Are Double Adapters Safe?

Double adapters are a type of electrical device which offers more outlet spaces. They connect from the outlet in the wall and transfer the electrical power to itself. This allows for more than one appliance to be connected to the one outlet due to the added outlet holes. 

These adapters can be purchased from local hardware and general stores and are made in different styles. Some adapters have more than two extra outlets present while others are angled or flat. Double adapters are a great idea but most are extremely dangerous and can cause serious complications.

There are multiple dangers connected with double adapters and using them as extensions:

• As the adapters have no overload protection built within it this can mean that they can overload more easily. With multiple appliances being plugged into the outlet this means that there is more power involved. More power being drawn out with the number of appliances means that the adapter can become hot quickly. This lack of protection from overloading mixed with the overheating can lead to an electrical fire.  
• With the design of most double adapters having a slope this can increase the chance of leads being dislodged. This means that the live pins are exposed more from the slope. Exposing the live pins and touching them can lead to electric shock or a blown circuit.
• The more double adapters installed, especially on top of each other, will increase the chance of an overload. People will often think adding these adapters is a smart idea but it can lead to devastating results. The chance of a fire or overloaded circuit will increase with every double adapter installed with each other. 
• The chance that pulling out the double adapter could mean touching the live pins. This small incident can lead to a massive electrical shock, especially if the adapter was being used a lot. 

The main concern is that there is no protection from an overloaded circuit, an electrical spike or the adapter from becoming hot. These devices are built as an extension but cheaply made these can often start house fires or have people receive serious shocks.

Depending on where in Australia, double adapters are either banned in certain places or highly not encouraged. In Victoria, business and building sites cannot use these adapters. In Queensland and New South Wales, the use of double adapters is strongly not encouraged due to their risk of fires and shock. Most areas in Australia will highly not recommend the use of double adapters and ban them in larger building complexes.

There are other options to take when needing more outlets or power which are advised over double adapters. A quality power board should be installed over the added adapters to ensure that the chance of a short circuit is not present. Upgrading the power board can mean that more outlets can be included. Such as a power board with four outlets over the usual two, it will be safer having these over the adapters. 

If needed, additional powerpoints can also be installed in certain places where more devices are used. Instead of having multiple adapters, more powerpoints can be installed. Such as the kitchen, study or loungeroom where more devices are present, this is a much safer option than adding more adapters. 

USB Powerpoints Over Adapters

Another option is to install USB powerpoints which will decrease the number of chargers needed. The USB port removes a charger or fixture from using space on the outlet. This means that additional appliances can be plugged into the one powerpoint along with the USB devices.

For more information on the benefits of USB powerpoints, we strongly recommend checking out our blog with detailed information.