Property owners are being advised to be cautious about the placement of extension cords in their homes as experts have highlighted a significant fire hazard. In households, various appliances like coffee makers, air fryers, kettles, and cookers are often connected to kitchen outlets. Limited wall sockets sometimes necessitate the use of extension leads to power all devices adequately.
James Harrison, an electrician at Fusion Electrical, emphasized that small kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters, and air fryers consume substantial power. Connecting multiple high-power appliances to a single extension lead may overload it, leading to dangerous heat accumulation. The risks associated with excessive plug usage in extension leads include hidden cable damage, which could escalate rapidly without visible signs until it poses a significant threat.
Another potential danger is placing electronic devices in close proximity to water sources like sinks, increasing the risk of direct spillage or moisture affecting electrical components. Harrison recommended using extension leads only for temporary purposes and suggested professional installation of additional outlets in the kitchen to avoid potential hazards in the long run.
Safety precautions advised by the electrician include checking the wattage of appliances to ensure they do not exceed the lead’s capacity. Opting for extension leads with British Standards kite marks is recommended as they are designed to handle high demand efficiently. Vigilance is crucial, and any signs of scorch marks, burning smells, or hot cables should prompt immediate disconnection and discontinuation of use.
Recent adjustments to the energy price cap have resulted in increased daily costs for average households, especially for those paying via Direct Debit or on receipt of bills. The energy price cap sets limits on standing charges and unit rates, with actual costs varying based on usage patterns and payment methods. Ofgem, responsible for periodic revisions of the price cap, factors in wholesale energy market costs to determine adjustments every three months.
Introduced by the Government in January 2019, the energy price cap restricts the maximum charge per kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy consumed by consumers in England, Scotland, and Wales. While it sets a ceiling on energy rates, total bills are determined by actual energy consumption. Stay informed with the latest news by selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.
