Homeowner guide
Fire brigade electrical safety advice
UK fire and rescue services publish clear, practical advice to help homeowners avoid electrical fires. This page brings that guidance together in plain English — from socket overloads and counterfeit chargers to e-bike batteries and product recalls.
If a fire starts, get out and call 999
Do not try to tackle an electrical fire yourself unless you have been trained and it is safe to do so. Get everyone out of the property, close doors behind you, and call 999. For power cuts or damaged cables outside your home, call 105 free from any phone.
Key fire-service recommendations
These habits are recommended by fire brigades across the UK. They cost nothing and dramatically reduce the risk of an electrical fire at home.
One plug per socket
Fire brigades repeatedly warn against overloaded sockets and extension leads. A standard 13 A outlet can safely supply about 3 kW in total. Do not plug multiple high-draw appliances into the same adaptor, and never plug one extension lead into another — this is one of the most common causes of electrical fire in the home.
Buy safely and avoid counterfeits
Only buy electrical appliances and chargers with a genuine UK or European safety mark (such as the UKCA or CE mark). Counterfeit phone chargers, batteries and beauty appliances are a growing fire risk. If the price looks too good to be true, the product probably has not been safety tested.
Charge e-bikes and e-scooters safely
Never charge e-bike or e-scooter batteries overnight, under pillows, on beds or while you are out of the house. Use the manufacturer-supplied charger, charge on a hard, flat surface away from exits, and unplug as soon as the battery is full. Damaged or incompatible chargers can cause thermal runaway and fierce fires.
Unplug high-risk appliances when not in use
Hair straighteners, styling tools, irons and heaters should be unplugged after every use and left to cool on a heatproof surface. These items reach high temperatures and are a leading cause of house fires when left on or near combustible materials.
Register your appliances for recalls
Faulty white goods, chargers and electrical items are recalled regularly. Register new appliances with the manufacturer so you are told straight away if a product in your home is found to be dangerous. You can also check for existing recalls on the Electrical Safety First product recall list.
Know the warning signs
A fishy or urine-like smell, scorch marks around sockets or switches, buzzing or crackling noises, flickering lights, or plugs that feel hot are all warning signs of overheating. Turn the circuit off at the consumer unit and call a registered electrician. If you see smoke or flames, get out and call 999.
Extra checks that make a difference
- ✓Check plugs and cables regularly for fraying, cracks or burn marks.
- ✓Keep air vents on TVs, games consoles and chargers clear so they do not overheat.
- ✓Do not charge phones, tablets or laptops under pillows, on beds or under clothing.
- ✓Never leave washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers running when you are asleep or out.
- ✓Use a residual current device (RCD) when using electrical equipment outdoors.
- ✓Switch off appliances at the plug at night where possible — especially heaters and chargers.
When to call a professional
Fire brigade advice is for prevention and first response. It does not replace a proper electrical inspection. Call a registered electrician if:
- •You smell burning, fish or urine-like odours from sockets, switches or the consumer unit.
- •A protective device (MCB, RCD, RCBO or AFDD) keeps tripping.
- •Sockets or switches are loose, hot, discoloured or make a buzzing sound.
- •Your property has not had an EICR in the last 10 years (or 5 years if rented).
- •You are buying, selling or extending a property and need a compliance certificate.
Official fire-service and safety resources
The links below are maintained by UK fire services and electrical safety organisations. They are the best place to check for up-to-date campaigns, product recalls and incident statistics.
Electrical Safety First
National charity leading on electrical fire prevention and product recalls.
London Fire Brigade — Electrical Safety
Practical advice on chargers, extension leads, white goods and e-bike batteries.
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
UK-wide fire and rescue service guidance, campaigns and safety resources.
UK Power Networks — Power Cuts
Report a power cut or damaged electricity cable by calling 105.
Need a home safety check?
Paul is NAPIT registered and qualified to 18th Edition standards. He carries out EICRs, consumer unit upgrades, fault finding and fire-safety improvements across Brighton, Hove, Sussex, Kent and London.