could handle. This can cause overheating, which can damage your appliances, or even cause a fire.
“Number two, do not chain multiple extension cords or power strips. Connecting multiple extension cords or power strips can overload the circuit which, again, can lead to overheating or a fire hazard.”
It’s been advised that individuals should keep leads uncovered, as hiding extension leads under items such as rugs or furniture can hinder airflow. This can lead to a build-up of heat and also increases the risk of a fire.
Furthermore, it was suggested that you should only utilise extension leads that are designed for their intended use. They are constructed for specific environments, so using them outdoors is not recommended.
This is due to your garden exposing them to elements like extreme moisture that they aren’t designed to withstand. It was also highlighted that you should regularly check them for any damage.
There shouldn’t be any visible cracks or exposed wires. If you spot any damage, it’s crucial not to use them as this could put you at risk of electric shocks and fires.
What you need to know during winter
One of the key pieces of advice for the colder months is that you should never connect a heater to an extension lead. While people may use these devices to warm their homes, plugging a heater into an extension lead can pose a significant fire hazard due to the high electrical current heaters require.
Most extension leads and power strips are not rated to handle this load, making it extremely dangerous. Hence, people have been cautioned against making this mistake.
When heaters are connected to an extension lead, they can overheat and potentially cause a fire. If you own a heater, the safest course of action is to plug it directly into a wall socket.
The additional advice given is crucial to adhere to for maximum safety. Extension leads are convenient, but they must be used with caution.
The risk of fires caused by extension leads significantly increases in winter, particularly when high-power appliances such as heaters, kettles and toasters are connected to them. If you have any worries, seek guidance from a professional.
