Extension lead warning as Brits told 'please do not ever'

Detailed summary

Experts have issued household safety advice

Brits have been issued safety advice regarding extension leads. Specialists have warned households to "do not ever" commit one specific error that could raise the risk of fire.

As temperatures plunge across the country, numerous households are looking for affordable ways to stay warm indoors. Portable electric heaters continue to be a popular option, delivering quick warmth to particular rooms in the house. Yet, as with all electrical appliances, taking proper safety measures is crucial. Experts at DRA PAT Testing have identified a common mistake with electric heaters that presents significant hazards, as reported by Wales Online.

In guidance shared on their website, they stressed: "We cannot stress the importance of this enough – please, please, please do not, ever, plug electric heaters (of any kind) into extension leads. Please only plug heaters directly into the mains sockets."

"And please don't leave heaters on permanently, turn them off. If your room isn't warm enough consider a more efficient permanent option, rather than a portable heater."

The warning stems from the dangers of overheating and potential fire hazards. To highlight this concern, they referred to their own experience at an office where their advice had gone unheeded.

They explained: "The heater had been plugged back into the extension lead. We're not sure if the extension went back into the cable reel or into the wall direct, but what we do know, is that the heater on the extension lead caused the extension socket to overheat and melt, in fact it was a miracle no further damage was caused.

"Technically it did catch fire, although no actual flames were seen." They also shared a photograph showing the full extent of the burn damage to the plug.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Daily Mirror. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.