How to use electrical equiptment safely

Faulty electrical equipment is a major cause of fires in student halls. Follow this advice to keep yourself and your fellow students safe.

Check your voltage

UK electrical supply is 230 volts, not 110. Only use equipment bought in the UK, or 110-volt equipment with an approved voltage converter.

Buy the right equipment

• Buy from a reputable high street supplier, never from market stalls or unverified online sellers
• Check for a CE mark. This confirms it's approved for UK use
• Make sure the voltage rating matches the UK's 230v supply
• Check the plug fits your socket and the device has a manufacturer's name and serial number

Use equipment safely

❌ Don't use cube adaptors or dodgy plugs. Only use strip plugs with a switch, LED and fuse.

❌ Don't overload sockets or strip plugs. Keep equipment to a minimum, and switch off and unplug anything you're not using.

Always check plugs and wires before use. UK plugs are 13amp, 3-pin. Make sure the pins are solid, the casing isn't damaged, and the wiring sheath is intact. Never try to mend a damaged cable. Throw it away.

Keep your room tidy

Keep cables tidy and off the floor. A room full of tangled wires is a fire hazard as well as a trip hazard.

Switch off to save energy

Switch off electrical equipment when you leave your room, including chargers, computers, hairdryers and straighteners. Never leave a hairdryer or charger on your bed.

If you're ever unsure about a device, take it to your hall reception and ask your Residence Manager or a member of maintenance staff to check it over. 

✅ Checklist before you plug in

1. The cable is secured in the plug with no wires visible
2. The plug isn't cracked, damaged, or missing parts
3. No cable, socket or plug has been repaired with tape
4. The cable's outer layer is intact, with no wires showing
5. You're not overloading extension leads. Use them only if there's no other option
6. The equipment's outer cover isn't damaged
7. Broken equipment goes to your Residence Manager, not to someone else to use

🚨 In an emergency

Device overheating: switch it off at the socket, unplug it, and move it away from anything flammable.

Device on fire: sound the fire alarm and, if you feel confident, use a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher. Never use water.

Electric shock: do not touch them. Switch off the power, move them away using an insulated tool like a broom, and call 999.

Photograph: Georgina Capdevila Cano