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Electrical extention lead
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saifakbar  
#1 Posted : 23 June 2011 08:13:14(UTC)
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saifakbar
Dear All, Is it advised able to use electrical extension lead permanently instead off fixed power socket? What is the risk? Please advised
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firesafety101  
#2 Posted : 23 June 2011 11:37:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
IMO and I'm sure there will be support coming soon - extension leads are OK for short term use, if required permanently sockets should be installed. Problem is how to determine short term use? If it is on a cable reel all cable must be off the reel to avoid excessive heating of the cable, (induction coil effect?). Do that and you may introduce a trip hazard? Best to have them permanently fitted.
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kevkel  
#3 Posted : 23 June 2011 13:34:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
kevkel
I would agree with Chris. To prevent tripping hazards you could route them with cable clips along some skirting. Only provide an extension lead with the required number of sockets to prevent overloading. An integrated RCD is also advisable. However as said must be short term use and PAT tested.
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firesafety101  
#4 Posted : 23 June 2011 14:47:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
kevkel wrote:
I would agree with Chris. To prevent tripping hazards you could route them with cable clips along some skirting. Only provide an extension lead with the required number of sockets to prevent overloading. An integrated RCD is also advisable. However as said must be short term use and PAT tested.
If you are going to secure the cable that suggests more long term than temporary? The RCD is correct but I would think there would already be a RCD in the system? (I know they are not a requirement however).
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Ken Slack  
#5 Posted : 23 June 2011 14:49:03(UTC)
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Ken Slack
depends on what is 'reasonably practicable' IMHO Balance the risk of a properly rated, maintained, rcd'd and routed electrical extension against the cost of installing extra sockets...
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stillp  
#6 Posted : 23 June 2011 15:24:53(UTC)
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stillp
A fixed power socket should have been tested by the electrician who installed it to ensure that the fault loop impedance was sufficiently low to allow the automatic disconnection of supply in the case of a fault. Adding an extension lead will also add to the fault loop impedance and can result in increased tripping times for circuit-breakers. This might be acceptable for short-term use but not for long periods.
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firesafety101  
#7 Posted : 23 June 2011 15:30:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
This has been well discussed before, I think we are now going to get into the daisy chain discussion?
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saifakbar  
#8 Posted : 25 June 2011 06:31:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
saifakbar
People are using extension lead for long time and thins is common practice in the offices.I am fully agree with you guys that extension lead should used only for temporary purpose. for long term usages we should provide permanent socket which could reduce the probability of fire risk. Saif
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