Electrical Safety Advice for Kettles / Kettles Safety

Kettles usage and safety

A kettle is a handy item in any kitchen but, despite being a small appliance, it is important to use and maintain it properly to prevent accidents.

Electric kettles are used in many homes as they are speedy and convenient to use. Most are fast boiling with a powerful heating element (typically 2000-3000W) and come in a wide range of sizes and styles.

Some have a cordless design with 360° swivel base, and common features include auto shut-off and boil-dry protection. Some modern kettles now have adjustable temperature settings, digital displays, and keep-warm functions.

“Smart kettles” are growing in popularity, with features such as wi-fi or bluetooth connectivity, voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, and options to schedule and control usage via mobile apps.

Key points

Electric kettles must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Your kettle should have auto shut-off or ‘boil-dry protection’.

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

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

Buying an electric kettle

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. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
You will find lots of online reviews of kettles but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Most modern electric kettles have an automatic shutoff feature which turns off the appliance once the water has boiled. This helps prevents overheating and the risk of a fire.
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.

Using an electric kettle safely

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using and cleaning it.
Keep an electric kettle away from the sink or any liquids (apart from the water you are heating) that could spill on it. Unplug it when not in use.
Wipe the kettle down regularly but only when it is unplugged. Don’t use any sort of cleaner inside it apart from those specifically designed for descaling kettles.
Keep the power cable out of the way to prevent children or pets from tugging on it.
Make sure your kettle has ‘boil-dry’ protection as this automatically turns the kettle off if it doesn't contain enough water.
Don’t touch the outside of the kettle as it can get extremely hot.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, unplug the kettle immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
If your kettle is cracked or damaged in any way, stop using it and either contact the retailer and/or manufacturer or buy a new one.
If the kettle trips circuit breakers or blows fuses during use, unplug it immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, unplug the kettle immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
Keep your electric kettle away from the sink or any liquids.
Keep the kettle cable out of the way to avoid accidents.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Touching the outside of the kettle as it can get hot.
Using any cleaning products inside the kettle.
Using the kettle if you notice any damage or sparks.

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

Because electric kettles use a heating element immersed in the water, they boil faster than stovetop kettles, but also most of the energy is directed into the water. This makes them more energy-efficient than stovetop kettles, which lose heat to the surrounding area.

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

Kettles