Electrical Safety Advice for Lamps

Lamps usage and safety

Lamps are a common feature in most homes to bring extra light in dark areas or offer flexible lighting levels in living rooms and bedrooms. But it’s important to use them safely.

With desk lamps, floor lamps, bedside lamps, and table lamps, there is huge variety of function and design.

Floor lamps probably have the most options and can be placed anywhere within reach of an electrical outlet.

Traditional floor lamps have a straight pole extending from a single base but you can also get arc lamps with a long, curved arm, reading floor lamps with an overhead lamp, swing arm lamps that allows you to move the light where you please, and uplighter lamps with a U-shaped shade to send the light upwards and outwards.

Tripod, candelabra, and tree lamps tend to offer multiple lights, while column (or tower) lamps are tall structures that can either emit light throughout or from the top.

Key points

All lamps must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Whichever type you choose, buy from a reputable retailer.

Be careful where you place a lamp to avoid creating a trip hazard.

Use the correct light bulb for the lamp.

Buying a lamp

Always buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the product may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug.
Avoid buying second-hand lamps as you won't know their history.
You will find lots of online reviews of lamps but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Register your lamp 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 a lamp safely

Lamps are generally safe to use if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take a few sensible precautions before and during use.
Lamps supplied with a safety extra low voltage (SELV) source are a safer option and best in areas intended for children.
Use the correct light bulb type for your lamp. The fit should be perfect, not forced or loose. Never use a light bulb which is over the recommended power rating for your lamp.
Don’t change a light bulb while the lamp is on. Turn it off, unplug it, and wait a few minutes for the light bulb to cool first.
Position your lamp on a flat, stable surface and keep the cable tidy. Make sure it’s not causing a trip hazard by being where people are likely to walk, such as across doorways.
Keep lamps away from curtains, paper, bedding and other flammable items.
Never use indoor lamps in wet or damp conditions and stop using your lamp if the flexible cable or plug fixtures are damaged.
Check the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your lamp with the manufacturer.
Unplug your lamp at the socket when not in use.
Wear protective gloves when cleaning up any broken light bulbs.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Changing a light bulb while the lamp is plugged in.
Using indoor lamps in wet or damp conditions.
Using a lamp if there are signs of damage to the wires or plug.

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

Incandescent and halogen light bulbs can be disposed of in your general waste. Avoid putting them in the recycling bin as they contain hazardous materials.

LED bulbs should be taken to a recycling centre or designated collection point. Contact your local council for collection locations.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury and must be recycled at a dedicated facility. They should not be thrown in the general waste bin or general recycling.

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

Lamps