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I am looking for the reasons why not to use extension leads, can any one help me
SBH
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I have already written a couple of posts on this, but I can't find them now!
They should come up under my user name but my pc won't search on the forums without it crashing!
Trip hazards is one, increased electrical resistance leading to reduced performance of appliances and increasing the risk of lethal fault voltages appearing at the far end of the lead.
Fire risks from leads heavily loaded when coiled up.
If you can search there were 2 or 3 messages where I looked up the guidance and the science IRC.
I think Chris Burns also posted some HSE stuff in the same thread.
My mind has escaped for the day!
HTH
Paul
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Rank: Forum user
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They increase the risk of Slips/Trips/Falls.
The cables are prone to damage and wear; particularly where leads are walked over, flexed hard at a single point or stored badly.
Ext leads are prone to becoming entangled thereby becoming damaged leading to failure of either the insulation or one of the conductors may eventually fail.
They increase the risk of overloading circuits, which increases the risk of fire; especially if extension subsequent 2/3/4 way etc leads are joined thereby increasing the load on the original socket.
Ext Leads are often used when coiled up, this can cause heating of the lead.
Steve
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Paul,
If memory serves we were discussing the risks with multi-gang trailing sockets but I've done a search and I can't find it either.
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Rank: Super forum user
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smitch,
Your comments reminded me of some of the things I posted before.
As I said brain fade today!
Remember the loading cannot exceed that of the first 13A fuse in the fixed wiring socket outlet.
This however will carry well in excess of 13A for a considerable period before "blowing".
Mind it should be noted that the 13A sockets in fixed installations are only rated at about 20A between the 2 sockets, so if you run 13A continuously from each socket of a twin, you will overload it!
This would permenantly compromise the fixed wiring install.
Paul
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SBH wrote:I am looking for the reasons why not to use extension leads, can any one help me
SBH I would listen to Paul on this subject especially re the electrical side. There was a thread not too long ago involving daisy chaining and I learned a lot from that. On the general safety side I agree trip hazards, potential for damage/wear, fire, water damage and everything else above. Take care with 240v power leads - RCD in the line etc. Do not allow light fittings in a line not to have a light in them. There are occasions however where leads must be used so treat them with care, hang them, off the floor overhead and tag them so people know what they are powering. Test and inspect in accordance with recommendations etc. If you so the right thing they will be OK.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Are you seeking a total ban?
If so, can I ask why?
(whilst I recognise then risks etc I'm not a fan of total bans)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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See (e.g.) http://www.copperinfo.co...faqs/faqs-earthing.shtml(second question) An earth fault in an extension lead, although unusual, will go unnoticed for a considerable time , and would be a particular risk in offices with lots of "leaky" IT kit connected to the same multi-way.
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paul.skyrme wrote:
This however will carry well in excess of 13A for a considerable period before "blowing".
Mind it should be noted that the 13A sockets in fixed installations are only rated at about 20A between the 2 sockets, so if you run 13A continuously from each socket of a twin, you will overload it!
This would permenantly compromise the fixed wiring install.
Paul
Paul thanks for pointing out that the loading cannot exceed that of the first 13A fuse in the fixed wiring socket outlet. I have (as the later part of you posting may be pointing towards) seen a heat damaged twin 13A socket (undoubtedly from constant heavy loading). Once opened up prior to replacement the damaged socket also revealed that some significant degradation of the cables within the socket.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Yes it often is, most common fixed isntall wiring is only rated to 70 deg celcius.
The insulation is most commonly pvc which can degrade quite badly with heat.
To rectify may mean more than just a new socket front!
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Rank: Super forum user
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ron hunter wrote:See (e.g.) http://www.copperinfo.co...faqs/faqs-earthing.shtml(second question) An earth fault in an extension lead, although unusual, will go unnoticed for a considerable time , and would be a particular risk in offices with lots of "leaky" IT kit connected to the same multi-way. Yes the CDA do have some good publications, though some are quite technical by the nature of their audience.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi,
If it helps:
Some previous postings re-this subject on this forum can be found in the search facility:
Topic name:
Electrical Extension Leads???
Electrical query?
Use of Electrical Extension Cord (Cable)
Cheers
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Another reason is that it's one more thing that needs to be inspected / tested - time and money.
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Rank: Forum user
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As ever, the safe use of an extension lead is application specific. If you have a good quality lead, know the electrical load being applied and can route the cable sensibly then there is no intrinsic hazard with using it.
If you do go down this route then make sure you buy one from a reputable supplier as I believe that some ultra cheap versions from the far east don't meet standards requirements but put the markings on anyway.
Regards
Simon
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SBH wrote:I am looking for the reasons why not to use extension leads, can any one help me
SBH surely no-one would chose to use an extension lead if they had plenty of out lets. the main reason for using an extension lead is due to lack of outlets. If you are in a situation where you don't need extension leads then great don't use them. but the average work place house never as enough just to run my office/ pc at home i have 7 pieces of equipment plugged in. just take that figure and say you employee 10 people in the workplace then you are going to need a minimum of 70 sockets, that's before you take into account equipment that might be shared or now appliances in the kitchen. I don't think people chose to use extension leads it mainly down to lack of outlets or flexibility where those outlets are. Phil
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I think you are right Phil. I had a study extension built and designed in where the PC would be so asked for lots of sockets in that area. I thought about PC, monitor, printer, laminater, shredder, even mobile phone chargers. I have spare sockets but you should see the number of cables under the desk. (There is also the ironing board, hair dryer, curling tongues as well. (Not all mine I may add). :-)
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