Electrical appliance – fire safety advice
Electrical fires account for almost half of accidental house fires in the UK. To stay safe, it is recommended that you only buy electrical products including cables and chargers from reputable retailers.
Other safety tips include:
- Check that the voltage of your electrical products is 230V, 50Hz – the UK domestic voltage
- Make sure the product is a three pin UK plug or charger
- Don’t overload your plug sockets or extension leads
- Regularly check the condition of cables
- Unplug your appliances at night-time and when you are not using them
- Adequate ventilation is really important when charging appliances – don’t charge devices under pillows
- Never use water on an electrical fire
- Avoid spillages on electrical products
- In the event of a fire – be safe and call 999 straight away.
We also recommend that you:
- Register appliances with the association for the manufacturers of small and large domestic appliances (AMDEA) and you will be alerted of any safety repairs or recalls that may affect your appliance.
- Test fire alarms regularly. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue run a campaign called “Test it Tuesday” and encouraging people to test fire alarms on the same day each week.
If you have any concerns about the safety of your appliances, we work with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue who visit homes to give advice on staying safe and well. Customers don’t need landlord permission for these visits. Contact us to arrange a ‘Safe and Well’ visit to your home.
You can find more information on electrical fire safety on the Electrical Safety First website.
