Warning to anybody who makes use of hairdryers in bed room or rest room | UK | News | EUROtoday

As summer season approaches, extra of us depend on followers, air purifiers, and different family devices to maintain cool and comfy, however plugging them into an extension wire may very well be a catastrophe ready to occur. According to Robert Andrews, {an electrical} skilled from ElectricityPrices.org.uk, many on a regular basis home equipment – together with hairdryers – are placing UK households in danger just because they’re getting used with the mistaken sort of socket.

“Extension leads are incredibly convenient, but they’re not designed to handle high-powered appliances,” warns Mr Andrews. “Using them incorrectly can overload the circuit, create dangerous levels of heat, and even cause house fires.” According to {the electrical} skilled these are the widespread home equipment that he would by no means plug into an extension wire.

Hair dryers and straighteners are two gadgets that Mr Roberts would keep away from utilizing with an extension lead. While some can deal with them, not all of them can, which poses a fantastic hearth threat. A hair dryer can use over 1800 watts, which is lots for a multi-socket extension result in deal with safely, the skilled says.

“If several appliances are running through one extension, the wiring may overheat and melt without you realising, which is a serious fire hazard, especially in bedrooms or bathrooms,” Mr Andrews provides.

Kettles and low machines are a staple within the kitchen, however they’re two different gadgets which ought to by no means be plugged into extension cords, particularly throughout a busy morning routine.

Mr Andrews says: “Kettles can draw up to 3000 watts, which is far too much for an extension lead to safely handle. If your cord isn’t rated for high wattage, it can quickly overheat, and as most kettles are placed next to the sink, it can be an accident waiting to happen.”

Fans are an effective appliance to keep us cool in the Summer, but according to the expert, plugging one into an extension lead could have serious consequences.

As they are left running for hours at a time, that constant draw on an overloaded extension cord can cause it to heat up gradually, the expert explains. Air purifiers and dehumidifiers should not be plugged into extension cords for the same reason.

“The big worry is that this often happens when we are asleep, and this could be deadly,” he adds. “With heaters, the danger is ramped up, and many fires are started this way.

Vacuum cleaners, especially older models, can trip fuses when plugged into an extension lead. While they are often only used in short bursts, the energy usage can be dangerously high. “Never use your vacuum with an extension lead,” warns Mr Andrews.