Electrical Safety Matters – focus on extension leads

Many of us like to think we are electrically safe in our homes, however it can come as a shock to realise that there are many hidden dangers and electrical mistakes that can be easily made that may leave you at risk of electrical shock or injury.

Common electrical mistakes

We see electrical errors being made on a daily basis here at Fulcher Edwards. We carry out electrical work in homes in and around London and the types of electrical dangers we come across range from the downright ridiculous to an easily made mistake.

With electrical fires being the biggest reason for fire brigade call outs, it is important to ensure you have the basics of electrical safety ticked off as being safe in your home.

Overloading of extension leads

The overloading of extension leads is perhaps the most common of all electrical mistakes made at home. Commonly we find that extension leads are unknowingly overloaded by plugging in too many high powered appliances into one extension lead. An example of this is a washing machine. Recently we went to a home where the householder was using an extension lead to power a washing machine. The householder didn't realise it was possible to overload an extension lead and was at serious risk of electrical shock or injury.

This is because the extension lead was rated at less than 10Amps which meant it became overloaded when only the washing machine was plugged into it. Upon further inspection, the plug was fitted with a 13A fuse which we were told had been purchased like that from a well known grocery outlet. This situation is not uncommon. We are all too aware of extension leads being fitted with the incorrect fuse.

Using the extension lead in this way left the householder at serious risk of electrical shock or fire. Luckily neither happened as we were able to advise in time.

There is a simple solution to this problem – the best solution is to have additional sockets fitted. This must be done by a qualified and registered electrician such as an electrician in South East London. We highly recommend that kitchen appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, kettles and toasters have their own individual socket to avoid overloading extension leads.

Using extension leads safely

• If you do use extension leads, try to keep their use to a minimum. Before using, ensure you know the Amp rating. This should be clearly marked on the back or underside of the extension lead or failing that, the manufacturers instructions.

• Do not exceed the Amp rating. Appliances such as TV's, sky-boxes, games consoles and telephones would not normally exceed the Amp rating, however, do not assume that you can plug any combination of items into an extension lead. Hair-dryers for example, use up to 10Amp of power and should not be plugged in with anything else.

• The safest type of extension lead is a bar adapter. Plug adapters put additional strain on the socket leading to increased risk of overheating and electrical fire.

• Check extension leads regularly for signs of damage and stop using immediately if you suspect overheating or feel something is not right.

Dangerous uses of extension leads we have come across

We have seen very dangerous uses of extension leads in the past including these. If you use extension leads in this way, you are in serious danger of electrical shock.

• Plugging extension leads into other extension leads

This is also known as 'daisy chaining' where householders attempt to obtain more electrical sockets by plugging extension leads into one another. This is extremely dangerous and is likely to lead to an electrical fire or worse. Remember that there is only one plug socket providing the power to the extension lead. Overloading the plug outlet is very dangerous and many house fires are caused by overloading sockets. One of the worst instances of this we have seen is where the householder was using power tools in multiple extension leads when carrying out DIY work in his garage. Luckily, no one was injured!

• Using plugs incorrectly

Another disturbing incident we came across recently was the use of a standard UK plug earth (the top part) being inserted into the top of the plug sockets on the extension lead and non-UK 2 pin plug appliances being used in the socket outlets.

Always use UK appliances in extension leads, or at least use an electrical adapter. We recommend using only UK appliances particularly in extension leads to improve your electrical safety.

Installing additional sockets

As electrical contractors in London, we install additional sockets and provide electrical safety advice to householders across London. We also carry out electrical testing in London for home owners and landlords who suspect electrical problems with any aspect of their property electrical installations.