Overview

• Electrical specialists say high‑wattage appliances should go directly into wall sockets, noting kettles and some heaters draw around 3,000W and toasters 800–1,500W.
• London Fire Brigade advises using only fused inline extensions, avoiding cube‑type adaptors that often lack overload protection.
• Drum‑style extensions must be fully unwound in use because coiled cables overheat and can start fires.
• Buy leads with British Standards certification, replace any with scorch marks, burning smells or loose connections, and do not attempt DIY repairs.
• If a kitchen relies on extensions, experts recommend installing additional permanent sockets by a qualified electrician, with extra caution around moisture near sinks and hobs.