Electrical safety specialists have issued an urgent winter warning to households across the UK, stressing that one common habit with extension leads presents a serious and potentially deadly fire hazard.
The Critical Warning: Heaters and Extension Leads Don't Mix
The firm DRA PAT Testing, which provides portable appliance testing, has been explicit in its advice. They state you must "do not ever" plug electric heaters of any kind into an extension lead. The primary danger is the risk of the extension lead overheating, which can cause the socket to melt and potentially ignite a fire.
"We cannot stress the importance of this enough – please, please, please do not, ever, plug electric heaters (of any kind) into extension leads," the company advises on its website. Their official guidance is to only ever plug heaters directly into a wall mains socket.
A Real-Life Close Call
The warning is born from direct, alarming experience. DRA PAT Testing recounted an incident at an office they had been working in, where their advice was ignored.
In this case, a heater was plugged into an extension lead. The company reported: "The heater on the extension lead caused the extension socket to overheat and melt, in fact it was a miracle no further damage was caused. Technically it did catch fire, although no actual flames were seen." This real-world example underscores how quickly a simple mistake can escalate into a dangerous situation.
Expert Electrician Backs the Advice
This critical safety message is strongly supported by other professionals in the field. Electrician Adam Nelson, speaking to Homes and Gardens, emphasised the specific risk posed by space heaters.
"These appliances are a natural fire risk as it is, and should always be plugged into direct outlets," Nelson explained. He added that this practice also helps secure them to the circuit breakers in your main electrical panel, thereby helping to avoid dangerous overloads.
As the winter of 2025 deepens and many reach for portable heaters to ward off the chill, this warning serves as a vital reminder. The convenience of using an extension lead is far outweighed by the severe risk of fire. For safe operation, always ensure your electric heater is connected directly to a wall socket, and never leave it unattended for long periods.
