Homeowners urged to remove any extension leads from 1 room ‘now’ | UK | News

Homeowners who rely on extension leads in one room of their home are being urged to reconsider their usage and ‘make a decision fast’. With more than 20,000 electrical fires occurring in UK homes annually, fire safety experts at Crusader Fire are cautioning that overloaded extension leads could represent a ‘hidden hazard’.

If you frequently find yourself juggling numerous kitchen gadgets without sufficient plug sockets to power them all, you’re far from alone. Air fryers, coffee machines, stand mixers, and toasters now dominate many people’s worktops, and with restricted plug availability, some households are resorting to extension leads as a convenient solution.

However, according to Jonny Smith, founder and director of Crusader Group, this commonplace approach could pose significant dangers. With UK households relying more than ever on worktop appliances, Jonny warns that kitchen extension cables are ‘an accident waiting to happen’.

He also highlights that everyday appliances and devices, such as air fryers and kettles, can readily overload extension cables, creating risks of heat accumulation, appliance damage, and potentially fire. He said: “Small kitchen appliances such as microwaves, kettles, air fryers, and even mixers are high-wattage items that draw a large amount of power from the mains.

“Plugging several into a single extension lead can easily overload it, leading to dangerous heat build-up and, in the worst cases, an electrical fire.” Most domestic extension cables are not engineered to cope with the combined wattage of multiple kitchen appliances, he cautions.

When overloaded, extension leads can overheat, melt, and pose a severe fire hazard. Even if the cable doesn’t catch fire, it may sustain internal damage that remains undetected until disaster strikes. Accidentally allowing an extension lead to become wet or positioning it near a cooker while preparing food could create a significant electrical fire risk.

The fire specialist said: “A typical kitchen appliance, like a kettle, can draw around 2,800 watts alone. If you’re plugging in a few of those, you’re exceeding what most leads are safely rated for. The cord may not trip the fuse immediately, but the heat build-up over time is a major concern.”

This warning comes amid a sobering national backdrop: more than 20,000 accidental house fires in the UK each year are caused by electrical faults, according to official fire service statistics. Kitchens, where water, heat, and electricity regularly combine, rank among the most common sources.

Appliance damage and voltage drops

Beyond fire risks, Jonny highlighted there’s also the issue of unstable voltage. “Extension leads can cause drops in voltage when too many appliances are running simultaneously,” he said. “This inconsistency in power flow isn’t just bad for the lead, it can also affect the lifespan and performance of your appliances, especially those with sensitive electronics.”

Equipment such as coffee machines and digital air fryers depends on a consistent current. When that supply is interrupted by overloaded extension leads, it can trigger system malfunctions, accelerated wear, or total breakdown.

Safer alternatives

Instead of taking the gamble, fire safety specialists recommend long-term measures that place safety and efficiency first. Jonny urges homeowners to act decisively and invest in a suitable electrical installation that meets contemporary kitchen requirements.

“If you’re short on plug sockets, speak to a qualified electrician about having additional outlets installed in appropriate areas,” he suggests. “This is far safer than relying on a temporary workaround that could ultimately put your home and family at risk.”

Fire safety dos and don’ts for the kitchen

Crusader Fire recommends the following best practices for kitchen electrical safety:

• Use appliances with clear wattage ratings and check them before plugging multiple items in.
• Ensure any extension lead used in the home is BS-certified (British Standards).
• Unplug devices when not in use to avoid passive power draw.

Don’t:

• Daisy-chain extension leads (plugging one into another).
• Use extension leads for permanent kitchen setups.
• Run leads behind appliances or under rugs where heat can build up.
• Ignore signs of wear and tear, frayed cords and scorch marks are red flags.

The bottom line

With an increasing number of high-powered appliances becoming everyday kitchen essentials, using them safely has never been more critical. While extension leads may seem convenient in the short term, they present considerable long-term risks in one of the most fire-prone rooms in the home.

Jonny added: “It’s easy to underestimate the power load in a kitchen. But when it comes to fire safety, convenience should never come at the cost of safety. Being proactive now can prevent a devastating fire later.”