Cord extension sets

Product definition

This factsheet applies to Cord extension sets. There are two types:

1. Cable reels which are designed for the cord to be coiled and
2. Extension cables which are not designed to be coiled

Both types are defined as cables for alternating current only, with a rated voltage above 50V and not exceeding 250V for single-phase cable reels.

This factsheet applies to cord extension sets with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1.000 V AC and between 75 and 1.500 V DC.

This section does not include guidance for cables which are attached to appliances, only those which are used to either extend a cable or offer multiple socket outlets, or both. These definitions are taken from technical standards which are referred to later in this Fact sheet.

This guidance does not include any information on the safety of plugs that form part of the extensions set, which is dealt with in the plugs and socket outlets factsheet.

NB: For this product category, certificates are only recommended as well as involving a third party laboratory in the conformity assessment .

Common risks of cord extension sets

The most common risks identified in this product sector are set out below.

1. Electrical risks

• Electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic disturbances emitted from the electronics can adversely affect persons, domestic animals, property and nearby electrical products.

2. Thermal risks:

• Hot surfaces can cause burns.
• Poorly insulated or fixed wires or substandard components can short circuit and create arcs or overheating, leading to fire.

This is a list of examples of common risks. However, the manufacturer has to carry out an assessment of the cord extension sets that covers all relevant risks that may be associated with the product and actions taken to mitigate these risks where possible. A general definition of risk and its relationship to hazards can be found in the factsheet on Risk management. 

Examples of dangerous products

Specific examples of measures taken against dangerous cord extension sets offered for sale in the European Union are available on the Safety Gate website. Type ‘cord extension set’ into the free text search box (but without the quotation marks) and select the ‘electrical appliances and equipment’ Product Category to view notified examples. A better understanding of mistakes made in the safety assessment on the cord extension set or its manufacture can help avoid their repetition.

Main applicable legislation

These products are governed mainly by the Low Voltage Directive (LVD).

The Directive lays down the safety criteria that all cord extension sets must meet before they can be marketed in the EU. Cord extension set must comply with the essential safety requirements set out in this Directive. More specific details can be found here.

• Guidelines for the application of the Low Voltage Directive
• Guidelines for Safety Related Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction for Low Voltage Equipment

In addition, if the electrical appliance and equipment is capable to communicate wirelessly (e.g. incorporates Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), it should meet the requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive.

Please also check the factsheet for Power Supplies, Chargers and Adaptors for safety requirements for the external power supply.

All other products (with a voltage rating below 50 V AC or 75 V DC) and risks not covered by the LVD, are governed by the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). The Directive lays down that only safe consumer products can be marketed in the EU. Cord extension sets must comply with the general safety requirement set out in this Directive. More specific details can be found here.

Applicable standards

“European standards” exist in the EU for cord extension sets. Cord extension sets complying with these standards are presumed to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements set out in the Low Voltage Directive if the standards are referenced in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
It is important to note that the latest edition of the standard referenced in the OJEU (including any amendments) applies.

Note: Note: The following site of CEN (the European standardisation organisation) provides links to the national standardisations bodies’ websites. In addition, the China Standards Information Services Network can be used to access European standards.

The following standard specifically applies to cable reels for household and similar purposes:

EN 61242:1997 including

• A1:2008,
• A2:2016 and
• A1:2008/AC:2010

The most recent and relevant harmonised version published on the OJEU should be applied to your product to ensure that it is provided with the presumption of conformity.

As this standard only deals with reeled (coiled) cables it is also necessary to consult other standards including:

IEC 60884-1:2002+A1:2006+A2:2013

This standard applies to ‘Plugs and socket outlets for household and similar purposes’ and is applied to extension cords which are not coiled. This standard is not harmonised (and therefore compliance does not offer the presumption of conformity with legal requirements) and should be consulted in conjunction with other relevant standards such as EN 61242:1997 when designing and producing coiled cord extension sets that comply with the European health and safety requirements.

Other legislation of relevance:

The following summarises some further key applicable laws:

• EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) – lays down requirements for emission of electromagnetic disturbances to the environment and immunity to electromagnetic disturbances in the surrounding environment. It applies to cord extension sets with additional functions, e.g. indicator lights, power supplies, or remote control.
• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) – establishes rules for treating of waste electrical and electronic equipment, to contribute to sustainable production and consumption
• The REACH regulation restricts chemical substances in goods. REACH stands for “Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals”, and it places responsibility on the industry to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) maintains a list of substances of very high concern (the “SVHC list”). According to article 56(1) of the Regulation, manufacturers shall not place products containing any of the substances on this list on the market. The updated list of substances of very high concern can be found on ECHA’s website.
• Please note that every product must be safe for the consumers according to the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). If an electric product is unsafe, and that particular aspect is not regulated by the Low Voltage Directive, then the General Product Safety Regulation of the EU applies. This particularly applies to electrical products outside of the voltage limits specified in the Low Voltage Directive and without radio communication.

Mandatory labelling & warnings

The following are obligatory:

• CE Marking is obligatory for all cord extension sets that fall within the scope of the LVD. Before marking the cord extension set with the CE mark, the manufacturer needs to identify all the applicable legal requirements, verify the conformity of the cord extension set with these requirements, compile a technical documentation that evidences this and create a written declaration of conformity. When this has been done, he should affix the CE mark on the product. Refer to the factsheet on CE marking.
• Information on the manufacturer and the importer is obligatory.
• The crossed-out wheel bin is obligatory for all electronics and electrical equipment to indicate that it must be disposed of according to the rules for handling of waste from electronic and electrical equipment.

Safety warnings and instructions are obligatory for many types of cord extension sets to draw attention of users to risks and how to avoid injury.

General safety requirements

To ensure that manufacturers produce only safe cord extension sets, there are also a range of general requirements to be fulfilled. These are explained in the following factsheets and need to be read in conjunction with this factsheet:

• CE marking
• Conformity assessment
• Declaration of conformity
• EU consumer protection
• EU market surveillance
• Product safety checklist
• Recall procedures
• Risk management
• Safety Gate/RAPEX
• Selling online
• Technical documentation
• Testing
• Using a third party