Electrical Safety

From white goods to faulty chargers, electrical items are the 4th highest fire risk in the home.

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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

  • 1.

    Always make sure electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.

  • 2.

    Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order.

  • 3.

    Don't buy budget counterfeit chargers for items that use lithium batteries, and never leave phones or laptops plugged in to charge overnight.

  • 4.

    Empty fluff regularly from tumble dryers in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • 5.

    Hair straighteners can get extremely hot – always switch them off and leave them to cool on a heatproof surface.

  • 6.

    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.

  • 7.

    Always check that you’re using the right fuse.

  • 8.

    Be lead safety savvy – cable drum extension leads should always be completely unwound to avoid overheating, and be careful not to overload extension leads.

  • 9.

    Register your white goods – it could save your life if a product is recalled for safety reasons.

  • 10.

    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:

Check here
Infographic about electrical safety tips, including avoiding overloading sockets, using appropriate adapters, not attempting repairs, and keeping heaters at a safe distance from objects.

Electrics

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