Extension leads and power strips usually live under furniture, behind TVs or next to beds, quietly handling multiple plugs. Because they’re out of sight, we forget they age too. Plugs get yanked, cords get bent sharply, pets chew them, or heavy furniture sits on them.
Every few months, it’s worth pulling them out and checking for cracked plastic, exposed wires, burn marks, loose sockets or hot plugs. Any of these signs mean that strip or cord should be replaced. Continuing to use damaged electricals is a genuine fire risk.
You can also use this check to remove chains of adapters and splitters. Too many high-load devices on one strip overstress it. Better to add another properly rated outlet or strip than push one to its limit.
A ten-minute inspection can quietly remove several small hazards from your home.
