Washing machine owners warned over dangerous plug mistake sparking house fires
Fire chiefs issued a warning to anyone with a washing machine in their kitchen, urging them to check their plug sockets and never use a double plug socket.
Fire chiefs issued a stern warning to homeowners who plug their washing machines into double sockets.
Most households will have their washing machine plugged into one of the numerous double sockets that modern homes are equipped with.
These double sockets offer convenience, providing ample outlets for various appliances such as air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves, or even just charging your phone while you go about your kitchen duties.
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However, the Fire Industry Association in the U.K., which collaborates with fire brigades and services nationwide on fire safety, highlighted the risks associated with using washing machines — risks that also apply to American households.
It stresses the importance of taking precautions to prevent exacerbating these risks, including always plugging your washing machine into a single socket, rather than a double or shared one, the Express reported.
The reason behind this advice is that a double socket does not actually provide twice the power of a single socket (20A vs 13A), meaning there's a risk of causing a fire by overloading it with two high-powered appliances simultaneously.
"High-powered appliances such as washing machines should have a single plug socket," Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service advises.
"Never use square box plug adapters, and if using a strip adapter/extension make sure it's fused and don't overload it," it continued. "If using a cable drum extension lead, it should be completely unwound to avoid overheating."
The Fire Industry Association sounded the alarm on electrical fires due to white goods, revealing there were over 1,100 such incidents in 2024.
Its warning states: "Electrical fires remain a major concern across the U.K. In 2024 alone, 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving white goods were recorded in England — that's three fires every day. By understanding potential hazards and following essential safety measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires.
"White goods, such as washing machines and tumble dryers, require regular checks to ensure they are safe for use.
"Never leave washing machines, tumble dryers, or dishwashers running overnight or unattended.
"Ensure appliances are well-ventilated and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
"Register new appliances to receive safety alerts about recalls.
"Check plugs and sockets for scorch marks, buzzing noises, or loose connections.
"Only buy electrical appliances from reputable retailers — avoid counterfeit or untested products."
The advice further notes: "Try to keep to one plug per socket, especially for high-powered appliances like washing machines."
