EXTENSION leads are helpful pieces of kit – but there are certain devices you must avoid plugging into them.
A pretty good rule of thumb is to avoid plugging in any electronics that are constantly on – and anything that could get wet.
Major appliances
The average extension cord isn’t built to handle the kind of electrical load put out by large appliances, such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers.
At best, you could risk damaging the appliance – which can be an expensive mistake.
At worst, you could risk a fire caused by overheating – which could be even more costly.
Small appliances
Even small appliances can be a cause for concern when it comes to plugging into an extension cord.
Some of the more compact gadgets, like toasters and toaster ovens, can pack quite a punch, using more power than you’d expect.
Microwaves are the same, and typically use more power than the average cable can handle.
But households should also be wary of mixers, blenders, air fryers, and waffle makers.
These could overload an extension cord – particularly if there are several gadgets plugged in – and lead to a fire.
Air conditioners & space heaters
While households may be pulling the air conditioner units out of storage, it should be noted they belong in a wall outlet to avoid any overheating risks with a power strip.
Space heaters are more dangerous in an extension cord, as they draw a higher amount of power and often exceed the capacity of a standard cable.
Power strips are generally intended for low-power devices like computers or lamps, not high-wattage appliances.
Outdoor electrical devices
During summer, power strips can be tempting to use outside for outdoor devices.
But doing so can pose hazards relating to heat and weather.
Overheating from coiled cords, exposure to moisture, and damage from sun and wind can increase the risk of fire or electrical shock.
To avoid this, it’s important to use outdoor-rated cords and protect connections from the rain and sun.
Surge protectors
Households are brimming with electronic gadgets these days – and while it might be tempting to plug an extension cable into another to maximise the number of outlets, this is dangerous.
Experts have warned against the ‘daisy chaining’ of multiple power strips and surge protectors.
‘Daisy chaining’, as it is known, comes with serious risks, including overheating, fire hazards, electric shocks and voided warranties on your devices.
Each power strip is rated for a specific electrical load – how much power it can safely handle before it fails.
But when you plug one power strip into another, they can exceed this capacity.
The one closest to the wall outlet usually takes the hardest hit – meaning it’s the one that is most likely to falter.
