Products and appliances

Drones

Drones

Drones are mobile flying machines which can perform stunts, take photographs and stream video. But they can carry several safety risks to be aware of. 

Drones are classified by their design and functionality, with the four primary types being multi-rotor, fixed-wing, single-rotor, and hybrid VTOL (vertical take-off and landing).  

Multi-rotors are common for photography and hobby use, while fixed-wing models excel in long-range surveying. They are powered by rechargeable batteries (usually LiPo Lithium Polymer), fuel, or solar energy. 

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Key points

  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 
  • Ensure the drone is traceable, looks well-made, and is not damaged. 
  • Store the drone, battery pack(s) and charger safely, preferably inside. 
  • Do regular checks of the charger plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 
  • Only use a drone in an appropriate area and comply with the drone code. 

Buying a drone

  • Whichever you choose, buy your drone from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. 
  • Check the manufacturer’s name, trademark and contact details, and that there aren’t any misspellings on the packaging and the instructions make sense. 
  • Ensure the drone is traceable. If no contact details are included, it’s likely to be substandard. A faulty drone will often be missing instructions, warranty cards, or associated literature. 
  • Make sure the drone looks well-constructed and is not damaged. Although lots of reviews of drones are posted online, don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers. 
  • Register your drone 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 drone safely

  • Follow the provided instructions carefully to ensure safe usage and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.  
  • Only use the supplied charger, or one recommended by the manufacturer, as the correct charging voltage and current is critical for safety.  
  • If a mains plug-in charger is provided, ensure it has a 3-pin plug that is fitted with a fuse, or standard UK plug pins if it’s a direct plug-in type. 
  • If you need spare battery packs, make sure they’re of the same type and rating as those supplied with the drone. If you need a replacement or additional battery packs, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer.  
  • Don’t use batteries from other manufacturers as these may pose safety risks. If in any doubt, check with the manufacturer.  
  • Store the drone and battery packs as recommended by the manufacturer. The storage area must be dry and not susceptible to extremes of temperature. Storing inside your house rather than in a shed or outside storage area is preferable, particularly in winter. 
  • Only use a drone in an appropriate area with adequate space, well away from power lines and electricity sub-stations. And comply with the Civil Aviation Authority Drone Code. 
  • While charging a drone, if you notice any odd smells, sparking, smoke, or any swelling, cracks or damage to the battery packs, unplug it immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first [link to gov site?] before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer. 
  • Buy replacement chargers and batteries from the original manufacturer. 
  • Stay well away from power lines and electricity sub-stations when flying a drone.

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online. 
  • Charging a drone overnight or while you are out of the house. 
  • Using the drone charger if you notice any damage or sparks. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Regularly check the charger and/or plug and your socket-outlet 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 drone charger. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the charger is plugged in. 

Safe charging

Don’t overcharge a drone battery or leave it charging overnight or when you are out of the house. 

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

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

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

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.

A drone flying in the sky

Additional info

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides guidance for flying drones and model aircraft safely and legally. Check its Drone Code website for information on registering for an operator ID, how to get a flyer ID, age restrictions, maximum altitudes and distances from people, vehicles, and structures, restricted areas, night flying, and class marks. 

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