What this guide covers
A power strip can put connections for a lamp, laptop and monitor within reach. It does not add capacity to the circuit. A longer cable also leaves the limitations of the original socket unchanged. Start with the appliances, their instructions and the route the cable needs to follow. If you rely on several extension leads every day, cables cross a walkway or you need connections for powerful kitchen appliances, have the layout assessed. Additional fixed sockets and a suitable circuit arrangement can address the underlying problem.
Fully unwind a cable reel before using it. Keep leads out from under rugs, avoid connecting power strips to one another and inspect them regularly for damage. These precautions follow Brandweer Nederland's home fire-safety guidance. Inspect the disconnected product for cracks, distortion and loose parts before use. Choose a route where furniture and doors cannot trap it. Keep connections accessible and cables away from walkways. Do not hide a power strip inside a closed box that can trap heat. Connect only the appliances you have checked. Stop if there is crackling, a burning smell, discolouration or a plug that no longer fits firmly. When protection trips, the cause needs attention. Do not repeatedly reset it to carry on working. If there is smoke or immediate danger, move to safety and call 112.
Copy or print your summary
If you rely on several extension leads every day, cables cross a walkway or you need connections for powerful kitchen appliances, have the layout assessed. Additional fixed sockets and a suitable circuit arrangement can address the underlying problem.
Choose the product for the task
An extension lead moves a connection further away. A power strip provides several outlets with a shared overall limit. A cable reel stores a longer lead, but coiled cable cannot lose heat as readily.
Fully unwind a cable reel before using it. Keep leads out from under rugs, avoid connecting power strips to one another and inspect them regularly for damage. These precautions follow Brandweer Nederland's home fire-safety guidance.
Reels may carry separate maximum ratings for coiled and unwound use. Brennenstuhl explains this distinction on its product labels. Read the label on your own reel; values shown for a different model do not authorise the same load on yours. Brennenstuhl on reel ratings and overheating protection.
Make your list before shopping
Record each appliance's input power from its rating label. For an adaptor, use the input value where available: output power is not necessarily the same. Note which appliances operate together and whether their instructions require a direct wall-socket connection. Leave unknown values marked as unknown instead of guessing.
| Item | Quantity | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance list | 1 per location | Model, input power, simultaneous use and manufacturer restrictions |
| Tape measure | 1 | Measure a protected route, not the shortest straight line |
| Factory-assembled lead or power strip | 1 suitable product | Length, plugs, environment, load and any mounting requirements |
| Suitable cable management | Measured route quantity | Avoid crushing, sharp edges and trapped heat |
Compare product types at GAMMA and cable reels at HORNBACH. Do not buy loose plugs and cable to make your own lead for this task. These links offer options; check the exact product's suitability and current availability.
What a wattage total tells you
Imagine a desk with a laptop adaptor rated for 90 W input, a 35 W monitor and an 8 W lamp. Its stated input-power inventory totals 90 + 35 + 8 = 133 W. The inventory tool records the individual appliances and adds their values.
That number is not a safety verdict. It cannot reveal poor contact, other appliances sharing the circuit, starting currents or the condition of the installation. Motors and other load types need the relevant product instructions. Cable length, surroundings and construction also affect suitability; do not choose conductor size from wattage alone. Brennenstuhl's reel-selection information.
Route and use the lead carefully
Inspect the disconnected product for cracks, distortion and loose parts before use. Choose a route where furniture and doors cannot trap it. Keep connections accessible and cables away from walkways. Do not hide a power strip inside a closed box that can trap heat.
Connect only the appliances you have checked. Stop if there is crackling, a burning smell, discolouration or a plug that no longer fits firmly. When protection trips, the cause needs attention. Do not repeatedly reset it to carry on working. If there is smoke or immediate danger, move to safety and call 112.
Outdoor use adds moisture, dirt, sunlight and physical damage to the assessment. Use a product that its manufacturer permits in the intended conditions. An IP marking does not mean a connection can sit in a puddle. If the existing socket or location does not meet the instructions, have it assessed before use.
Common questions
Can one power strip plug into another? Use one suitable product connected directly to a suitable socket. A chain makes loads harder to track and may breach product instructions.
Does surge protection also prevent overloading? Do not assume so. Check the separate protection functions and limits in the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I use an extension lead for a dryer or electric car? Follow the appliance or charging instructions. This general guide does not approve that arrangement. Have the required fixed connection assessed.
If your kitchen or workspace needs more sockets, discuss the layout with CAS Elektrotechniek. Include appliance locations and which run together. Ask CAS to include the checks, finishing work and warranty arrangements in the quote.
Sources
Checked on 5 October 2026: Brandweer, home fire safety, Brennenstuhl, reel protection and reel selection. The calculation is an appliance inventory, not a capacity assessment.
Materials and specifications
Before buying, check that the size, type and specification suit your installation. Use the article list and tools to work out the quantities you need.
Power strip or extension lead
- Quantity and unit
- Only the appropriate direct consumer connection for the stated task
- Specification
- Exact load/environment/rating, no daisy chains or permanent concealed use; see article-specific manufacturer links.
Manuals and model details
- Quantity and unit
- One current manual per exact product
- Specification
- Use exact model/revision, with conflicting instructions unresolved until manufacturer/installer clarification.
Appliances and simultaneous demand
Unknown power stays unknown. The known subtotal does not establish safe loading, circuits, phases, protection or cable size. Take the inventory to your electrician.
Worked example and formula
Kettle 2200 W + dishwasher 2000 W + microwave 1400 W = 5600 W (5.6 kW). This does not approve a circuit.
known W = sum of included known input W × count
Formula version 2026-10-05.1
Sources
Would you like CAS to carry out the work?
Tell us about the room, equipment and changes you need. Agree the work, checks and warranty terms before the job starts.
Discuss the workIn the event of fire or immediate danger: move to safety and call 112. Do not wait for a form reply.