Electrical Safety Advice for Dishwashers / Dishwasher Safety

Dishwashers usage and safety

Dishwashers are increasingly common appliances in UK households and a handy time-saving product. But as with any large appliance there can be a risk of fire. Choose carefully and ensure it’s installed and used properly.

The main types of dishwasher available are freestanding, built-in, portable (often countertop), and slimline models.

The type you need will depend on the space you have available and how you will be using it, so it’s important to research the options before choosing.

Key points

Dishwashers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug.

These large appliances use a lot of power and may overload an extension lead if used with other large appliances, which can cause a fire.

Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying and installing a dishwasher

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. And have it fitted in your home by a competent installer.
Register your appliance 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.
Ensure there is a designated space available for the dishwasher with easy access to the water supply (either the hot or cold water supply depending on the model), a drain, and a wall socket outlet – avoid using an extension lead.
After everything has been connected, you should run a test cycle to ensure proper water flow, drainage, and that everything is working as it should.

Using a dishwasher safely

Although electricity costs can be cheaper at night, it’s best to avoid running your dishwasher overnight if possible.
Although it can be difficult to unplug a dishwasher or switch it off at the socket, it should be turned off when not being used to reduce the risk of an electrical fault causing a fire. You should ensure the machine is located close to a working smoke detector.
Ensure there are no leaks and check regularly for cracks in the detergent drawer as these could allow water into the electrics. Keep the outlet filter clean.
Carry out regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks. And if there are any ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels too hot to touch, unplug it and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research before buying.

Buy from a reputable retailer.

Buy a known and trusted brand.

Choose the correct cycle to use with the load.

Clean the appliance regularly.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.

Plugging your dishwasher into an extension lead.

Overloading or putting in items which aren’t dishwasher safe.

Adding any detergent or other product not recommended for the machine.

Interrupting the wash cycle while it is still running.

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

According to UK legislation, the drying performance index (ID) must be greater than 1.06 for household dishwashers with a rated capacity of more than seven place settings, or greater than 0.86 if equal to or less than seven place settings.

The EEI (Energy Efficiency Index) of UK household dishwashers must be under 63. But for those with a rated capacity equal to or more than ten place settings it is under 56. An EEI of 63 generally equates to an energy efficiency within the A-G range.

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

Dishwashers