Christmas gadgets or Boxing Day bargains, make sure to take a minute to register your electrical appliances.
Following a busy festive period of gift-giving and sales shopping, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are encouraging everyone to register electrical appliances as part of Register My Appliance Week.
Whether it’s an air fryer, coffee machine, hair tool, or large kitchen appliance, registering products means that manufacturers can contact owners quickly if a safety repair or recall is needed.
Amanda Matson, head of community fire prevention at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Coming off Christmas, lots of us have new gadgets or appliances in our homes.
“Registering them only take a few minutes and it means that if somethings wrong you’ll be alerted right away and get it fixed or replaced.
“It’s really simple and it’s a surefire way to keep potentially dangerous electrical items out of your home.”
You can register appliances, old and new, at: www.registermyappliance.org.uk.
Registering your appliance protects against any manufacturing defects, but electrical faults can also happen through ordinary wear and tear.
If your cables are frayed, the plug is damaged, there’s loose wiring, or your device gets very hot when charging, unplug it and turn it off, then take it to a professional to inspect and repair.
To avoid house fires due to electrical appliances:
- Make sure your electrical appliances are not near water.
- Service them regularly, we recommend yearly.
- Do not leave washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers on when you are out or asleep.
- Beware of fake products as they may not meet the UK’s minimum safety requirements, check for a CE or UKCA mark.
For cables and plugs:
- Do not overload sockets with too many appliances.
- Keep an eye out for damage like fraying power leads and loose wires.
- Switch off and unplug appliances when they are not in use, unless they are designed to stay on like your fridge.
- Do not charge or place electrical equipment under pillows or blankets where heat can not escape.