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—Wiring and circuits

Replacing extension leads with fixed sockets

Extension leads left permanently in place are a sign the room has too few sockets in the right places.

Extension leads are designed for temporary use. In many homes they become permanent: behind TVs, at desks, in kitchens and bedrooms. Leads coiled while in use can overheat, daisy-chained adaptors can overload a socket, and cables trailing across floors are trip hazards.

Wiring guides explain how circuits are put together and changed, so a quotation or a recommendation is easier to follow.

The lasting fix is to add sockets where appliances actually are, on circuits with enough capacity. Planning starts with listing the devices in each room and where they sit, then deciding positions and routes for new sockets.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • Leads are temporary

    Permanent use increases risk.

  • Overloading

    Daisy-chained adaptors can overload sockets.

  • Add sockets where needed

    Plan around devices and furniture.

02Detail

Planning new sockets

  • Device survey

    List devices and locations.

  • Circuit capacity

    Check circuits can carry the load.

  • Positions and routes

    Agree where sockets go and how cables run.

  • Where leads hide

    Behind TV units, under desks, beside beds and in kitchens, often feeding chargers, routers and lamps that are on all day.

  • Kitchens and offices

    Rooms with many appliances usually need more sockets on more circuits, not more adaptors on one socket.

03Checklist

Look for these signs

  • Warm leads or adaptors

    Indicate overload.

  • Adaptors on adaptors

    Daisy-chaining.

  • Leads under rugs

    Damage risk.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Are extension leads dangerous?
Used correctly and temporarily, no. Permanent overloading is the risk.
How many sockets does a room need?
Enough for the devices used there without adaptors.
Can USB sockets help?
They reduce plug adaptors for chargers.
Is a multi-socket lead better than a cube adaptor?
A fused multi-socket lead used within its rating is generally safer than stacked adaptors, but it is still a workaround for missing sockets.
What about heaters and kettles on leads?
High-power appliances on leads are the most likely to overheat them and should have a wall socket.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under electrical wiring. All topics are on the guides page.

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