Electrical Safety Advice for Alarm Clocks

Alarm clocks usage and safety

An alarm clock remains an essential device for many people, especially those who don’t want their mobile phones in bedrooms at night. But it’s important to look after them properly.

Alarm clocks range from traditional, loud mechanical twin-bell types to digital, smart, and light-based options designed to wake you gently.

Models include quartz-driven analog, LED/LCD displays, radio-controlled, and smart home devices with app-based options.

Alarm clocks are popular with many people who prefer not to have their phone in the bedroom to reduce screen stimulation. Sunrise alarm clocks use gradually increasing light for a gentle, natural awakening experience, while clock radios allow you to wake up to radio stations.

Smart clocks controlled by an app are now also available, providing customizable sounds and light colours, with timings controlled via a smartphone. Travel alarm clocks are compact, battery-operated, and durable for portability.

Key points

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.
Protect your alarm clock from damage and don’t immerse it in water.
Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.

Buying an alarm clock

Buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the alarm clock may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Although lots of reviews of alarm clocks are posted online, don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Register your alarm clock 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 alarm clock safely

Follow the provided instructions carefully and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.
Place your alarm clock on a flat, stable surface and keep it away from liquids.
If your alarm clock is mains powered, check it is fitted with a UK 3-pin plug. If it isn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adapter as the clock may not meet UK safety standards.
If your alarm clock has its own power supply, only use the one provided with the alarm clock or, if it’s USB powered, use a USB charger from a reputable source.
Beware buying substandard or counterfeit chargers for your device as there are many substandard, dangerous chargers available.
Look for a manufacturer's name, a model number, and a UKCA or CE mark but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Don’t use the clock if any of the wires or the plug appear damaged. If your device requires batteries, make sure they are in good condition.
Regularly check the plug and your socket-outlet for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Place the alarm clock on a flat, stable surface.
Ensure the clock’s batteries are in good condition.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Using the alarm clock if any of the wires or plug appear damaged.
Using the alarm clock if it feels hot to touch.

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

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.

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

Alarm clocks