Electrical Fire Safety Week
Electricity powers almost everything we use — from phone chargers and heaters to kitchen appliances — but many people still underestimate how easily f aults can cause fires. Each year in the UK, around 20,000 electrical house fires occur, with hundreds of serious injuries and dozens of fatalities.
Electrical Fire Safety Week, supported by organisations like Electrical Safety First, Fire Kills, and local Fire & Rescue Services, aims to remind everyone that prevention starts with awareness.
At Elec Training, we teach these same principles in Risk Assessment 4, where learners assess everyday hazards, plan control measures, and understand how small actions can prevent serious accidents.
Electrical fire safety tips every household should follow
- Don’tleave heaters unattended
Portable heaters are convenient, but they’re one of the biggest causes of electrical fires. Since 2009, they’ve been linked to over 3,800 fires, 1,000 injuries, and 73 deaths. Keep them well away from curtains, bedding, and furniture, and always switch them off when leaving a room.
- Watch out for counterfeit plugs and chargers
Always look for the CE or UKCA safety mark on electrical products. Cheap imitation chargers and cables can overheat, short-circuit, or cause electric shocks.
In Information in the Work Place 10, we explore how to verify information sources and identify reliable suppliers — a skill that’s just as valuable at home.
- Test your smoke alarms monthly
Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm per floor. The safest placement is in hallways and bedrooms. You’re four times more likely to die in a fire if your alarm isn’t working. Test monthly, replace batteries yearly, and never remove them for convenience.
- Check plugs and cables
If you notice frayed wires, burn marks, or loose plugs, stop using the device immediately. Replace damaged cables rather than taping them up. Tangled or bundled wires can trap heat and create a hidden fire risk, e specially behind furniture or entertainment units.
- Don’toverload sockets
A single 13-amp socket can only handle so much. Avoid stacking adapters or daisy-chaining extension leads. Too many high-powered devices (like kettles or heaters) in one socket can cause overheating and melting.
- Charge devices safely
Phones, laptops, and tablets generate heat when charging. Never charge them under pillows or bedding, and avoid leaving them plugged in overnight or unattended.
A phone under a pillow can easily reach ignition temperature, leading to smouldering fires while you sleep.
- Handle electric blankets with care
Electric blankets are another overlooked hazard. Around 65 fires each year start from faulty or misused blankets. Always turn them off before bed, never fold them for storage (roll or lay flat instead), and inspect for wear before every season.
If an electrical fire breaks out
- Get out, stay out, and call 999.
- Never try to extinguish an electrical fire with water.
- If it’s safe, switch off power at the mains — but only if you can do so without risk.
In Risk Assessment 5, we teach learners how to plan and act safely in emergencies — reinforcing that no property is worth a life.
Protecting people and pets
Pets often stay home while we’re out, so make sure no charging cables, heaters, or open sockets are left where they can chew or knock them over. Electrical Safety First’s campaign on pet safety is a good reminder that prevention protects every member of the household.
Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility. Take a few minutes each month to check plugs, sockets, and alarms — those s mall habits could save your home.
If you want to explore how communication and safety awareness work hand in hand, visit Information in the Work Place 2.
FAQs
What is Electrical Fire Safety Week and why is it important?
Electrical Fire Safety Week is an annual campaign organized by Electrical Safety First in the UK, aimed at raising awareness about electrical fire risks in homes. In 2025, it ran from February 3 to 9, focusing on hazards from white goods like washing machines and tumble dryers. It is important because over half of accidental house fires in the UK are caused by electricity, and the week promotes safety measures, such as using qualified electricians and checking appliances, to prevent fires and save lives.
How many electrical house fires occur in the UK each year?
According to the latest statistics, there are approximately 20,000 electrical fires in UK homes each year, accounting for over half of all accidental house fires. This includes around 7,000 caused by faulty electrics, appliances, wiring, and overloaded sockets. Overall house fires total more than 34,000 annually, with electrical faults being a leading cause. In England alone, electrical fires cause about three home fires per day.
What are the most common causes of electrical fires in homes?
The most common causes include faulty wiring, overloaded circuits and sockets, malfunctioning appliances (especially white goods like cookers, microwaves, washing machines, and tumble dryers), unsafe or outdated electrical installations, and issues with extension leads or chargers. Other factors are worn outlets, light fixtures, and portable heaters.
Why are portable heaters considered a major fire risk?
Portable heaters are a major fire risk because they can overheat and ignite nearby combustible materials like curtains, furniture, or rugs if placed too close (at least 3 feet away is recommended). They may tip over, causing fires, especially if lacking auto-shutoff features, and overloading circuits or using extension cords can lead to overheating wires. Infrared models can cause burns, and fuel-based ones (like propane) pose explosion risks from leaks.
How can you spot counterfeit or unsafe electrical chargers?
Spot counterfeit chargers by checking for missing or fake certification marks (e.g., CE, UL, or UKCA), poor build quality like rough edges, loose fittings, or blurry logos, and lighter weight compared to originals. Look for misspelled brand names, no model/batch numbers, unstable charging speeds, or overheating during use. Buy from reputable sources and verify pin distances (e.g., 9.5mm for UK plugs).
How often should smoke alarms be tested and maintained?
In the UK, smoke alarms should be tested monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they work. Batteries should be replaced annually (or as needed if chirping), and the entire unit replaced every 10 years or by the manufacturer’s expiry date. Vacuum them every six months to remove dust, and for commercial properties, test weekly with professional inspections every six months.
What should you do if you find damaged plugs or frayed cables?
Stop using the device immediately to avoid shocks or fires. Do not attempt DIY repairs unless qualified; instead, replace the damaged plug or cable with a compatible one, or have a professional electrician fix it. For minor fraying, wrap with electrical tape temporarily, but replace soon. Recycle old cords responsibly after cutting off ends to prevent reuse.
How can overloading sockets lead to electrical fires?
Overloading sockets occurs when too many high-powered devices draw more current than the socket or circuit can handle (typically 13 amps max per UK socket), causing wires to overheat, melt insulation, and potentially spark or ignite nearby materials. This can damage wiring, cause shocks, or trip breakers, but outdated systems may fail to prevent fires.
What safety rules should you follow when charging phones and laptops?
Use original or certified chargers and cables; avoid charging on soft surfaces like beds (use hard, flat areas); unplug when fully charged or not in use; don’t charge overnight unattended; keep away from heat sources, sunlight, or flammable materials; inspect for damage; and avoid extension cords or extreme temperatures. Stop if the battery swells, overheats, or smells unusual.
What steps should you take if an electrical fire breaks out in your home?
Evacuate everyone immediately, stay low to avoid smoke, and close doors behind you to contain the fire. Do not use water—cut off power at the mains if safe, then use a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher on the fire. Call 999 for the fire service once outside, and do not re-enter the building. Test doors for heat before opening, and stay out until professionals declare it safe.
