You probably have one behind your TV right now.
Cast your eye around the average Irish sitting room and you will find it. An extension lead, likely wedged behind the TV unit, with the telly, a games console and possibly a lamp all running from the same socket strip. Sound familiar?
Most of us do not give it a second thought. We should. Overloaded extension leads are one of the most common causes of house fires in Ireland, and the habit is so widespread that most homeowners do not even know they are at risk.
What Actually Goes Wrong When You Overload an Extension Lead
Every extension lead has a maximum current rating. Most are rated at 13 amps. That limit exists for a reason. When the combined draw of everything plugged into the lead exceeds that rating, the lead begins to overheat.
Overheating is where things get serious. The insulation around the wires starts to break down, devices can be permanently damaged, and in the worst cases the lead can ignite. The fire does not always start dramatically. Sometimes it builds slowly, quietly, behind your furniture, long after you have gone to bed.
Having working smoke detectors fitted throughout your home is one of the simplest ways to protect your family if the worst does happen.
The Appliances Most People Get Wrong
Not all appliances are equal when it comes to how much power they draw. Phones, laptops and lamps use relatively little electricity and are generally fine sharing a lead. The problem appliances are the ones that generate heat such as:
- Kettles
- Fan heaters
- Microwaves
- Washing machines
- Fridges
These all draw significant current. A single fan heater can use close to the entire rated capacity of a standard extension lead on its own. Plugging anything else in alongside it pushes you into dangerous territory. Generally, if an appliance produces heat or has a motor, it should be plugged directly into a wall socket and nothing else.
Daisy Chaining: The Habit That Doubles the Risk
Daisy chaining is when you plug one extension lead into another to extend your reach further across the room. It is extremely common in Irish homes, particularly behind televisions and in home offices where sockets are scarce. It is also one of the most dangerous things you can do with an extension lead. Each additional connection increases resistance in the circuit. More resistance means more heat. More heat means a higher risk of fire or damage. There are no circumstances in which daisy chaining is safe, and it should be avoided without exception.
Running Extension Leads Under Carpets
Older Irish homes were often built with very few sockets and running an extension lead under a carpet to reach across a room has become a common workaround.
The problem is that carpets trap heat. A lead that is generating even a small amount of excess heat under a carpet has nowhere to dissipate it. Over time, the cable insulation degrades and cracks. Because it is hidden, you will never see the warning signs.
If your home is older and you are regularly working around a lack of sockets, it may also be worth having a broader electrical testing check carried out to make sure your wiring is in good condition throughout.
Warning Signs Your Extension Lead Needs to Go in the Bin
Extension leads do not last forever and a damaged lead is a fire risk even when it is not being overloaded. Replace yours immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Discolouration or scorch marks around any of the sockets.
- The lead feeling warm or hot to the touch whilst in use.
- Plugs that feel loose or wobbly when inserted.
- Lights flickering or devices cutting out for no obvious reason.
- Any burning smell near the lead at all.
If you spot any of these signs, stop using the lead straight away. If the burning smell persists or you are unsure whether there is a wider issue, our emergency electrician service is available to help.
How to Avoid the Risk Altogether
Extension leads are designed as a temporary solution. They are not meant to be a permanent fixture in your home. If you find yourself relying on them in multiple rooms, day in and day out, the honest answer is that your home does not have enough sockets.
The good news is that this is one of the more straightforward jobs a registered electrician can carry out. Additional sockets can be installed exactly where you need them, safely and permanently, with no extension leads required. In Ireland, all socket installation must be carried out by a Safe Electric REC registered electrician under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. It is not a job for a handyman or a DIY afternoon.
At Cork Electrical, our Safe Electric registered team carries out socket installations across Cork. If you are not sure how many sockets you need or where to put them, we are happy to take a look and give you a free, no-obligation consultation.
Give Us a Call
Swapping out your extension leads for proper sockets is simpler and more affordable than most people expect. If you would like to get it sorted, give Jamie and the Cork Electrical team a call on 087 746 4011 or get in touch here.