MoneyHousehold & Billsproperty newsUsing an extension lead can be a handy solution to make sure all of your household appliances are powered up, but experts warn that some appliances must never be plugged into one.10:36, 21 May 2026Almost every home in Britain is likely to have one or two extension cords trailing through the kitchen or living room. When you're limited to just a handful of sockets in any given room, it can prove challenging to supply power to all the essential appliances.‌While extension leads are undoubtedly useful, they can also pose significant dangers.‌Numerous household devices require too much power for an extension lead to manage safely.‌According to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, approximately 7,000 house fires occur annually in the UK due to faulty electrics, appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets.There are three appliances that should never be connected to extension cords, owing to the substantial power they require.Kettles consume around 3,000 watts, electric heaters can equal or even surpass that figure, and toasters demand between 800 and 1,500 watts.‌When several high-wattage devices operate through a single extension lead simultaneously, the combined demand can rapidly exceed what the lead can safely accommodate, reports the Express.Oliver Nichols from The LED Specialists said: "Extension leads have a maximum load rating, and high-draw appliances like kettles, toasters and electric heaters are among the worst things you can plug into them."‌"People often don't realise how much current these devices pull, and when you combine more than one on a single lead, you're creating a real fire risk."Beyond the fire hazard posed by wattage, another concern relates to the quality of the extension leads themselves.UK standard leads are required to carry safety markings and built-in fuses — yet many cheap cables sold online fall well short of this standard.‌Oliver said: "If your extension lead doesn't carry the appropriate safety markings, there's no guarantee it will cut out before overheating."That's when you move from an inconvenience to a genuine fire hazard."If you find yourself relying on extension leads throughout your home, the safest long-term fix is to have additional sockets fitted by a qualified electrician.Article continues belowIn the meantime, however, make sure all high-wattage appliances are plugged directly into the wall.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌property newsFire