Fire warning about electrical chargers

Fire departments across the country have issued fire warnings about chargers that are being used for portable electric devices after one device caused a fire in a bedroom.

Two fire engines were called to a house in Sussex after it was reported that there was smoke coming from a window. Two fire fighters entered the property with a CO2 extinguisher and breathing apparatus, once they gained access the fire was extinguished.

The result of the fire was a small amount of damage to the bedroom and minor damage to the carpets in the property. The fire service stated that the fire was started accidentally when a charger for a remote control helicopter caught alight while the owners were downstairs.

Chargers and charging units have been all over the news recently after several other fires have caught fire while plugged into various devices.

As a result of the influx of fires the fire service advice that once the device is fully charged you should remove it from the socket after you switch it off at the wall. The overloading of the sockets can be dangerous as they can often overheat and as a result a fire could spark.

The same applies to leaving devices on standby as they too can overheat and increase the chances of a fire related accident. This could damage your home as well as increasing your electricity bill. Switching off any unnecessary electrical devices in your home can go a long way to making your home safer, especially at night.

• Check for a CE mark.

• Look for the required markings- manufacturer’s brand name or logo, model and batch number.

• There must be at least 9.5mm between the edge of the pins and the edge of the charger.

• Check for adequate warnings and instructions.

• Check the output voltage and current ratings marked on the charger and your electrical device are the same.