Everyday gadgets that may be putting your home at risk | Tenant news

Everyday electrical gadgets, devices and appliances make daily tasks more convenient, but they can also create hidden dangers in your home.

Here are our top five tips for using household appliances responsibly.

Kitchen appliances

Kitchen gadgets such as toasters, air fryers, and microwaves are useful for swift everyday cooking, but leaving them unattended or neglecting to clean them can quickly become a fire risk.

The crumbs in your toaster can catch fire, grease build-up in an air fryer can ignite, and spills in a microwave can overheat.

You should empty the crumbs from toasters regularly, wipe down air fryers after use, and ensure microwaves are clean and free from food spills.

Always keep appliances on a flat, stable surface, turn them off at the plug when not in use, and never leave appliances running while you’re out or distracted.

While larger appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers are built to run unattended, it’s safer to use them when someone is at home so that leaks, malfunctions, or other issues can be spotted quickly.

Phones and tablets

Devices with lithium batteries can pose a fire risk if they’re charged or handled incorrectly. Chargers and batteries that are damaged, cheap or fake are also more likely to overheat or short‑circuit.

Damaged cables and faulty chargers can easily go unnoticed and that’s when it gets dangerous. Regularly check chargers and cables for fraying or damage and replace any that look worn rather than trying to repair them.

The London Fire Brigade advises always using the charger that came with your device or a trusted replacement, and avoiding counterfeit chargers that may not meet safety standards.

Charging items on soft surfaces like beds, sofas or cushions can also trap heat and increase the risk of faults or fires.

Keep devices on a hard, flat surface while charging, and avoid leaving them plugged in after the battery is full, such as overnight.

It’s also important not to run cables under rugs or furniture, as this can cause them to overheat without you realising.

Sockets and extension leads

Plugging too many devices into one socket is a common cause of electrical fires.

Extension leads can be useful, but they’re not designed to handle several high-powered items at once.

Appliances like kettles, heaters, and microwaves should be plugged directly into a wall socket rather than an extension lead.

If a plug or socket feels warm to the touch, it may be overloaded. Spreading appliances across different sockets can help prevent overheating.

Visit www.habinteg.org.uk/electric for more information on electrical safety in your home and stay alert when using everyday electrical gadgets.

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