Extension lead safety tips and top

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No house is complete without an extension lead or two, right? But are they really safe?

They come in handy in a pinch, keep all our electronics running and in general make life at home a lot easier. It's a fact: extension cords are quite frankly a home necessity.

But, with electrical fires being among the most common types of domestic fire, lead extenders might make you a little nervous.

So, to put your mind at ease, let's cut to the chase.

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Overall, yes. When used properly, extension leads are safe for use around the house.

For added peace of mind, every extension cord you use should be manufactured and purchased from a trusted supplier. Likewise, if a lead is damaged in any way, it should not be used as this can make it a hazard.

For UK shoppers, there are a lot of retailers to choose from. Among those we trust when buying a new lead are:

Robert Dyas: offers click and collect as well as a 5% student discount

B&Q: one-hour click and collect, free delivery on orders over £50

Amazon: free next-day delivery on lots of options with Prime membership. However, we do recommend making sure the seller seems credible.

Argos: same-day delivery available. Click and collect available at Argos and Sainsburys

ToolStation: offers click and collect, free delivery on orders over £25

No, you should never plug more than one extension cord into a power source.

This also means you shouldn't ‘daisy chain’ extension leads. By doing this, you run the risk of overloading the wall socket which can result in blowing a fuse or even an electrical fire.

To avoid doing this, we recommend a few solutions:

If you need more length, invest in an extension lead with a two- or five-metre cord. But, it is typically recommended that an indoor lead doesn't exceed 15 metres.

If you’re after more sockets, don't plug a multi-way adapter into your extension lead. Instead, swap your lead out for an option that has more sockets built into it.

There isn't a definite answer to how often you should replace extension leads, but there are a few ways to know when one is no longer working properly.

Replace a lead when you notice:

The lead feels hot to the touch

Any damage to the sockets or cord

Any wires become loose or exposed

The smell of hot plastic or burning near the lead

Discolouration or scorch marks near the sockets

Any sparking at all

Even if you haven't noticed any of these issues, it's a good idea to annually audit the lead extensions you have around the house. Add it to the list when you check your fire or carbon monoxide detectors! Also, you should never attempt to fix an extension cord yourself. If it's damaged, it's time to replace it!

If you use an up-to-date extension cord properly, you shouldn't have an issue if you leave it on the majority of the time.

That being said, it is always wise to switch off sockets you aren't using and the same goes for an extension lead that isn't being used. Also, if you overload an extension lead and leave it on permanently, it is more likely to overheat which can cause damage to your belongings or even start a fire.

We recommend turning an extension lead off or unplugging it altogether if you won't be home for a few days at a time or if there is nothing plugged into the extension cord.

Of course, if you notice any of the issues we noted above, you should immediately turn off the cord's power source and unplug the extension lead.

There are two main things that should never be plugged into an extension cord: another extension lead and major appliances.

Small to large appliances can quickly overheat a lead extender which can result in damages or even a fire. Most kitchen appliances, from your fridge all the way down to your kettle or toaster, should never be used with an extension cord.

If you’re unsure if something should be plugged in via a cord extender, it's best to play it safe. But if you must use one temporarily, be sure that the extension lead you choose is powerful enough to supply the correct amount of electricity.

Because it's our job to make your life easier, we’ve also sourced a selection of extension leads that suit almost any need.

Specifications

1.4m lead

Three USB outlet ports

Three 13 Amp outlet sockets

Available in black and white

Specifications

Weatherproof

Four sockets with 8m extension lead

13 amps

Specifications

Eight individually switched sockets

1m lead

One year warranty

13 amps

Specifications

Three smart plug outlets and two USB ports

Syncs with Alexa and Google Assistant devices for voice control

Surge protection

Can be controlled remotely by downloading the Kasa Smart app

Specifications

Five metres of lead

Four sockets

Manufacturer's one-year guarantee

Specifications

Five metres of lead

Four sockets

Manufacturer's one-year guarantee

Specifications

Five metres of lead

Eight sockets and five USB ports

Manufacturer's 18-month guarantee

Vertical design

Specifications

4 USB ports

Power switches

Plug into your PC or Mac

Compact design

We hope we've instilled some peace of mind in using extension leads around the house.

If used properly, extension leads are a safe way to make your home's electricals fit your needs.

Of course, if you want more information and guidance, we recommend exploring the UK government's official Electrical Safety website.

And for those in need of a new lead, from our list, there are a few that particularly cover the bases.

There's the this Belkin Extension Leadif lots of plugs and USB ports are your need.

For those after an extra robust extension lead with just about everything you could need, there's the Tower Extension Lead with 5M Leadto get you sorted. Or, for a basic, lead, you can't go wrong with the Status Cube Extension Socket with USB Portsthat's compact, affordable and easy to use.

Prices updated on 31/03/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

With a knack for researching and keen eye for detail, Kat Miller is a go-to resource when you’re on the hunt for something new, wedding trends, kitchen appliances and more. When she's not testing out a new recipe, you’ll find her lost in her favourite podcasts.