In modern life there are multiple reasons why we need to use electrical sockets. Gadgets, appliances and chargers all require electrical power, and we will regularly plug an item in without any thought to how the power is being distributed, or how many items are being powered simultaneously. It is also common for us to use extension leads with additional sockets, because we don’t have sufficient wall sockets for our everyday needs. However, it is important that we understand the difference between the availability of sockets and the safe use of sockets, because it is common to overload sockets or extension cables and this can cause electric shocks, fire and a loss of power.
Signs that you may have overloaded your sockets
There are a number of common signs which are clear indications that you have overloaded your sockets. These include:
- Smell - A burning smell close to an appliance or socket, this will be burning plastic from the casing of a plug or socket.
- Marks – You may also see black scorch marks around a plug or socket from where the plastic has burnt, or you might notice that the plastic has melted in small areas.
- Smoke – You may see smoke coming from a plug or appliance, or sparks in some cases.
- Warmth – Any plug that feels warm to touch could be presenting an overload problem.
- Damage – You might notice that there is damage to the power lead or cable, and this has frayed. Another visual sign of damage is that you can see the coloured wires inside the plug or the lead.
- Power – If fuses blow or circuit-breakers blow you will lose power. If this happens for no obvious reason, it could be because you overloaded the socket.
How to avoid overloading a socket
Being aware of the power capabilities of individual items or appliances is very useful when judging what is safe in various electrical practices, and overloading sockets definitely falls into this category. In addition to regularly checking for the above-listed issues, you should adopt some prevention methods such as:
- Current rating – Check the current rating of an extension lead before plugging anything into it. This should be clearly marked on the lead or underneath the sockets. Most modern extension leads are 13A, but an older model may only be 10A.
- Capacity – Avoid filling every available socket with an appliance, particularly if you use them all at the same time. This can easily exceed the maximum current rating for the extension lead, and could lead to the wall socket the extension is plugged into overheating, which could lead to a fire.
- High power devices – Following on from this, you should avoid plugging high power devices into an extension lead, and where capacity allows these should have a dedicated wall socket of their own. Certainly, you should avoid plugging more than one into a single extension lead. This includes items such as kettles, heaters, irons, washing machines and power tools.
- Double extensions – Never plug one extension lead into another extension lead, as this will double the current demand on the wall socket and may exceed the maximum current rating even if not all the sockets on the extensions are used. Only use one extension lead per wall socket.
- Modern extension leads – Most extension leads sold today are multi-way bar extensions, ie. a row of maybe four or six sockets in a line, rather than a ‘block adaptor’, which are a square plug with two or three extra sockets on each face and which are plugged directly into the wall socket. These block adaptors are an outdated technology, and older models may not even have a fuse, which increases the risk of overheating, shock and fire.
- Extra sockets – The safest way to manage this is to have extra sockets installed if you have power demands which regularly require the need for extension leads or overloading sockets. This is the safest way to distribute power needs so that individual sockets are not overloaded.
If you follow these basic guidelines you should avoid overloading sockets, but keep a close eye on the common warning signs and take action if any of these are identified.
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.