Electrical Extension Leads Safety Guide: Tips from Pickmore
At Pickmore, we understand the importance of electrical safety, especially when it comes to extension leads. As a trusted electrical wholesaler & retailer in the UK, we have accumulated extensive experience in the field, allowing us to provide an authoritative guide how to ensure the safety of electrical extension leads. Therefore, we created this Electrical Extension Leads Safety Guide. In this guide, we’ll address concerns about extension lead safety and provide actionable tips to help you mitigate risks and protect yourself and your property.
Shop Extension Leads
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Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl 4 Gang Extension Lead in Black – 1.8 Metre Cable – Made in Germany – UK Plug & Sockets – 1951143100
Original price was: £18.95.£15.72Current price is: £15.72.Brennenstuhl Premium-Line 4 gang extension lead with 1.8 metre cable. Made in Germany with standard UK plug and sockets (240V / 13A) and includes a 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee. This stylish black extension lead is strong and robust being made from highly break-proof polycarbonate. It is wall mountable and excess cable can be wound around the body for tidy storage of excess cable. Product code: 1951143100. -
Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl Premium-Alu-Line 4 Gang Extension Lead – 3 Metre Cable – Heavy Duty Cable – Fuse Reset Button – 1391003644
Original price was: £29.48.£24.38Current price is: £24.38.Brennenstuhl Premium-Alu-Line extension lead 4 gang with 3 metre mains heavy duty cable (1.5mm2 thick cable) which reduces the risk of overloading and overheating. This 4 gang extension lead is also equipped with a safety fuse reset button which removes the need to change the fuse if the extension lead is overloaded, you simply press the reset button. This premium extension lead is made in Germany with standard UK plug & sockets (240V / 13A) and comes with a 10 year guarantee. High quality and stylish design made from aluminium and highly break-proof polycarbonate. It is wall mountable and excess cable can be wound around the body for tidy cable storage. Product code: 1391003644. -
Surge-Protected Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl hugo! 8 Gang Extension Lead With Surge Protection – 3 Metre Cable – Black – 1150613318
Original price was: £34.95.£30.28Current price is: £30.28.Brennenstuhl Hugo! 8 gang extension lead with surge protection. Made from robust highly break-proof polished polycarbonate, this stylish extension lead provides protection from mains power surges and indirect lightning strikes to 19,500A. It has a 3 metre mains power cable, UK plug and sockets, and an illuminated On/Off switch. The sockets are widely spaced at a 90° angle making it easy to use. Product Code: 1150613318.
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Plug-in Adaptors, Surge Protection Adaptors, Surge-Protected Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl Primera-Line Surge Protected Adapter Plug Socket – 1506953
Original price was: £14.98.£11.92Current price is: £11.92.Brennenstuhl Primera-Line Surge Protected Adapter protects your electrical devices against mains power surges and indirect lightning strikes up to 13,500 Amps. This surge protector socket plug adapter is simple to use; you just plug it into your mains socket and then plug whatever device you want into it. It’s a practical way to protect your sensitive electrical equipment such as computers, TV, audio etc from electrical power surges. Product code: 1506953.
Understanding the Risks:
Electrical extension leads, while convenient for powering multiple devices from a single outlet, can pose significant safety risks if not used properly. Some common risks associated with extension leads include:
- Overloading: Plugging too many devices into an extension lead can exceed its maximum load capacity, leading to overheating, fire, or electrical shock.
- Cable Damage: Frayed or damaged cables can expose live wires, increasing the risk of electric shock or fire.
- Trip Hazards: Poorly placed or untidy extension leads can create trip hazards, especially in high-traffic areas.
Best Practices for Extension Lead Safety:
Choose Quality Leads
Invest in high-quality extension leads that comply with British Standards, such as BS 1363. Look for leads with built-in surge protection and overload safeguards to minimise risks. Surge protection adapter plugs can also be used as added protection to extension leads that do not have surge protection built-in.
Check Load Capacity
Before plugging in devices, check the maximum load capacity of the extension lead and ensure that you do not exceed it. Overloading can lead to overheating and fire – see our guide on How To Avoid Overloading Extension Leads and Sockets.
Inspect Regularly
Routinely inspect your extension leads for signs of damage, including frayed cables, exposed wires, or loose connections. Replace any damaged leads immediately to prevent accidents.
Avoid Daisy-Chaining
Do not daisy-chain multiple extension leads together, as this can increase the risk of overloading and cable damage. Instead, use a single extension lead with sufficient sockets for your needs.
Route Cables Safely
Keep extension leads away from heat sources, water, and sharp objects to prevent damage. Avoid running extension leads under carpets or rugs, as this can cause overheating and create trip hazards.
Unplug When Not in Use
When devices are not in use, unplug them from extension leads to prevent phantom power consumption and reduce the risk of overheating or fire.
Educate Others
Share extension lead safety tips with family members, colleagues, and others who may use electrical equipment. Encourage them to follow best practices to minimise risks.
Shop Surge-Protected Extension Leads
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Surge-Protected Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl hugo! 8 Gang Extension Lead With Surge Protection – 3 Metre Cable – Black – 1150613318
Original price was: £34.95.£30.28Current price is: £30.28.Brennenstuhl Hugo! 8 gang extension lead with surge protection. Made from robust highly break-proof polished polycarbonate, this stylish extension lead provides protection from mains power surges and indirect lightning strikes to 19,500A. It has a 3 metre mains power cable, UK plug and sockets, and an illuminated On/Off switch. The sockets are widely spaced at a 90° angle making it easy to use. Product Code: 1150613318.
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Plug-in Adaptors, Surge Protection Adaptors, Surge-Protected Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl Primera-Line Surge Protected Adapter Plug Socket – 1506953
Original price was: £14.98.£11.92Current price is: £11.92.Brennenstuhl Primera-Line Surge Protected Adapter protects your electrical devices against mains power surges and indirect lightning strikes up to 13,500 Amps. This surge protector socket plug adapter is simple to use; you just plug it into your mains socket and then plug whatever device you want into it. It’s a practical way to protect your sensitive electrical equipment such as computers, TV, audio etc from electrical power surges. Product code: 1506953.
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Surge-Protected Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl 4 Gang Extension Lead With Surge Protection – 2 Metre Cable – Ruby Red – 1150613374
Original price was: £23.95.£18.62Current price is: £18.62.Brennenstuhl 4 gang extension lead with surge protection. This surge protected extension lead provides protection from mains power surges and indirect lightning strikes up to 19,500A. This stylish extension lead comes in Ruby Red and is made from robust highly break-proof polished polycarbonate. It has a 2 metre mains cable, standard UK plug and sockets, and an illuminated On/Off switch. Product code: 1150613374.
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Extension Leads with USB, Surge-Protected Extension Leads
Brennenstuhl 6 Gang Extension Lead with Surge Protection to 60,000A and USB Charging Ports – 1951163604
Original price was: £78.95.£62.22Current price is: £62.22.MADE IN GERMANY – STANDARD UK PLUG SOCKETS (13A / 240v) – 5 YEAR MANUFACTURER’S GUARANTEE
Brennenstuhl Premium-Line extension lead with surge protection to 60,000A which provides your devices protection against mains power surges and indirect lightning strikes. This 6 gang extension lead has 2 USB charging ports and 3 metre mains cable. Made in Germany to the highest standards, this surge protected extension lead comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee. It has standard UK plug and sockets (13A / 240V), an illuminated On/Off switch and a surge protection indicator to tell you when surge voltage is active. This surge protection extension lead is wall mountable and excess cable can be wound round the body for tidy storage. Product code: 1951163604
Trusted Resources:
For additional guidance on extension lead safety, we recommend consulting reputable UK-based resources such as:
Electrical Safety Council (ESC): The Electrical Safety Council is a UK-based organisation dedicated to promoting electrical safety in homes, workplaces, and communities. They provide a range of resources and guidance on extension lead safety, including tips for usage and maintenance.
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET): The IET is a professional engineering institution in the UK that offers valuable insights and resources on electrical safety. They publish guidance documents and technical reports related to extension lead safety and other electrical topics.
By following these tips and leveraging trusted resources, you can ensure the safety of your electrical extension leads and reduce the risk of accidents. At Pickmore, we’re committed to promoting electrical safety and providing our customers with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.
