The guidance from consumer charity Electrical Safety First comes after several energy suppliers have outlined their plans to run money-back schemes for their customers during the winter period.
The opt-in schemes, which are geared for launch between November 2022 and March 2023, are being run by the National Grid, OVO, and Octopus Energy. They aim to reduce the amount of energy being consumed during peak hours by requesting customers to run certain appliances, such as washing machines and tumble dryers, during off-peak hours.
Electrical Safety First
While many households will be seriously considering the cost-savings of running their electrical appliances at night, especially amid the cost-of-living crisis, Electrical Safety First has advised households to check that items are safe to use first.
Technical Director of Electrical Safety First, Martyn Allen, said: "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."
Ensure your appliances
Electrical Safety First has advised households to check that items are safe to use first
"Ensure your appliances are not subject to a recall, that cables are not damaged and that filters are regularly emptied to reduce a build-up of lint. Finally, ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every floor in your house, it could save your life."
"Customers have also been asked to register their appliances with the manufacturers, so they can be kept informed of any updates or recalls. Products that are presenting any issues should be unplugged, and customers are advised to contact the “retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician, as appropriate."
London Fire Brigade
Further guidance has been given by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) regarding the safe use of electrical items in the home: “Look out for scorch marks, flickering lights, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason. These could all be signs of loose or dangerous wiring.” The LFB has reportedly attended to over 26,300 electrical fires in London since 2017.
It has also warned households about the use of alternative heating methods during the winter period, which also presents a considerable fire risk.
Author's quote
LFB has reportedly attended to over 26,300 electrical fires in London since 2017
The Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley, said: “Fire caused by heaters, open fires, and electrical items can be very intense and spread very quickly. There is a risk that some people, in a bid not to pay more, may end up paying an even higher price – through a fire that causes them serious injury or even costs them their life."
“We understand that people are trying to save money and over the autumn and winter, we will be working with London’s communities to help them understand how they can stayfiresafe, reduce the risk of fire in their home, and also hopefully keep costs down."
“For example, we know that people may want to use portable heaters to heat just one room, or run their dishwashers and washing machines overnight to take advantage of cheaper electricity costs. These types of appliances do come with potential fire risk, so we would encourage people to use them safely, ensure they are safety registered, have working smoke alarms fitted throughout their home and know their exit plan in the event of a fire, particularly at night.”
