The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) have recently launched a Socket Overload Calculator which allows householders to see if they are overloading their sockets.
Overloading electric sockets is the cause of many house fires in the UK and whilst most people use a 4 way bar adapter (which is recommended over a multi plug adapter) it seems many householders are still unclear about what items are safe to plug in.
It is worth noting that differing appliances place different demands on an electric socket. Small electrical appliances such as kettles and toasters place a large demand on an extension lead and it is recommended that both of these appliances have their own individual plug socket.
An extension lead can be very useful when a higher number of plug outlets would be required such as to set up a television, DVD player, a SKY box and a Playstation. It can be very inconvenient having to plug these items individually into only one plug socket. An extension lead gives some much needed flexibility. It is worth knowing that to plug in all 4 of these items would use just over 750 watts (3 Amps).
The maximum load for a plug socket is 3000 watts (13 Amps). It is important to know which pieces of electrical equipment can be safely used on an electrical adapter.
Before an extension lead is used, it is important to know its maximum rating. Most extension leads are rated 13 Amp such as the one used in this tool, however some are far less. The Amps are marked clearly on every extension lead and it is important not to exceed the limit. If the limit is exceeded, it can cause a fire in the wall socket.
It is not the biggest appliances though that use the most power. A kettle for example would need 3000 watts (13 Amps). In this instance, nothing else could be used on the extension lead. This is more than a washing machine which uses 2250 watts (10 Amps).
It is important to be aware of the limitations of an extension lead. There are instances where extension leads have been plugged into extension leads in order to create even more sockets without any thought being given to the maximum power available from the one socket. It is a fire risk and is also overloading the extension lead itself.
The fuse in a plug is designed to cut power if the lead becomes too hot or sometimes in the case of overload. Whilst power will be quickly cut if this is detected, it cannot be relied upon and it is not worth taking a chance upon it.
It is worth checking often for the following signs that something is not right with the extension lead.
A smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket
Sparks or smoke coming from a plug or appliance
Blackness or scorch marks around a socket, plug or appliance
Damaged or frayed leads
Coloured wire inside leads showing at the plug or anywhere else on the lead
Melted plastic on appliance cases or leads
Fuses that blow or lights that trip for no reason
If you find you have growing reliance on the use of extension leads in your home, it is worth getting extra sockets installed by a Part P Registered Electrician.
Source: http://www.esc.org.uk/public/safety-in-the-home/product-safety/overloadi...
Use the Electrical Safety Council's Socket Overload Calculator below to plug in some typical household appliances to see the effect on the load, and to get useful tips on how to avoid overloading your sockets.