Electrical Safety Advice for Electric Fans

Electric fans usage and safety

During a hot summer, an electric fan can be a lifesaver. But these cooling devices can get a little too hot and cause fires. Stay safe when you beat the heat with some simple tips.

There are many types of electric fan but the most common in UK homes are tower and pedestal, both of which are larger fans to cool whole rooms, plus the smaller desk and velocity (or floor) fans.

Tower fans are tall and narrow, ideal for smaller rooms, and many come with built-in ionizers to purify the air. There are both bladed and bladeless (using a hollow tube) choices, and many rotate from side to side or oscillate to circulate airflow over a wider area.

Pedestal fans are more powerful making them ideal for cooling larger rooms but tend to take up a significant amount of space in a room.

Desk fans are the most portable option, and many are now powered from a USB port and have a clip-on anchor to place the fan where you need it.

An air circulator is a more powerful type of fan to cool an entire room. Floor fans are remarkably powerful and often capable of high speed. Most have a small tripod to keep them upright, but they do tend to be noisy.

Key points

All electric fans must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse.

Whichever type you choose, avoid buying a second-hand fan.

Be careful where you place a fan to avoid knocking it over.

It is recommended not to use an electric fan overnight.

Use smoke alarms or heat detectors nearby in case of fire.

Buying an electric fan

Buy from a reputable retailer or directly from a known manufacturer, rather than third-party online sellers, as unverified products may not meet UK safety standards.
Avoid buying second-hand electric fans which may not comply with current regulations.
Many modern larger fans offer multi-speed settings and timers, and high-end models can have remote controls, humidifiers, or an air filter.
Register your electric fan so you can be contacted if there is a safety recall. Registration also makes it easier to arrange repairs or replacements if needed.

Using an electric fan safely

Don't leave your fan running overnight or while you are out of the house. And ensure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home.
Avoid balancing the fan on the edge of a counter, desk, or table, or anywhere else it could fall off.
Keep the cable out of the way so children don’t pull it or pets chew on it.
For fans with blades, teach young children not to put their hands close to the fan while it’s in operation.
Unplug an electric fan when not in use and store it carefully so it isn’t damaged or affected by damp.
Before using a fan from storage, inspect it for damage, especially to the power cable. Look for signs of fraying, cuts, or rodent activity, such as exposed wires.
Clean the blades according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use the fan if either the unit or cable is damaged.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, unplug the electric fan immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
Consider replacing an electric fan after a few years as older motors can overheat.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.

Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.

Unplug your fan at the socket when not in use.

AVOID

Buying second-hand or from third-party sellers online.
Balancing a fan on the edge of a counter, desk, or table.
Using a fan overnight or leaving it on when you are out.
Keeping a fan for more than a few years as older motors can overheat.

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.

Additional info

Electric fans typically consume 15-100 watts of electricity, depending on their type and speed. They consume much more if they are larger and at higher speeds, but this also usually circulates the air more efficiently.

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

Electric fans