Electrical Safety Advice for Irons, Travel Irons and Steams

Irons usage and safety

An iron is an essential home product for keeping clothes crease-free. But take the proper precautions when using them to avoid any dangers they can pose.

There is a huge variety of irons on the market. When browsing through the options of steam irons, cordless irons, steam generator irons, and travel irons, it is important to think about how often you use your iron and what you use it for.

Dry irons are the most basic type of electric iron, using a heating element to press clothes without water. They are lightweight and ideal for fabrics that don’t need steam such as silk and wool.

Steam irons have a water tank to produces steam for removing wrinkles and are suitable for most fabrics, especially heavier fabrics such as denim and linen.

Cordless irons heat up on a base and give flexibility of movement, great for large items such as curtains and bed linens.

Key points

Irons must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Keep irons unplugged when not in use.

Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying an iron

Buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
You will find lots of online reviews of irons but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Safety features include temperature controls, anti-drip functions to prevent water leakage, and auto shutoff if left unattended to prevent accidents. Some models also have self-cleaning systems to keep steam vents unclogged.
Register your iron so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using an iron safely

Read through the entire owner’s manual, so you are familiar with specific operational instructions.
Spend a few minutes inspecting the cable before use, to make sure it’s in good condition.
Never leave your iron unattended and unplug it when not in use. Don’t wrap the cable around the iron while it is cooling down.
Ideally, use an iron caddy to place your iron on as it cools down after use. If you don’t have one, make sure it is not near flammable materials.
Keep an iron away from small children and pets at all times. Don’t allow them to pull on the cable or hang on the ironing board.
Check cables and plugs for signs of damage on a regular basis. Stop using it if there are any signs of damage present.
If you drop your iron, check it before using again as wires inside the appliance may have become loose. Stop using it if the casing is broken and wires are exposed.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your iron with the manufacturer.
Keep an iron away from small children and pets.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Leaving your iron unattended,
Using before the cord has been checked for signs of damage.
Using an iron if you notice any unusual smells or sounds.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check your appliance

If you notice, sparking, cracks or damage, or any unusual noises or smells, unplug the iron immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping when using the iron, stop using it and replace.

Check the plug

Regularly check the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the appliance. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the appliance is plugged in.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

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

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

The soleplate on an iron is in frequent contact with your clothing, so consider a high-quality one that will tackle creases while treating garments with care.

Palladium soleplates have a scratch-resistant, non-stick surface, ceramic soleplates offer a strong, non-stick surface to glide smoothly over fabrics, and stainless-steel soleplates help you iron more easily.

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.

Check your appliances

Irons