Households informed ‘assume twice’ about extension leads in a single room

Homeowners are being urged to assume twice about utilizing extension leads of their kitchens as consultants warn they might pose a severe fireplace hazard. With fashionable kitchens now filled with devices like air fryers, espresso machines and toasters, many households discover they don’t have sufficient plug sockets to energy all of them. The fast repair is commonly an extension lead, however this comfort might come at a hidden value.

That’s in keeping with James Harrison, electrician at Fusion Electrical, who stated: “Small kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters and air fryers can draw a large amount of power. Plugging several of them into a single extension lead could overload it, creating dangerous heat build-up.”

He defined that whereas the fuse may not blow right away, repeated overloading might weaken the lead over time: “The danger is that the damage often happens inside the cable where you cannot see it. By the time scorch marks or a burning smell appear, the risk could already be high.”

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Moisture in kitchens provides one other layer of concern. “Water and electricity are never a good mix,” Mr Harrison stated. “Using extension leads close to sinks, kettles or hobs could make the situation even more unsafe.”

Beyond fireplace hazards, overworked extension leads might additionally hurt home equipment themselves. “High-powered gadgets need a steady supply of electricity,” he defined. “If the voltage drops because a lead is overloaded, it might shorten the lifespan of your devices or cause them to fail.”

Mr Harrison recommended that counting on leads ought to solely ever be non permanent: “If you are regularly short of plug sockets in the kitchen, the safest option could be to have a professional install extra outlets. It is a one-time upgrade that might save you a lot of problems later.”

James Harrison’s kitchen security checks

Check the load: “Always look at the wattage of your appliances. A kettle or toaster on its own might be fine, but running two or three high-powered gadgets through one lead could push it beyond its limit.”

Look for certification: “Opt for extension leads that are clearly marked with a British Standards kite mark. Cheaper, unbranded ones might not be built to cope with the demand.”

Avoid everlasting setups: “Extension leads are meant for temporary use. Using them as a long-term fix in the kitchen could increase the risk of overheating.”

Keep them dry: “Kitchens are full of steam and splashes. Water around electricals could be dangerous, so avoid placing leads near sinks, kettles or hobs.”

Watch for warning indicators: “If you notice scorch marks, a burning smell or a hot cable, it could mean the lead is under strain. Unplug it straight away and do not use it again.”