More than 28,000 house fires are reported in year as being caused by electrical faults, accidents or misuse. Keeping electrical appliances clean and maintained is not only safer but can keep them energy efficient and prolong their lifespan.
- Don't run appliances or charge devices when the household is asleep - you will have less time to react if a fire starts. Check your tariff - most homes don't get cheaper electricity at night
- Register your electrical products at www.registermyappliance.org.uk [external link - opens in new window] - you will be informed if there is a problem. This doesn't just apply to new items - you can register older or second-hand appliances too
- Don't overload plug sockets as too many items can draw power from the one socket and can overheat - one plug, one socket. Appliances such as washing machines and electric heaters should be plugged directly into a wall socket as they are high powered
- Check cables to make sure they are not frayed or damaged and look for any scorch marks around sockets or plugs. If you think there might be a problem with an electrical appliance, don't risk it. Unplug it and contact the retailer, manufacturer or qualified repair technician. Use Electrical Safety First’s online product checker [external link opens in new window] to see if has been recalled
- Turn off electrical items overnight that are not designed to be left on.
- Never leave appliances like washing machines, dishwashers or tumble dryers on whilst out of the house or overnight. Electric blankets should only be used to warm the bed and not left on whilst sleeping.
Always buy electrical products - including chargers - from reputable retailers and manufacturers. Fake, counterfeit and substandard products are a fire risk. Electrical appliances should always have a British or European safety mark- Don't use foreign appliances in UK sockets if they have not been converted for UK use
- When charging electrical goods, follow the manufacture's instructions and look for the CE mark that indicates chargers comply with European safety standards
- Always check that you are using the right fuse to prevent overloading
- Never use water on an electrical fire. Pull the plug or switch off the power if it is safe to do so. GET OUT, STAY OUT AND CALL 999.
Check if your sockets are overloaded using Electrical Fire Safety's socket calculator.
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For more safety information visit https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk