Electrical appliance fire safety

Keeping your electrical appliances safe from fire

Everyday gadgets such as kettles, hairdryers and microwaves make our everyday lives easier but must be used carefully. In 2021/2022 there were 13,601 fires reported in residential homes in the UK which were caused by electrical appliances.

So, what can you do to reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home?

• Only use your appliances the way they have been designed to be used. The number one reason for appliance-related fires in the home is due to people misusing electrical cooking appliances, including microwaves
• Turn off appliances when you’ve finished using them, especially at night, as they tend to get hot during use
• Check flexible cables, plugs and adaptors before using them. Check for wear and tear and damage and don’t use an appliance unless it and the cables are in good condition
• Don’t use electric heaters and fires near curtains and soft furnishings and never use them to dry clothing on
• Try to use one plug for each socket. If you need to use extension leads do not overload them as this can lead to overheating of the electrical sockets. Always check how many amps an extension lead can take.
• Register your appliances when you buy them. This is so the manufacturer can contact you if they discover a fault and the appliance needs to be recalled

Every year around 200 people lose their lives due to a fire at home and many of these could have been prevented. Remember to use your appliances correctly and only if they’re in good condition.

You can find more information about electrical safety on the London Fire Brigade’s website.