Electrical Safety
From white goods to faulty chargers, electrical items are the 4th highest fire risk in the home.
Avoiding Electrical Fires – How to Keep Safe at Home
From overloaded extension leads and budget chargers, through to white goods not fit for the job, issues with electrical items are a common cause of fire. So how can you reduce fire risks and keep yourself and your family safe?
10 Must-Knows for Electrical Device Safety
Always make sure electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.
Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order.
Don't buy budget counterfeit chargers for items that use lithium batteries, and never leave phones or laptops plugged in to charge overnight
Empty fluff regularly from tumble dryers in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hair straighteners can get extremely hot – always switch them off and leave them to cool on a heatproof surface.
Try to keep to one plug per socket, especially for high powered appliances like washing machines, you can check Electrical Safety First's socket calculator for a guide, but be sure to check your appliances specifics
Always check that you’re using the right fuse
Be lead safety savvy – cable drum extension leads should always be completely unwound to avoid overheating, and be careful not to overload extension leads.
Register your white goods – it could save your life if a product is recalled for safety reasons.
Share your fire safety knowledge with the whole family – check the kids' chargers, and make sure everyone knows how to use electric blankets safely.
Check if You Own a Recalled Product
The Office for Product Safety and Standards issue recalls & alert notices on their website – check below:
Electrics
Download the full-sized PDF below:
