The most reliable way to ensure you get up on time, whether it is for work, school or play, an alarm clock is an essential device for many people. Many operate as convenient bedside lamps too, helping to illuminate the sleeping area on dark mornings and encouraging you to wake up and greet the day.
Of course, alarm clocks are not just for the morning, allowing you to set timers for all sorts of events throughout the day. They also come in a range of sizes and designs, so that you can choose one that best complements your bedroom décor.
Alarm clock safety
Alarm clocks are generally very safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take a few sensible precautions before and during use.
Safety first
- Make sure you buy your alarm clock from a reputable retailer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register your new alarm clock with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is issued. It also makes it easier for you to return a faulty product or order a repair. To find out how to register any of your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our free online Product Recall checker to see if your alarm clock or any other electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your appliance has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Get in touch with the retailer and ask them to fit a UK plug.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
- Any socket you plan to use to plug in an alarm clock should have RCD (residual current device) Protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider using an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
Using your alarm clock safely
- Place your alarm clock on a flat, stable surface.
- Keep plug-in alarm clocks away from liquids.
- Do not use if any of the wires or plug appear damaged.
- If your device requires batteries, make sure they are in good condition and do not mix and match brands.