Kettles, heaters and toasters should always be plugged directly into wall sockets and never into extension leads, according to an electrical safety expert, due to the serious fire risk they pose.
Charanjit Mannu, Director at Elec Training, said numerous household fires break out each year because people plug high-wattage appliances into extension leads unable to cope with the electrical load. He stated: "The statistics are alarming, we attend numerous callouts where extension leads have caused fires simply because people don't understand which appliances are too powerful for them."
Why these appliances are dangerous
Charanjit explained: "These three items draw massive amounts of current - far more than most extension leads can safely handle. A typical kettle uses around 3000 watts, electric heaters can use 3000 watts or more, and toasters typically use 800-1500 watts."
"When extension leads overheat, the plastic casing can melt and ignite surrounding materials. Many people make things worse by coiling extension leads while in use, which concentrates the heat in one area."
Hidden dangers and safety advice
A further hidden danger comes from cheap, unbranded leads. Charanjit warned: "Always check that any extension lead you buy has proper safety markings and fuses. The cheap unmarked ones from online marketplaces often lack basic safety features and can be extremely dangerous."
Figures from the London Fire Brigade show that overloaded sockets are among the most common causes of electrical fires. The Brigade advises always choosing fused 'inline' style extensions rather than cube-type adaptors.
It is also important to keep a close eye on the condition of your extension leads by checking them regularly for any deterioration. Charanjit added: "Frayed cables, burn marks, or loose connections are all warning signs. Never try fixing damaged extension leads with electrical tape - always replace them immediately."
