An electrical safety specialist has issued a stark warning to UK households, identifying five everyday appliances that pose a significant fire risk if left on standby. Charanjit Mannu, director of Elec Training, cautions that many families use these potentially hazardous devices daily without recognising the warning signs of electrical faults.
The Top Fire Risk: Electric Heaters
According to the expert, electric heaters top the list as the most dangerous household appliance. This is due to their exceptionally high power consumption and intense heat output. These units draw a substantial electrical current, and if placed too close to flammable materials like curtains, furniture, or bedding, they can quickly become a serious fire hazard.
Mannu's crucial advice is to always keep heaters at least one metre away from any combustible items and to check the power cord regularly for signs of damage or fraying.
Laundry Appliances: A Dangerous Mix
Washing machines and tumble dryers rank a close second for causing household electrical fires. The expert highlights that the combination of water, electricity, high-temperature heating elements, and moving parts creates a uniquely dangerous environment.
For tumble dryers, a primary risk is lint build-up, which is a frequent trigger for blazes. Regular maintenance checks to clean filters and vents are essential. Furthermore, it is strongly advised never to run a tumble dryer overnight or when you are out of the home.
Kitchen Staples and Overloaded Sockets
Common kitchen gadgets like kettles and toasters take third place. Despite their small size, these powerful devices are often left plugged in permanently. Mannu explains that toasters contain heating elements that can ignite accumulated crumbs at the bottom, a fire risk many forget as they neglect regular cleaning.
In fourth place are extension leads and multi-socket adaptors. The danger here is overloading. "I see homes with daisy-chained extension leads or adaptors plugged into other adaptors," says Mannu. This practice forces an excessive electrical current through wiring not designed for such a load, leading to overheating and potential fires.
Deceptively Dangerous: Phone Chargers
Rounding out the top five are mobile phone chargers, which can look deceptively harmless. The expert warns that counterfeit or faulty chargers often lack the vital safety mechanisms found in genuine products. These can overheat, have poor insulation, or deliver incorrect voltage to devices, creating both fire and electric shock hazards.
Charanjit Mannu stresses that the majority of electrical fires are preventable through proper maintenance and increased awareness. He urges Britons to "never" ignore warning signs such as burning smells, scorch marks, or flickering lights, and to always arrange for faulty appliances to be inspected by a qualified electrician.
