Dangers and Correct Usage of Extension Leads

Extension Leads

The right and wrong way to use them in your office

Electrical Installations – wall sockets, floor boxes and extension leads are part of a standard office setup. However when is it a good idea to use an extension lead and when is it not. What are the correct safety procedures? What are the dangers?

Some problems that can be experienced with extension leads can be as follows

• If an extension lead is not contained within desks and laying across access routes they can cause a dangerous trip hazard
• If being continually walked on and pulled by catching chairs and feet then the cable may become damaged, the cable sheath damaged and exposure to electrical shock
• Plugging one extension lead into another to create more sockets can cause the current to be exceeded and cause a possibly fire hazard
• Using an extension lead in the coiled position can cause a fire hazard

Best practice when installing extension leads

• Use manufacturer assembled extension leads and plug one lead into a dedicated socket or floor box.
• Use surge protected extension leads
• Limit extension leads to a maximum of 15m
• Use the correct rated extension lead for your application and equipment used
• Install the extension lead so none of the lead is on the floor or exposed to tripping, catching or damaged (i.e. via containment in desks, cable spines from floor boxes)
• Install additional wall / floor electrical sockets if you are overloading your existing sockets with large extension leads or joining them together