As part of Electrical Fire Safety Week, we have created a guide on how you can reduce the risks of electrical fires either in your home or workplace. Electrical fires are highly dangerous, can cause significant business disruption and are entirely avoidable. In 2025, electrical fires caused more than £100 million in damage to private property. Of this total, £41.6 million resulted from incidents involving faulty appliances, with electric cookers and lighting devices accounting for the largest share.

Electrical hazards can occur for many different reasons, from overloading extension leads, faulty electronic equipment, leaving devices charging unattended, using the wrong chargers/extension leads etc.  Below we have provided guidance on how you can prevent risks becoming a serious problem.

Overloaded extension leads

Be mindful when using extension leads. Overloading extension leads can cause overheating, causing the wires to heat up significantly, melting the cables and igniting nearby flammable materials. 

Useful tips to overcome this risk 

• Extension leads should only be used to charge low-powered devices such as laptops and mobile phone chargers.
• Don’t overload sockets or plug-in high-powered devices such as kettles, heaters, toasters. 
• High-wattage items need their own dedicated outlets.
• Check cords before use, and do not use if damaged.Never join more than one extension lead together.
• Stop cables from becoming tangled or twisted.
• Make sure all extension leads are regularly tested and maintained.

Electrical equipment

Electrical faults often arise from operational failures within electrical equipment. These failures can occur for a variety of reasons, including wear and tear, poor maintenance, incorrect installation, or damage to components. The electrical installation in your premises should be subject to inspection and tested by a competent person at least every five years. Any work on the electrical installation should be carried out only by a competent person.

Portable electrical appliances should be subject to periodic in-house inspection and testing (previously known as portable appliance testing or PAT) in accordance with the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

Useful tips to overcome this risk:

• Never use damaged/counterfeit chargers, sockets or cables.  
• Avoid overloading sockets.
• Never leave an electronic device charging unattended, particularly if it is powered by a lithium-ion battery, these can ignite and cause a serious fire incident.
• Turn devices off at the switch when not in use. 
• Make sure your electrical items are tested and maintained periodically. 
• Don’t leave combustible materials such as paper or cardboard by heat-producing devices.
• Electronic equipment shouldn’t be left on overnight if it doesn’t need to be such as monitors and printers.

We may only think electrical risks only occur when devices/batteries are in use, however that is not the case. Electronic devices/batteries still pose a threat even if they’re ‘dead’ as they hold residual charge which can re-ignite when in landfill or waste centres. 

The Hidden Danger of Lithium-Ion Batteries

It’s not just large appliances that pose a risk, smaller electronics using lithium-ion batteries can be just as dangerous if mishandled. These batteries are found in mobile phones, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, and vaping devices. If damaged, they can overheat, leak, or even explode. Lithium-ion batteries can also reignite minutes, hours and even days after and release toxic fumes, so can be highly dangerous.

How to Charge Safely:

• Never charge devices under pillows, on beds, or near flammable materials.
• Unplug devices once fully charged to avoid overheating.
• Use only manufacturer-approved chargers avoid cheap, untested alternatives.
• Replace damaged cables or plugs immediately.
• Avoid counterfeit chargers, which can overheat and cause fires.

How to Stay Safe with Lithium-Ion Batteries

1. Purchase Safe Products

• Research before buying to ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable and reliable brand.
• Check that the battery and charger meet UK safety standards.

2. Use and Charge Sensibly

• Avoid charging devices, especially e-scooters, in areas that could block your escape route.
• Stay informed about product recalls and watch for signs of damage or battery failure that could indicate a fire risk.

3. Dispose of Batteries Safely

• Improper disposal of batteries has led to a significant increase in fires in bin lorries and waste/recycling centres.
• Check your local council’s website for guidance on battery disposal, or use the Recycle Your Electricals website to find the nearest dedicated recycling points for batteries and electrical items.
• Use battery recycling points at supermarkets or electrical retailers.
• Tape the ends of lithium-ion batteries before recycling to reduce fire risks.
• Take old appliances to designated recycling centres or contact your local council for disposal advice.

Find your nearest recycling point via Recycle Your Electricals, simply enter your postcode to locate safe disposal sites. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and help prevent devastating fires in your home or workplace.

White Goods Safety: Essential Tips

White goods, such as washing machines and tumble dryers, require regular checks to ensure they are safe for use. Here’s how you can protect your home:

• Never leave washing machines, tumble dryers, or dishwashers running overnight or unattended.
• Clean tumble dryer filters regularly to remove lint and fluff, which can easily catch fire.
• Ensure appliances are well-ventilated and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Register new appliances to receive safety alerts about recalls.
• Check plugs and sockets for scorch marks, buzzing noises, or loose connections.
• Only buy electrical appliances from reputable retailers - avoid counterfeit or untested products.

By following these simple recommendations, you can help to significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home or workplace, supporting a safer environment for you, your colleagues and your loved ones.

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