Product Recalls and Electrical Safety: What Every Electrician Should Tell Their Customers
Electricians spend their days making sure installations are safe and compliant, but there’s another side of safety that often goes overlooked: the risks posed by faulty electrical equipment in homes and workplaces. Fires, shocks, and costly damage can all result from products that are unsafe, recalled, or poorly maintained.
At Renew Elec Training, we believe it’s not just electricians who need to know this — customers do too. With product recalls, PAT testing, and in-service inspection and testing, electricians are uniquely placed to educate and protect the people they serve.
Why Product Recalls Matter
Every year, electrical appliances, heaters, chargers, and other equipment are recalled due to faults that could lead to fires or electrical shocks. Many customers simply don’t check recall lists, meaning a defective toaster, kettle, or heater might stay in use until it’s too late.
Electricians should advise customers to:
Check Electrical Safety First recall lists regularly. Electrical Safety First Recalls
Register new appliances with the manufacturer when possible
Remove or replace faulty equipment promptly
“Accidental electrical dwelling Fires: 14,186 (53.4% of all accidental dwelling fires)
Of which caused by: Faulty appliances and leads: 3667 (25.9% of electrical fires)”
The Role of PAT Testing and In-Service Inspection
PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) and in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment are key tools to prevent electrical accidents. These processes help identify:
Damaged cables or plugs
Faulty fuses or circuit breakers
Equipment that no longer meets safety standards
For electricians, these checks are not just about compliance — they are about protecting people, property, and reputation. It’s also a way to guide customers on proactive safety measures rather than reactive fixes.
Link to your 2377 PAT Testing / In-Service Inspection and Testing course here
Checking product recalls and education homeowners may help to reduce home fires caused by electrical equipment
What Customers Don’t Know — But Should
Many customers assume that if an appliance works, it’s safe. The reality is very different:
Faulty equipment is a leading cause of house fires.
Many recalled items remain in circulation because users are unaware.
Even recently purchased equipment can be faulty or damaged in transit.
Electricians can play a critical role by educating customers during visits, inspections, or testing services. Small advice, like checking recall lists or reporting a suspected fault, can prevent serious accidents.
Landlords: Your Responsibilities and Liability
For landlords, the stakes are even higher. New regulations require landlords to ensure that all electrical installations and appliances in rented properties are safe. Failure to comply can have serious insurance implications if a fire or injury occurs due to faulty equipment.
Landlords should be advised to:
Conduct regular PAT testing and in-service inspections
Maintain records of all electrical checks and certificates
Replace or repair recalled or faulty appliances promptly
Ignoring these duties could result in voided insurance claims and potential legal action.
More on the latest landlord electrical safety legislation here: [Link to Renters' Rights Act: an overview for landlords ]
A Broader Approach to Electrical Safety
For Alex and Sam at Renew Elec Training, educating electricians has always been at the heart of what they do. But as the risks from faulty electrical products continue, it’s worth asking: should we focus more on customers as well?
By sharing knowledge about recalls, PAT testing, in-service inspection, and landlord responsibilities, electricians can help families and businesses stay safe, informed, and compliant.
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Practical Steps for Electricians
Check appliance recalls for customers during inspections or routine visits
Advise on PAT testing and in-service inspections if equipment is used in workplaces or communal settings
Educate about safe usage — including avoiding DIY repairs on electrical equipment
Document advice as part of your professional service
This proactive guidance helps electricians build trust, credibility, and a safety-first reputation, while genuinely protecting the people they serve.
Final Thoughts
Product recalls and faulty equipment aren’t just technical issues — they’re real risks that can have devastating consequences. Electricians are uniquely positioned to act as educators and protectors, bridging the gap between regulation, compliance, and everyday safety.
With PAT testing, in-service inspections, and informed advice, electricians can help prevent fires, shocks, and accidents, making homes, workplaces, and rental properties safer.
For training to build your knowledge and confidence in inspection and testing, check out our 2377 PAT Testing / In-Service Inspection course.