Electrical Safety Advice for Electric Jigsaws

Electric jigsaws usage and safety

A jigsaw allows keen DIYers to cut curves and complex shapes out of a variety of materials. But you must take all necessary safety precautions.

Electric jigsaws feature either a straight-reciprocating action to give more control for intricate tasks involving metal and plastic, or an orbital action for faster and more robust cuts in wood. Models with an orbital setting can disable this function when working on metal or plastic.

Cabled jigsaws give consistent, unlimited power, better for heavy-duty, long-duration tasks and harder materials. Cordless models are battery-powered (usually lithium-ion) and are preferable for hard-to-reach areas and general wood cutting.

Key points

All electric jigsaws (or their chargers) must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand jigsaws.
Ensure the material (or surface) you’re cutting is secure and properly supported.
If sawdust or debris starts to obscure your view of the cut line, stop the jigsaw and clear the debris away.
Keep a jigsaw unplugged when not in use or when doing maintenance on it.

Buying an electric jigsaw

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Avoid buying second-hand jigsaws as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
Safety features to look for include blade guards and safety shields to prevent accidental contact with fingers, quick-release clamps for safer, faster blade changes, anti-vibration handles to improve control and accuracy, speed controls, a dust blower to clear sawdust from the cutting line, and trigger to prevent accidental starts.
Register your electric jigsaw so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using an electric jigsaw safely

Before you start, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them.
Make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug the saw into an extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely.
Keep pets and children away from the area you’re working in.
Check the jigsaw for any signs of damage or a chewed cord and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
Select the right blade by matching the teeth per inch (TPI) to the type of the material being cut. Metal requires lots of smaller teeth, wood needs fewer, bigger, more spaced-out teeth, and plastic is somewhere in-between.
Wear goggles and a dust mask when operating an electric jigsaw and consider using hearing protection. Keep loose clothing and hair out of the way.
Ensure the material or surface to be cut is secure and properly supported, ideally by clamps or on a sawhorse, before you start.
The ideal cutting technique depends on the material so consult the manufacturer’s instructions and take your time. For cut-outs on countertops, drill a starter hole and use a downcutting or reverse tooth blade.
If sawdust or debris starts to obscure your view of the cut line, stop the jigsaw and clear the debris away. Keep the jigsaw cable well away from the cutting patch at all times.
Unplug the electric jigsaw when not in use, before changing blades, or doing any maintenance on it. Store it in a cool, dry indoor place.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your electric jigsaw with the manufacturer.
Select the correct blade for the job.

AVOID

Buying second-hand jigsaws or from third-party sellers online.
Using the electric jigsaw if you spot any signs of damage.

Leaving the electric jigsaw plugged in after use.

Cutting countertops until you have drilled a starter hole.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the jigsaw off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

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 saw is plugged in.

Safe charging

For a cordless jigsaw, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.

Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged. Don’t overcharge or leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.

Check the batteries

If there are unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or any form of damage, stop using the battery immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger.

If you need a replacement or additional battery, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer. Don’t use batteries from other manufacturers or battery adapters, as these may pose safety risks.

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.

Electric jigsaws