When do power cables become a fire hazard?

Rocker

Rocker

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As like most people, behind my TV and computer, I have various power cables and connectivity cables lying around.

When does it become a fire hazard having power cables coiled up in cable ties and bunched up behind/on the floor under TV stands etc?

Its always said you should fully extend a power extension before using it as the cable can melt. Does this apply to power cord when bunched up/cable tied?
 
Don't bunch them together (including cable tie) and never ever use an extension lead whilst still coiled! Messy cables are pretty safe tbh, bunches of cables will get hot with no ventilation though :)



Edit: Before someone says "what... You telling me I can't bunch 2 cables together..." don't be a *** use common sense :)
 
If you have to use cable ties just be careful not to tighten them to the point that they can dig in to the cable as that could create a potential hazard, if you use common sense though you should be fine, or just do what most people do and leave all the cables as a random mess.
 
MeEsH BaKkA said:
Don't bunch them together (including cable tie) and never ever use an extension lead whilst still coiled! Messy cables are pretty safe tbh, bunches of cables will get hot with no ventilation though :)
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You can use an extension lead coiled up. It should have 2 ratings on the casing, both coiled and uncoiled ratings. Do not exceed them.
 
It only really becomes a hazard when the cables are very old and deteriorated or overloaded. Stuff like tv's, dvd players, lamps etc don't use a lot, but if you start putting fan heaters or air conditioners on them at the same time, then it greatly increases the load on the cables and plugs and can cause a fire. If you're really concerned, replace the fuse in the extension lead for a 5amp instead of 13amp or fit an rcd plug/socket in line before the extension lead.
 
wrong4.jpg


When they look like this.. Run!
 
eddiemcgarrigle said:
Overloading of sockets. Joining two extensions together. Extensions with no fuse. Bare wires covered over with tape. All are to be avoided.
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trigger-happy said:
+1

Never stick to extensions together! Common mistake.
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Do you two mean actual 50m type extensions or multi tap jobbies?

Because i often hear people still say not to join small length multi taps together, but if they're all fused properly and not overloaded i can't see it being a significant risk in anyway.
 
Small extention leads will still be rated at the same normal rate for a domestic plug socket. In the uk this is around 3000watts or about 13 amps (Power/volts=Current)

If you plug in a daisy chain of extentions and never reach the 13 amps then you will be more than ok. Its when you start to go over the 13 amp draw on the circuit then you will get some trouble.

Most modern installations will trip out if to much current is drawn from a socket in your house but I have seen people plug 3 heaters (9000watts) in to one extention lead at work and then ask me why there computer doesnt work.

Another time someone plugged a heater into the laptop power leads (Designed only for laptop chargers and can be daisy changed multiple times) I was called to the room becuase people could smell burning and when I found out what it was the plastic on the socket was already melting.

So, in closing just try not to overload extention sockets and to be honest I would also always unwind extention cables before using them.
 
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