Electrical Safety Advice for Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuum cleaners are a welcome addition to the modern home, reducing the time and effort required to collect dust and dirt from your floors. But take the proper precautions when using and storing them.

Still a relatively new and innovative device on the UK market, the first robot vacuum cleaner was created in 2005. Since then, these futuristic gadgets have been upgraded to be popular with people looking for a more convenient solution to keeping their homes clean.

Often autonomous in operation, these small, quiet machines are easier to store than traditional vacuum cleaners and can save time on household chores. More expensive than a traditional vacuum cleaner, robot vacuums are a luxury addition to a household.

Key points

Robot vacuum chargers/base units must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug.
Second-hand batteries and chargers can be a serious fire risk.
Monitor the charging process and disconnect the charger when complete.
Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying a robot vacuum cleaner

Whichever you choose, 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 the charging base is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug.
You will find lots of online reviews of robot vacuum cleaners but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Safety features include infrared, lidar or optical sensors to guide the device and to detect sudden drops (such as stairs) to prevent falls, along with bump sensors to slow down or change direction. Advanced models use cameras and AI to identify and navigate around small objects or even slow down for moving people or pets.
Register your robot vacuum 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 a robot vacuum cleaner safely

Read through the entire owner’s manual, so you are familiar with specific operational instructions.
Your appliance charger must have 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.
Only use the charger that comes with your robot vacuum. If it becomes faulty, obtain a replacement, preferably from the same manufacturer, or a reputable supplier that can ensure that the charger is compatible with your appliance.
When cleaning or carrying out maintenance work, make sure the robot vacuum or is charging station is disconnected from the mains.
Hold and use the plug when pulling the charger cable out of the wall. Never tug on the cord.
Use a robot vacuum indoors only. Keep the floor free from clutter and ensure wires and cables are kept up out of the vacuum’s way.
Don’t allow a robot vacuum to suck up any hot ashes or cigarette butts.
Keep the robot vacuum and charger away from water and other liquids unless specifically designed for this use. Never immerse them in water and don’t use in humid environments.
Keep the robot vacuum, charging unit and batteries away from sources of intense heat.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your robot vacuum with the manufacturer.
Unplug when cleaning or carrying out maintenance work on the base unit.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Allowing a robot vacuum to suck up any hot ashes or cigarette butts.
Immersing in water and don’t use in humid environments.
Using third-party chargers and batteries.
Using a robot vacuum if you notice any unusual smells or sounds.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check your appliance

If you notice a burning smell, sparking, cracks or damage, or any unusual noises, switch the vacuum cleaner off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

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

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 adapter between the vacuum plug and the socket-outlet.

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

Although many robot vacuum models are available nowadays, most are intended as a supplement to a standard vacuum cleaner, not a replacement. They are meant to perform daily or weekly touch-ups to keep your home clean between regular vacuuming.

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

Robot vacuums