UK households should ensure that their electronic devices are safe to run as winter approaches.
A simple safety check could help homeowners and tenants spot any potential faults, reducing the risk of a fire. This is especially important as more Brits could be using electrical appliances at night this winter.
This is because a scheme is being introduced which will see households receive money back on their bills for using appliances outside of peak hours. The plan has been put in place by the National Grid Electricity System Operator and will kick off in November and will run until March
While using appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers at unsociable hours may help reduce demand at peak times, it could pose a fire risk. A consumer charity group has warned that those who are using their appliances at night or overnight should ensure that they are safe first.
Martyn Allen, Technical Director of Electrical Safety First, stated: "Households will understandably be considering all their options during a financially challenging time, yet it is essential that anyone considering using appliances at night do all they can to mitigate their risk of a fire with a few simple spot checks."
Mr Allen states that UK households should ensure:
- appliances are not subject to a recall
- cables are not damaged
- filters are regularly emptied to reduce a build up of lint
Consumers should register appliances with the manufacturer, as they will let you know if an issue is discovered leading to a recall. Additionally, the Office for Product Safety and Standards issues warnings for products that have been recalled.
If a product is concerning you even though it has not been recalled you should unplug it and contact the retailer, manufacturer or a qualified repair technician, as appropriate. The group also urges consumers to ensure there are functioning smoking alarms throughout the home.
Smoke alarm rules in Scotland
In Scotland it is a legal requirement to have interlinked and tamper-proof smoke alarms throughout the house.
The new law that came into place in February of 2022 stated that every home must now have:
- one smoke alarm in the living room or the room you use most
- one smoke alarm in every hallway and landing
- one heat alarm in the kitchen
You can use either sealed battery alarms or mains-wired alarms, both types of alarm have to be interlinked by radio frequency and do not need WiFi.
If you are a homeowner, you are responsible for meeting these requirements. If you are a private tenant, your landlord is responsible. If you are a council or housing association tenant, work is ongoing to make sure your home meets the new standards.
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