Extension Board Safety: The use of extension boards has become very common in homes. But do you know that using it incorrectly can cause a fire in your house? Actually, extension boards are made only for low power consumption devices like mobile chargers, laptops or small lamps. Their wiring can handle only limited current. If devices that draw heavy power are installed on them, they get overloaded and overheat, which poses a serious risk of short circuit or fire. Let us know which devices should never be installed in an extension board.
Devices like heaters, geysers and irons are high-wattage appliances, whose power consumption is 1000–2000 watts or more. Extension boards are not designed for such heavy loads. If operated for a long time, the wires may melt or sparking may occur, which may cause fire. “Extension boards are safe only for light devices, not for heavy devices,” say experts.
These appliances have compressors and motors that draw a lot of current when they start. Extension boards are not able to withstand this much electricity, which can lead to circuit failure or breakdown. Such appliances should always be plugged into a direct wall socket.
The power consumption of all these devices also ranges from 1500–2000 watts. The cable of the extension board is not able to carry that much current, which causes overheating and sparking. This can become a major cause of fire.
If monitors, speakers, UPS and other devices are connected simultaneously, there is excessive load on the board. This can cause a fuse to blow or power fluctuations can damage expensive gadgets. The computer should always be connected to a quality power strip or UPS with a surge protector.
AC is a high current device that draws power continuously. The extension board may heat up and cause a short circuit. Therefore, it is always safe to connect the AC to a separate circuit line or direct socket.
If you want to keep your home safe, keep in mind that extension boards are only for low-power devices. Improper use not only damages the device, but can also pose a threat to your safety.
