Electrical safety is not only about the wiring in the walls. Chargers, extension leads, heaters, kitchen appliances and small devices can all become a risk if they are faulty, damaged or subject to a recall.
A recall is not just an inconvenience. It may relate to overheating, fire risk, electric shock risk or a product that does not meet UK safety requirements.
Where to check recalls
The Office for Product Safety and Standards publishes product safety alerts, reports and recalls on GOV.UK. Electrical Safety First also keeps recall advice and links to current recall information.
It is worth searching by brand, model number and product type. Check chargers, heaters, tumble dryers, hair appliances, extension leads, adaptors and anything bought from an online marketplace where the seller may not be obvious.
When to stop using a product
Unplug the product if it smells hot, sparks, discolours, trips the circuit, makes unusual noises or has a damaged cable or plug. Do not keep resetting the breaker to see what happens.
If a recall notice says to stop using the product, follow that instruction and contact the seller or manufacturer. If the electrical installation itself is tripping after the product is removed, the circuit should be tested.
A useful moving-house habit
When you move into a property, check appliances left behind by the previous owner or landlord. It is also a good time to look at extension leads, overloaded sockets and the consumer unit.
If the property has repeated tripping, burning smells or old wiring, arrange fault finding or an EICR rather than guessing from the symptoms.
Items worth checking
- Phone, laptop and tool chargers.
- Extension leads, adaptors and multi-socket towers.
- Heaters, tumble dryers and kitchen appliances.
- Hair straighteners, dryers and beauty devices.
- Any electrical item bought second-hand or from an online marketplace.
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