An extension lead is one of those things you buy without much thought, right up until you need one that is long enough, has enough sockets, and is safe for what you are plugging in. Getting it right is not just about convenience, it is about not overloading a socket. Here is how to choose the right extension lead.
How many sockets (gangs) do you need
The "gang" number is simply how many sockets the lead has. A 2 gang is handy for a lamp and a phone charger, a 4 gang suits a desk or a TV setup, and a 6 or 10 gang tower is built for a full home office or entertainment unit. Buy one size up from what you need now, so you are not daisy-chaining leads later.
Daewoo 10 Gang Extension TowerTen 13 amp sockets for a full desk or media unit£22.99View product →
Get the length right
Measure from the socket to where the plugs need to reach, then add a little slack. For garages, gardens and big rooms, an extension reel gives you plenty of cable you can unwind only as far as you need. For a desk or bedside, a short 2 to 5 metre lead keeps things tidy.
Eagle 4 Socket 25 Metre Extension ReelFour sockets and 25 metres for the garage and garden£54.99View product →
The safety features worth having
- A 13 amp rating. UK leads are rated to 13 amps total across all sockets. High-power appliances draw a lot, so never run several from one lead.
- Surge protection helps shield TVs, computers and consoles from spikes on the mains.
- A neon on/off indicator tells you at a glance the lead is live.
- Fully unwound reels. A coiled cable under load can heat up, so unwind it fully when running anything power hungry.
The short version
Pick enough sockets for now plus one spare, a length that reaches without stretching, and a 13 amp rating. Add surge protection for anything with a screen or a chip, choose a reel for long runs, and never overload or daisy-chain. Simple, and safe.
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