Electrical Safety Advice for Washer Machines / Washing Machines Safety

Washing machines usage and safety

A washing machine is a common appliance found in most UK households, both owned and rented. But as with any large appliance there can be a risk of fire. Choose your washing machine carefully and ensure it’s installed and used properly.

There are lots of different types of washing machine, but the main ones are front load or top load models, combined with a dryer or not, and compact or portable machines for smaller spaces and homes. 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

Washing machines must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

This is a large appliance using a lot of power and could overload an extension lead leading to a fire if plugged in with other large appliances.

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 a washing machine

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 in your home by a competent installer.
Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your washing machine. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a washing machine safely

Although electricity costs can be cheaper at night, it’s best to avoid running your washing machine overnight if possible. If you do need to run it overnight, make sure you have working smoke alarms nearby.
It’s recommended to unplug it or switch it off at the socket overnight and when going out, to reduce the risk of an electrical fault causing a fire.
Never overload your washing machine and take large or bulky items – such as duvets – to the dry-cleaners. And clean the filter regularly.
Empty all pockets before washing and keep the machine and its door seal clear of items such as coins or buckles. These can weaken the door glass.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.

Buy from a reputable retailer.

Buy a known and trusted brand.

Check the pockets of clothing before putting into the machine.

Run each washing programme to completion.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.

Fitting a washing machine yourself unless recommended by the manufacturer.

Plugging a washing machine into an extension lead.

Overloading your washing machine.

Leaving it unattended while it is 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

Online checkers for washing machine recalls and safety notices have been set up by several well-known manufacturers, so we recommend you check your appliance is not on their list.

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

Washing machines