Brennenstuhl Eco-Line 5-way extension socket with surge protection, 2m light grey

What it is (and what you’ll use it for)

The Brennenstuhl Eco-Line 5-way extension lead is designed to add more plug space without turning your room into a tangle. On paper, it’s a grounded multi-outlet lead with a 2m cable, built for everyday UK use where you need extra access at desks, around the home office, or to run a few devices from one nearby wall point.

A practical detail here is the way the sockets are spaced: they’re set at right angles (90°). That layout can make a noticeable difference when you’re dealing with bulky adapters or right-angle plugs, because it reduces the “one plug blocks another” problem.

Key features worth knowing before you buy

This model isn’t just about extra sockets, it also includes extra protection against contact. The description mentions plastic discs that seal off the contacts of the socket, which is the sort of feature you’ll appreciate if you’ve got curious hands around, or you just prefer a bit more protection in daily life.

There’s also an illuminated safety switch for turning the lead on and off. It’s a 2-pole switch, so it’s there for convenience and basic safety when powering multiple items.

One more thing you’ll notice is the wording around surge protection. The lead is described as having “extra protection” and “surge protection”, but as with any extension lead, it’s worth being realistic: these features are there to help, not to replace proper surge-protection strategies for expensive or mission-critical equipment.

What stands out in everyday use

In real day-to-day terms, the 5-way arrangement and the 90° socket orientation are the standout. If you’ve ever tried to plug in a transformer-style charger plus something else nearby, you’ll know how quickly space disappears. This layout is built to keep neighbouring sockets usable, including when right-angle plugs are involved.

A simple micro-scenario: you set up a workstation, plug in a monitor, a desk lamp, a phone charger and a laptop dock. With a straight multi-outlet lead, one bulky adapter can block the next socket. With this 90° spacing, you’re more likely to fit them all without leaving gaps.

Limitations and things to double-check

A 2m cable is handy for many rooms, but it can fall short if you need to reach across larger spaces or around furniture. Before you buy, it’s worth measuring the practical distance from your wall socket to where you want the devices to sit.

Also, while the lead includes surge/contact protection elements, it’s still an extension lead. If you’re planning to run high-power equipment continuously, you may want to consider whether a more specialised power solution (or a dedicated protected socket) would be a better fit—particularly for anything sensitive or expensive.

Who it suits (and who should consider alternatives)

It makes sense if you want a grounded, 5-way extension lead with a safety switch and an orientation that helps when plugs aren’t all “nice and small”. You’ll likely get the most out of it in living rooms, home offices, bedrooms, workshops and utility areas where you frequently connect several low- to mid-power accessories.

It may not be the best match if you need a longer reach than 2m, or if your setup involves equipment that really demands robust, purpose-built protection. In those cases, an extension lead approach can feel a bit limiting—especially if you’re trying to future-proof for heavier loads or more demanding equipment.

Tech summary (from the listing)

• Type: extension lead / multi-outlet socket with surge protection
• Number of sockets: 5-way
• Cable length: 2m
• Cable type: H05VV-F 3G1,25
• Earthing: grounded
• Switch: illuminated safety switch (2-pole)
• Contact protection: plastic discs seal off socket contacts
• Socket orientation: protection contact sockets at 90° angles, right-angle plug compatibility mentioned

Box contents

• 1x Brennenstuhl Eco-Line extension lead in light grey

Is it worth it?

Buy it if you want more plug capacity from one wall point, appreciate the 90° socket layout for bulky adapters, and like the idea of an illuminated 2-pole safety switch plus contact-sealing protection.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if your cable run needs to be longer than 2m, or if you’re looking for the kind of protection you’d normally reserve for high-end or critical electronics. As a straightforward, practical extension lead, it’s a sensible choice—but it’s not a substitute for proper electrical planning.

Mini FAQ

Is this extension lead suitable for right-angle plugs?

The listing specifically mentions that protection contact sockets at 90° angles are also suitable for right-angle plugs, so it’s intended to work better than straight layouts.

Does the illuminated switch turn off all connected devices?

The switch is described as an illuminated safety switch for turning on and off, and it’s a 2-pole type. In practice, that’s there to cut power to the connected devices via the lead.

What does the “contact protection” mean?

It refers to plastic discs that seal off the socket contacts, aimed at extra protection against accidental contact.

How far does the 2m cable reach?

It depends on your setup. 2m is often fine for nearby desks and shelves, but you should measure your wall-to-device distance to avoid short-reach frustration.