Extension lead safety - the guidelines
Extension lead safety should be considered. You’re not going to tell us that extension leads are no longer safe are you? Of course not, but… (There’s always a but with you!) …you must follow some simple guidelines when using them. Remember health and safety is paramount. Extension adapters are used to increase the number of appliances that can be plugged into a wall socket. Generally, at work we see the 4-plug adapters. However, although there is space to plug in four appliances, this does not always mean it is safe.
So how can we avoid overloading sockets and what is the risk?
Follow this simple guide when loading adapters.
- Check the current rating of the extension lead before plugging appliances into it. Most are rated at 13 A, but some are rated at only 10 A or less. The rating should be clearly marked. If not, refer to the manufacturer.
- Never overload an extension lead by plugging in appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire. Can you give an example? Certainly, if your 4-way extension lead is rated at 10A, but you decide to plug in a space heater (8A), a TV (3A) and a mobile phone charger (2A) the total amount of amps in the extension lead is 13A and therefore is overloaded by 3A although there are only three appliances plugged in with one socket remaining.
- Only use one socket extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.
- Use an extension lead with multi sockets rather than a block adaptor (those blocks of plastic with many sockets on them). This will put less strain on the wall socket. Some block adaptors do not have a fuse, which increases the risk of overloading and fire.
Tips - extensions and leads
Here’s a helpful guide on extensions and leads providing a list of tips which will help to keep you safe around the home and at work.
- Consider having additional sockets installed if you regularly rely on extension leads and adaptors - and use a registered electrician to carry out the installation work.
- Check regularly for the following danger signs: - A smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket. - Sparks or smoke coming from a plug or appliance. - Blackness or scorch marks around a socket or plug, or on an appliance. - Damaged or frayed leads. - Coloured wire inside leads showing at the plug or anywhere else. - Melted plastic on appliance casings or leads. - Fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that operate for no obvious reason.
Inspections
Extension leads are normally beneath our desks, ‘out of sight and out of mind.’ However, our duty to provide a safe working environment is paramount. We can routinely check extension leads to ensure we are meeting the needs of electrical safety. Do not rely on the electrician once a year to provide the PAT test on them and then condemn it! So be pro-active, set up a schedule to check portable electrical appliances, especially extension leads and look for the signs listed above.
If you are in any doubt about the safety of your electrical appliances, contact us at Qdos Consulting for an assessment of your current practices to help keep you and your employees safe. Quest offer health and safety outsourcing and our health and safety consultants offer support services including health and safety audits and advice delivered by experts.
