Check your plugs, fuses, and cables regularly. Plugs and their cables can become damaged with use over time, and this can be a safety risk.
The most common plug in the UK is the square-pin 13-amp plug used in all modern appliances such as hairdryers, vacuum cleaners and microwaves.
The fuse inside a UK plug is a safety device to protect you. It will 'blow' if an electrical appliance or extension lead draws too much current, either because of an overload or a fault.
The blown fuse cuts off the electricity, stopping the cable and appliance from overheating and causing a fire.
A good rule of thumb is that fuses are rated according to the power rating of the appliance. If you have to replace a fuse, replace it only with another of the same rating. A standard UK plug is usually fitted with a 3A or 13A fuse.
As a general guide, plugs for appliances rated from 700-3000 watts (the maximum rating of a wall socket) should be fitted with a 13-amp fuse (coloured brown).
Manufacturers have now standardised plug fuse ratings to be either 3A or 13A. But 5A fuses are still used in some older equipment and are available to buy.
Checking the plug and cable
Only check when the plug is removed from the socket.
Is the cable securely attached to the appliance and the plug? Gently pull the cable to ensure its firmly attached.
Check for cuts, nicks, crushing, or any other visible damage.
The cable should have no joints or repairs with insulating tape.
Look for cracks or damage on the plug casing.
Look for signs of overheating, such as melted plastic, or a discoloured casing/cable.
Check the plug meets British Standard BS 1363 – it will be marked on the back.
Check the plug cable is firmly clamped into the plug with no coloured wires showing.
Appliances – except items such as shavers or those designed for hardwiring – should come with a standard UK plug or a conversion adaptor (not a travel adaptor). If not, it may not meet UK safety requirements.
Checking inside the plug
Only remove the cover when the plug is out of the socket first.
The brown (red on older plugs) wire goes to live (L).
The blue (black on older plugs) wire goes to neutral (N).
The green and yellow (green on older plugs) wire goes to earth (E).
The cord anchorage clamp should hold the outer insulation of the cable securely with both screws tight.
Ensure the screws holding the three plug wires are tight.
The fuse is the correct size and meets British Standard BS 1362 – it will be marked on the fuse body. Check manufacturer's instructions if you are not sure which fuse to use.
The fuse is clipped securely into its holder. It should not be loose.
There are no signs of overheating.
Replace the cover securely.
Stay safe with electrical products
Check plugs and sockets
Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.
Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.
Protect with an RCD
An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.
If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.
Fit smoke and heat alarms
Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.
Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.
Selected FAQs
Answers to commonly-asked questions we receive about electrical safety.
Only use one socket extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead.
It is bad practice to do this and should never be done as this presents a serious risk that the wall socket could be overloaded. Move the electrical item closer to the wall socket or first extension lead. Use our overload calculator to check if you’re exceed.
It is likely that you can but this does depend on your electrical installation - a registered electrician will be able to advise you whether it can be done - they will assess the load, circuit type and cable rating. You can find one local to you here.
There is no legal requirement to replace sockets if they are positioned on skirting boards in an older property but given that the wiring installation is likely to be old, it is advisable to get a registered electrician to carry out an inspection of the electrics. They will issue you with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) which will either confirm that the installation is safe or highlight any hazards that need to be addressed.
You can find a registered electrician local to you here.
It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:
for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business
The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.
Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:
3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool
Has your electrical product been recalled?
Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.
Whether you are a member of the public or an electrical professional, we will keep you in the know with the latest electrical safety news and information.
