Overview
- Electric heaters should be plugged directly into wall sockets rather than extension leads, according to DRA Electricals and other safety advisers.
- DRA described an office incident in Newcastle where a heater on a cheap lead, linked through another extension and a coiled cable reel, overheated the socket, melted it and "technically" caught fire.
- Energy expert Jamie Burns names microwaves, fridge‑freezers and washing machines as devices that should never run from extension leads due to high current draw.
- Further high‑load items flagged include kettles, toasters, dishwashers, tumble dryers, air fryers and portable heaters, which can push cables beyond their rating.
- Experts stress that extension leads are for temporary, low‑power use; avoid daisy‑chaining, fully unwind reels, check appliance and lead ratings, and use a qualified electrician to add permanent sockets.