Use of an extension lead with a 1 and 2kw electric fire.

[dimmy]

Hi!

Can someone give me some advice please. I have bought a 1 and 2kw electric freestanding electric fire. In the manual it says "install near a power socket so you don`t have to use an extension lead". The problem is the fire power lead is quite short so I have to use an extension lead. It is a good quality one with the bsi mark.13amp (max load 3kw)...is this safe to use?. IF it is ok why does it say not to use one in the manual?...is it because someone might use an extension lead that only has a light load of 2w etc, ..many thanks!

 

[telectrix]

they may be thinking of coiled extension leads, which may be rated at 13A unwound, but as low as 6A when coiled on the drum.

 

[Marvo]

Could also be that many extension leads are only 1mm cable so a large current appliance can overload them plus with an extension lead that has a multisocket 5 into 1 thingy on the end of it there's a high likelihood several things are plugged in which could also cause overload.

If you're using a suitably rated lead, it's fully uncoiled and you're aware of the possibility of overload if other items are plugged into it I'd say you should be fine to use the lead.

 

[dimmy]

ok....thanks for the replies... my extension lead is only 2 metres and is fully unwound with ONLY the fire plugged into it...thanks for putting my mind at rest.

Regards

Dimy

 

[Paul.M]

ok....thanks for the replies... my extension lead is only 2 metres and is fully unwound with ONLY the fire plugged into it...thanks for putting my mind at rest.

Regards

Dimy

That is the the correct way of doing it. Do not plug another 2-3Kw load onto the same extension, that is how fires start. Single plug/Adapters rated @ 13A for a 2 or 3 Kw heater is fine.