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Extension Leads & Cable Reels

Extension leads and cable reels take mains power beyond the reach of a wall socket. This page covers extension leads with gang sizes such as 2, 4 and 6, surge-protected and switched versions, child protected leads, a remote-control lead with USB charging sockets and 1 gang trailing sockets, plus 4-gang cable reels with thermal cut-outs for longer runs. Check the gang count, cable length and protection before you choose.

Choosing Extension Leads & Cable Reels

Count the sockets you need, measure the distance to the wall outlet, then decide on protection and extra features.

Extension leads

The Mercury 430.003UK is a typical 4-gang lead on a 2.0m cable, with keyhole slots for wall mounting and 100% copper cables, and it conforms to BS1363/A. Other sizes include the rewireable 1 gang 429.733UK, the 2 gang 429.767UK, the 6 gang 430.011UK and the 8 gang 429.797UK. The 430.007UK has individual switches. For making up a lead, the 429.855UK is a 13A trailing socket with a cord grip.

Surge protection and child safety

A surge-protected lead guards sensitive electronic devices against surges and spikes. The 430.009UK conforms to BS1363/A and BS5733 and is tested to IEC61051. The Knightsbridge 2004S2M uses L-N surge protection with 2 MOVs and a gas tube arrestor and meets BS 5733 and EN 61643. Its sibling, the 20042M, has 4 child protected sockets, a neon indicator and angled socket edges to prevent tipping.

Remote control and USB

The 429.952UK is a 3 gang lead with individual remote control of its sockets, a remote range of up to 30m, 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C charging sockets, and overload, over current and surge protection.

Cable reels

The Mercury 4-gang cable reels run from 5m to 25m, and all of them have a thermal cut-out to prevent overloading. The 429.872UK has an enclosed drum that protects the cable when it is not in use. The 429.877UK has an open drum and orange cable for visibility on a sturdy steel frame.

ModelTypeCableDetail
429.733UK1 gang, rewireable5m13A
429.767UK2 gang3mNon-rewireable
430.009UK4 gang, surge protected2.0mBS5733
20042M4 gang, child protected2mNeon indicator
430.011UK6 gang2.0mBS1363/A
429.797UK8 gang, surge protected2.0m8 neon switches
429.877UK4-gang reel25mSteel frame

Mercury makes most of the range.

Related categories

See wall-mounted plug sockets, app-controlled smart plugs and sockets, the wider wiring accessories range and the Mercury range, or read our Help & Support guides.

Brands we stock in Extension Leads & Cable Reels

Knightsbridge, Mercury and QTX.

Frequently asked questions

How many sockets should my extension lead have?

Pick enough sockets for the devices at that spot, and keep their combined load within the lead’s current rating. Examples include the 2 gang 429.727UK, the 4 gang 430.005UK, the 6 gang 429.846UK with a neon indicator and the 8 gang 429.797UK with 8 neon switches. Wall-mountable leads such as the 430.002UK have keyhole slots on the back.

Do I need a surge-protected extension lead?

Use one for sensitive electronic devices, because it protects them from electrical surges and spikes. The 430.009UK is a 4 gang surge protected lead tested to IEC61051. The Knightsbridge 2004S2M adds a surge indicator beside its neon power indicator, and the 8 gang 429.797UK also has surge protection.

Which cable reel length should I choose?

Choose a reel long enough to reach the work without joining leads. The 429.871UK is 5m and the 429.872UK is 10m, and they have an enclosed drum that protects the cable. The 15m 429.876UK and 25m 429.877UK have an open drum and orange cable for visibility. The Mercury reels here have a thermal cut-out to prevent overloading.

Are there extension leads with child protected sockets?

Yes, the Knightsbridge 20042M and 2004S2M have 4 child protected sockets. The 20042M is a 13A lead with a neon indicator, an approx. 2m cable and angled socket edges to prevent tipping. The 2004S2M adds surge protection and meets BS 5733 and EN 61643.

Can I switch the sockets on an extension lead remotely?

Yes, the 429.952UK 3 gang lead has individual remote control of its sockets, with a remote range of up to 30m, for appliances in hard-to-reach places such as TVs, games consoles and hi-fi systems. It also has 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C sockets for charging devices, plus overload, over current and surge protection.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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