Excellent service as usual !!
Using 4 or 6 way bar adaptors to increase the number of appliances you can plug into a wall socket is common place in the home. Although there is space to plug in four or six appliances, this does not mean it is always safe to do so.
Avoid overloading sockets and risk of fire by following this simple advice:
- Most extension leads are rated at 13 Amps, but some are rated at only 10 Amps or less - the rating should be clearly marked on the back or underside of the extension lead. If not, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is an important check before you plug anything in.
- Add up the amps from each device you want to plug in. Never plug in more appliances than the extension lead can take. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat, melt and possibly cause a fire.
- Only use one socket extension lead per wall socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.
- Use a multi-way bar extension lead rather than a block adaptor, as this will put less strain on the wall socket. Some block adaptors do not have a fuse, which increases the risk of overloading and fire.
- Consider having additional sockets installed if you regularly rely on extension leads and adaptors. Registered electricians can be found on this website. https://www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk/
- Here are some of the danger signs to watch out for:
a. A smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket
b. Sparks or smoke coming from a plug or appliance
c. Blackness or scorch marks around a socket or plug, or on an appliance
d. Damaged or frayed leads
e. Coloured wire inside leads showing at the plug or anywhere else
f. Melted plastic on appliance casings or leads
g. Fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that operate for no obvious reason.
Use our socket overload calculator HERE
I hope the above keeps you safe.
Chris Hector
Hector's Electrics Ltd