Best Surge Protection Extension Lead for Home Safety: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
18th Edition Qualified Electrician & Owner, OR Electrics
Most homeowners don't give their extension leads a second thought until there's a bang, a spark, or a smell of burning plastic. In Leeds, especially in the older back-to-back terraces where wall sockets are scarce, I often see dangerous 'daisy-chains' of cheap leads powering expensive electronics. This is a fire risk waiting to happen.
A surge protection extension lead isn't just about getting more plug sockets; it's about protecting your sensitive kit—TVs, computers, consoles—from voltage spikes that can fry circuit boards in milliseconds. But not all leads are created equal. Some are barely fit for a table lamp, whilst others offer genuine protection and safety features.
In this review, I've selected three extension leads that I'd be happy to use in my own home. I've looked at build quality, safety features (like thermal cut-outs and shuttered sockets), and real-world durability. Whether you need a budget solution or a heavy-duty setup for a home office, here is what you should be buying.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Lightning Protection"
"Marketing claims suggest these leads will save your devices from a direct lightning strike."
If lightning hits your house directly, no extension lead on earth will stop it. These leads protect against grid switching spikes and minor surges, which are the common everyday killers of electronics.
The Spec: "Total Load Capacity (13A / 3120W)"
"You can fill every socket on the strip without issues."
The 13A limit is for the *entire* lead, not per socket. If you plug a heater (2000W) and a kettle (3000W) into the same 4-way bar, you will blow the fuse or melt the plug. Use extension leads for low-power tech, not high-draw heating appliances.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Masterplug Four Socket Extension Lead, 2 Metre Cable, Surge Protection
Masterplug
Masterplug is a reliable British brand I see often in the trade. For under £12, this unit offers decent surge protection and a £1,000 connected equipment warranty, which shows they back their product. Ideally suited for sitting behind a TV cabinet or computer desk.
The Good
- Individual switches allow you to isolate devices without unplugging
- Clear LED indicators show if surge protection is active
- Wall-mountable design helps keep cables tidy
The Bad
- Spacing between sockets is standard, so bulky transformers effectively block adjacent ports
- White finish can discolour over time in direct sunlight
Installer Tip:
Keep an eye on the green 'Surge' LED. Surge protection components (MOVs) degrade over time. If that light goes out, the lead still works as a power strip, but your protection is gone. Replace it immediately.
Priced at £11.82 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDEWENWILS 6 Way Surge Protected Extension Lead with Individual Switches, 3M Cable
DEWENWILS
This DEWENWILS unit is a step up in quality. The key selling point here is the 3-metre heavy-duty cable, which is vital in older Leeds homes where sockets are often in awkward corners. It also features a resettable circuit breaker, adding an extra layer of safety against overloads.
The Good
- Excellent 3M cable length prevents the need for daisy-chaining
- Includes a resettable circuit breaker (safer than just a fuse)
- 6 sockets accommodate larger home office setups
The Bad
- Bulky unit takes up significant floor or desk space
- Black plastic shows dust more easily than white
Installer Tip:
The wall mounting points on this are solid. I recommend screwing this to the underside of your desk or the wall. Keeping extension leads off the floor prevents dust ingress, which is a common cause of overheating in these units.
Priced at £19.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonExtraStar 6 Way Extension Leads with Surge Protection, Wall Mounted
EXTRASTAR
If you need to power a dense cluster of devices—like a media centre or a gaming setup—this ExtraStar unit is a practical solution. It handles the full 3120W load safely thanks to high-quality copper cabling and fire-retardant materials. It's compact for a 6-way lead.
The Good
- Good spacing and compact design for a 6-way unit
- Uses 1.25mm² copper cord which handles heat well under load
- Budget-friendly price for a 6-socket surge protector
The Bad
- The switches are quite small, which might be fiddly for some
- The neon indicators can be surprisingly bright in a dark bedroom
Installer Tip:
This unit is rated for 3120W, which is substantial. However, always distribute the load. Do not plug high-draw items (like laser printers or portable heaters) right next to the cable entry point where heat builds up most. Spread your plugs out.
Priced at £13.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I plug a heater into a surge protection extension lead?
Does surge protection last forever?
Can I plug an extension lead into another extension lead?
Why does my extension lead keep tripping the RCD?
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