As a severe cold snap grips the nation, households across the UK are being urged to heed a critical safety warning concerning their use of electric heaters. Safety specialists have identified a common but potentially deadly mistake that could put properties and lives at serious risk.
The Critical Mistake You Must Avoid
With temperatures dropping dramatically and energy bills remaining a concern, many residents are turning to portable electric heaters for warmth. However, experts at DRA PAT Testing have issued a stark warning about one particularly dangerous practice that could dramatically increase fire hazards.
The firm emphatically states that you should never plug electric heaters of any kind into extension leads. Instead, heaters should always be connected directly into wall sockets to prevent dangerous overheating incidents.
Real-World Consequences Revealed
The testing company provided a chilling real-life example of what can happen when their advice is ignored. They described an office incident where a heater had been plugged into an extension lead, causing the extension socket to overheat dramatically and melt.
"Technically, it did catch fire, although no actual flames were seen," the experts revealed, sharing an image showing extensive burn damage to the plug. They noted it was "a miracle that no further damage was caused" in this particular incident.
Additional Safety Recommendations
Beyond the extension lead warning, the safety specialists offered further crucial advice for households using portable heating devices. They strongly recommend against leaving heaters running permanently, suggesting they should be turned off when not needed.
For those finding their rooms insufficiently warm, the experts suggest considering more efficient permanent heating solutions rather than relying heavily on portable heaters.
Electrician Adam Nelson, speaking to Homes and Gardens, supports this guidance, explaining that space heaters represent a natural fire risk and should always be plugged directly into outlets. "These appliances are a natural fire risk as it is, and should always be plugged into direct outlets," Nelson emphasised, adding that this helps secure them to circuit breakers in your main panel to avoid dangerous overloads.
As winter tightens its grip, this safety warning serves as a timely reminder for all households to review their heating practices and ensure they're staying warm without compromising on safety.
