Electrical Safety Advice for Hot Water Dispensers / Hot Water Dispenser Safety

Hot water dispensers usage and safety

A hot water dispenser is a great alternative to using a kettle and can make a stylish addition to your kitchen. But as with all electrical appliances, they can pose a risk if used incorrectly.

There are lots of different types of hot water dispenser so it’s important to research the options before choosing.

They are convenient as, with just a touch of a button, you can have hot or boiling water ready in seconds and are seen as being more energy-efficient than traditional kettles or heating water on a hob.

Most are designed to heat only the amount of water you need, reducing energy wastage compared to boiling a full kettle of water.

Key points

If you have young children, choose a dispenser with automatic shut-off.

If your hot water dispenser has a plug, it must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Boil-dry protection is a useful safety feature.

Unplug the dispenser when not in use.

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

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

Buying and installing a hot water dispenser

Hot water dispensers are usually compact and can be installed neatly on countertops (although having them plumbed in under the sink is also an option), saving valuable space in your kitchen.
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. Have it fitted by a qualified electrician.
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.
Many models have temperature settings built in so you can decide the temperature of the water.
Some models now have childproof features and automatic shut-off mechanisms to help prevent accidents and injuries. This can make them a safer choice, especially in homes with younger children.

Using a hot water dispenser safely

Choose a hot water dispenser with boil-dry protection which will switch it off if it doesn’t contain enough water.
Never overfill your dispenser – read the instructions before using so you know how much water to use.
Consider how you use your water dispenser. If you need continuous hot water, it is fine to leave it on, but this will increase energy costs.
It is recommended to turn off at the socket when not in use and unplug it at night or during extended periods of non-use. This will also save energy.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, unplug the hot water dispenser immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy from a reputable retailer.
Buy a known and trusted brand.
Register your appliance with the manufacturer.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.

Overfilling the hot water dispenser.

Leaving the dispenser plugged in unless you need continuous use.

Using the dispenser if you notice any burning smells or unusual noises.

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

As with any household appliance, hot water dispensers will require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity, such as replacing filters and periodic cleaning.

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

Hot water dispensers