Extension lead length

[gdrms]

I've seen many cheap(£1.49) 4 way 0.5 metre extensions on sale in Asda and Morrisons. I seem to remember from somewhere that an extension lead has to be at least 1 metre long. Occasionaly, the short cable allows easy placement for audio etc. but I thought it wasn't allowed. Does anyone else remember this or am I mistaken and going senile?

 

[DurhamSparky]

senile!! can be any size you want it to be!! why would it not be allowed!??

 

[nickblake]

Agree with duram here but when they get longer 25 meters plus they should be fitted with an RCD.

 

[DurhamSparky]

what about when you connect 2x 50m ones together !! not saying i did that to reach a certain outside area!!

 

[gdrms]

You know what? I'm gonna trawl all my literature to see if I can find it - could be a long night!

 

[Adam W]

I just had a quick look through the code of practice and found the bit about max 25m (2.5mm) with rcd over that length, but nothing about minimum length.

 

[Marvo]

Volt drop would be a limiting factor for max length. This varies according to the load so wouldn't it come under the general cable size regs?

 

[Patman]

SHORT !! You don't get any shorter extention lead than a mains adaptor !! Just a cube - but its still treated and tested as an extension lead !!