Warning autumn plug overload could void insurance
25/09/2026
Reviewed by: Helen Rolph
Home, Travel & Pet Insurance Expert
Written by: Stephen Gamble
Insurance PR Writer
Fact-checked by: Quotezone Editorial Team
This content follows our Editorial Guidelines
Last Updated: September 2026
Read time: 4 min
Homeowners are being warned to be mindful of how many appliances they plug in this autumn, as they could end up invalidating their insurance.
As we enter autumn and approach the colder, darker evenings, it’s a good time for Brits to be wary as they reach for those creature comforts that keep homes bright and cosy.
A recent survey from the home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk revealed that 32% of Britons were not aware that unsafe electrical practices could affect a claim against damage or fire.
According to the London Fire Brigade, one of the most common causes of electrical fires is overloaded sockets.*
It’s believed overloaded sockets and faulty electrical appliances account for around 7,000 house fires across the country each year.** Despite this, the survey showed 53% of Britons admitted to the dangerous practice of plugging one extension lead or adaptor into another to create more sockets.
In some instances, insurers could refuse to pay out for fires linked to overloaded sockets if they believe the homeowner was negligent or didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent the fire in the first place.
As autumn approaches, many of us use more electrical appliances at the same time, especially as the weather gets colder and the evenings get darker. Many homes will be plugging in their portable heaters, electrical blankets, dehumidifiers, lamps and fairy lights, but using too many appliances at once can put extra strain on plug sockets and increase the risk of overheating, electrical faults and even fires.
Homeowners should be mindful that the average plug socket isn’t loaded with more than 3,000 watts or 13 amps.***
The wattage of an appliance can usually be found on its label or plug, but as a general rule of thumb, homeowners should avoid plugging multiple high-powered appliances into one extension lead.
If the socket or plug feels unusually hot to touch, there is discolouration around the socket, a melted-plastic or fishy smell is emerging, or there are crackling and sizzling sounds, it’s likely the plug socket is overheating, and appliances should be turned off and unplugged straight away.
Some appliances may have higher wattage than households might think, with a hair dryer having up to 2200 watts, an iron 3000 watts and a heated clothes airer up to 2300 watts – meaning coupling these items with others could see the socket reach its maximum capacity.****
Items that might be commonly used together need checked so they don’t overload the socket. If families aren’t sure, they should use an overload calculator just to double check and err on the side of caution.
Helen Rolph, home insurance expert at Quotezone said: “A lot of people aren’t aware of how dangerous it can be to overload plug sockets and how easily that can be done.
“As the weather starts to take a turn, households will generally be using more electrical appliances such as portable heaters, tumble dryers, and heated blankets – items that haven’t been needed across the warmer summer months.
“If Brits are plugging several higher-powered electricals into one extension cord, this could be risky, with a high chance it could overheat. Even common everyday items like hair dryers have a relatively high wattage, and should ideally be plugged into their own socket rather than a shared extension plug where the wattage could quickly total over 3000 watts.
“A fire that breaks out as a result, isn’t automatically covered by home insurance either. Once investigated, if the insurer feels there was negligence involved, it could invalidate the insurance and leave homeowners unable to make a claim.
“We want everyone to take care this autumn and be aware of best practices when it comes to electrical goods to help ensure both their home and their finances are protected.”
Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of customers compare prices on a range of household essentials, including home insurance.
References:
*https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/electrical-items/cables-fuses-and-leads/
**https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/safety-at-home/electrical-safety/
Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during September 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.
Photo credit – iStock.com john shepherd
This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.