Why Choose a 25 Metre Extension Lead? A Practical Guide

When working on large projects — whether it’s in your garden, a workshop, or on a building site — one tool that proves essential time and time again is the 25 metre extension lead. It might seem like a simple piece of kit, but picking the right extension lead (and using it safely) can make all the difference to how smoothly your work goes.

What is a 25 Metre Extension Lead?

An extension lead (or extension cord, depending on where you are) allows you to extend the reach of your electrical power from a fixed outlet to wherever you need it. A 25 metre extension lead gives you a substantial range, perfect for projects where the nearest plug socket is far away.

These long leads often come in two main forms:

• Standard trailing socket leads: Simply a long cable with a plug on one end and a socket (or multiple sockets) on the other.

• Cable reels: Where the cable winds around a drum, allowing you to unwind only as much as you need, reducing tangles and trip hazards.

Where Would You Use a 25m Extension Lead?

Because of its generous length, a 25 metre extension lead is commonly used for:

• Garden tools like lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, or leaf blowers when working far from the house.

• Power tools on construction sites or during home renovations.

• Outdoor events to run lighting, speakers, or catering equipment across larger areas.

• Caravans and motorhomes, where campsite power points may be at a distance.

Key Things to Look For

Not all extension leads are created equal, especially when you’re dealing with long lengths like 25 metres. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Cable thickness (amp rating): Longer cables create more resistance. Look for heavy-duty leads (often 1.5mm² cable) that can handle higher currents without voltage drop, especially if you’re powering demanding tools.

• Weatherproofing: If you’re working outdoors, choose an extension lead rated for outdoor use with proper insulation, UV resistance, and ideally an IP44 rating or higher to withstand splashes or rain.

• Thermal cut-out: Many cable reels come with an automatic thermal cut-out to prevent overheating if the cable is overloaded or still wound up while in use.

• Visible colours: Bright orange or yellow cables reduce trip hazards by making the lead easier to see on lawns or work sites.

Safety First: Using Long Extension Leads Properly

A 25 metre extension lead gives you excellent flexibility, but it also requires extra care:

• Fully unwind cable reels: Using a reel while still coiled can cause heat buildup, leading to melted insulation or even fires.

• Don’t overload: Check the maximum load (usually given in amps or watts) and avoid plugging in multiple high-wattage devices.

• Inspect regularly: Look for cuts, frays, or crushed spots in the cable that could expose wires.

• Use RCD protection: An outdoor-rated Residual Current Device (RCD) is an added layer of safety against electric shocks.

Final Thoughts

A 25 metre extension lead is a versatile tool, essential for anyone who works in large outdoor spaces or needs to power tools far from a socket. By choosing the right lead and using it correctly, you’ll keep your projects powered up and safe.

FAQs About 25 Metre Extension Leads

Can I use a 25m extension lead for my lawn mower or power tools?

Yes — but make sure it’s rated for outdoor use and has a sufficient current capacity (amp rating). Look for heavy-duty leads (often with 1.5mm² cable) that can handle the load of power-hungry devices like lawn mowers or saws. Also, always fully unwind the lead before use to prevent it from overheating.

Why does my extension lead get warm?

A warm cable is often a sign that it’s carrying close to its maximum load, or that it’s still coiled on a reel, trapping heat. Always unwind long extension leads fully during use, and check the power rating. If it feels hot rather than just warm, unplug it immediately and assess whether you’re overloading it.

Is it safe to connect multiple extension leads together?

Generally, it’s not recommended. “Daisy chaining” leads increases resistance and can cause voltage drop or overheating. If you need more length, it’s better to buy a single properly rated 25m extension lead instead of connecting two shorter ones.

Can I leave my extension lead outside?

If it’s specifically designed for outdoor use (look for an IP44 rating or above), it can handle splashes or rain. However, it’s best to unplug and store it indoors when not in use to prolong its life and prevent long-term weather damage.

Should I use an RCD with my extension lead?

Yes — especially outdoors. An RCD (residual current device) will cut power instantly if it detects a fault, protecting you from electric shocks. Many outdoor extension leads have built-in RCD plugs for this reason.

How much power can a 25 metre extension lead handle?

It depends on the thickness of the cable (cross-sectional area) and how many amps it’s rated for. Many good quality 25m extension leads are rated at 10-13 amps, allowing around 2,400–3,000 watts at 230V (typical UK supply). Always check the label. Overloading a lead can cause dangerous overheating.

What does “fully unwound before use” actually mean?

It means you should pull the entire length of the cable off the drum or reel, even if your device is only a few metres away. This prevents heat building up inside the coiled cable, which can melt insulation and create a fire risk.