Electrical Safety Advice for Fridges and Freezers/ Fridge and Freezer Safety

Fridges and freezers usage and safety

Most UK households have a fridge, possibly combined with a freezer. But as with any large appliance there can be a risk of fire. Choose carefully and ensure it’s installed and used properly.

There are lots of different types of fridges and freezers and many nowadays are combined into a single appliance. Chest freezers are also common, especially in outside spaces such as a garage.

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

Fridges and freezers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
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.
Watch out for scorching or burn marks and check for loose or worn wires.
Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying and installing a fridge freezer

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.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Install it close to a wall socket, don't use an extension lead.
Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall for your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.
Ensure the area where you are putting the fridge freezer is free of paper or other flammable materials, and that there is enough room behind the appliance for air to circulate freely.
Keep a fridge freezer away from cookers, radiators, and direct sunlight, as it will have to work harder to maintain its required internal temperature.
If the fridge freezer has been moved a lot during transportation, it may need time to settle before being switched on.
When putting it in position, check the mains cable is not trapped beneath the fridge freezer.
Only connect a fridge freezer to the electricity supply once all the packaging has been removed.

Using a fridge freezer safely

Fridge freezers run 24 hours a day so it’s important to look after them properly to prevent a fire risk.

Don’t use the fridge freezer outside or anywhere it’s likely to come into contact with the elements.
Never block the interior or exterior ventilation openings.
Unless your model is “frost free”, defrost at least once a year to ensure it continues to work properly.
Don't use a hair dryer or other heating appliances to defrost the inside.
Keep the recommended internal temperature maintained. If you have a thermometer, use it to check different areas inside the appliance.
Carry out regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks.
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 first before buying.

Buy from a reputable retailer.

Buy a known and trusted brand.

Maintain the recommended internal temperature.

Organise your food properly and clean the appliance regularly.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.

Plugging your fridge freezer into an extension lead.

Overloading with food so air can circulate properly.

Leaving the door open for extended periods of time.

Placing close to cookers or radiators or in direct sunlight.

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

All new fridges and freezers are required to have energy efficiency ratings of between A and G. Standardised tests, monitored by Trading Standards, are carried out by manufacturers, who are responsible for grading their appliances.

But your home energy consumption may vary owing to factors such as how airtight, well-stocked, and well-ventilated the appliance is, and its location.

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

Fridges and freezers