Overview

• Overloading extension leads can cause heat build-up, unstable voltage, and electrical fires.
• More than 20,000 UK home fires annually stem from electrical faults, with kitchens particularly vulnerable to the mix of water, heat and electricity.
• High-wattage appliances such as kettles, air fryers and mixers draw power that exceeds most extension leads’ capacity.
• Experts warn against daisy-chaining or using extension leads as permanent kitchen fixtures and advise unplugging devices when not in use.
• Homeowners are encouraged to hire qualified electricians to install additional BS-certified outlets suited to modern kitchen demands.