Overview
- Energy experts Jamie Burns of Ailsa and Gordon Wallis of Your NRG caution that overloading extension leads raises the risk of overheating and fire.
- Appliances singled out include microwaves, fridge-freezers, washing machines, kettles, toasters, dishwashers, tumble dryers and portable electric heaters.
- Burns explains that each lead has a maximum current rating, and running high‑demand equipment through it can push it beyond its design limits.
- Wallis highlights that daisy‑chaining extension leads and powering appliances that cycle on and off can create surges many leads are not built to handle.
- Both experts advise using extension leads only as temporary solutions, checking appliance current against lead ratings, and hiring a qualified electrician for permanent sockets or hardwiring.