I know this is going to seem a really boring subject, but all the same it is a really important one to cover. As to what you decide to do is up to you.

The subject is UK box adaptors for sockets, you know the kind, they are a cubed in shape and let you add more plugs to a single wall socket (see example below).

UK box mains adaptors. The one on the right is not safe.

The reason why I am bringing this up is because they are NOT recommend to be used.

Most of the ones I come across on a day to day basis are really (in my opinion) old, easily get hot, and are either damaged or don’t have a fuse built in.

Some also do not comply with British safety standards.

British Standard 1363 allows box adaptors which are doublers to be unfused and in practice fused doublers are very rare. Therefore care should be taken to avoid overloading when using them. Triplers on the other hand are always fused so there is a fuse there to protect them if overloaded. In the photo the adaptor on the left is a tripler and the red fuse carrier can easily be seen. The adaptor on the right is a doubler and is clearly smaller as well as lacking the fuse.

Also, if used with heavy duty electrics, such as computers, monitor, and printers, this can easily overlaod them.

I would strongly recommend use trailing multi-socket units rather than plug adapters. Far better and safer.

Tags: Safety