Electrical Fire Safety: Simple Ways to Stay Safe in Your Student Accommodation

Oct 8

3 min read

Settling into university means getting your room set up for studying, relaxing and catching up with friends. With laptops, phones, games consoles and other gadgets to plug in, it’s easy to overlook how much you’re connecting to a single socket.

At Abode, we want everyone to feel safe and comfortable in their accommodation. Following a few simple electrical safety habits helps protect you, your flatmates and your neighbours.

Hand holding a bundle of assorted computer cables and connectors, including USB, VGA, HDMI and Ethernet, on a white background

Never plug one extension lead into another

“Daisy chaining” means plugging an extension lead into another extension lead, rather than directly into a wall socket. This can cause overheating and increase the risk of an electrical fire.

Always connect extension leads directly to a wall socket. If a cable cannot reach, consider moving your device closer to a socket instead of adding another lead.

Avoid cube and block adaptors

Cube or block adaptors let you connect several plugs directly to one wall socket. We recommend avoiding these and choosing a fused extension lead from a reputable retailer instead.

Remember, an extension lead can still be overloaded. Having more sockets available does not mean you can safely use them all at once.

Cube plug socket attached to double wall socket

Check your extension lead’s limit

Every extension lead has a maximum current rating. Many are rated at 13 amps (13A), but some have a lower limit.

You can usually find this rating on the back or underside of the lead, or in the manufacturer’s instructions. The combined electrical load of everything plugged into it must stay within that limit.

It’s the amount of power your appliances use that matters - not simply how many are connected. Appliances that produce heat, such as kettles and irons, can use considerably more power than phone chargers.

Unsure whether you’re connecting too much? Use the free Electrical Safety First socket overload calculator to help check your set-up.

Charge your devices safely

Where and how you charge your phone, tablet or laptop matters too.

Charge on a hard, flat surface, such as a desk.
Keep devices and chargers uncovered so heat can escape.
Never charge on a bed, sofa or underneath a pillow.
Use a compatible charger from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer.
Avoid leaving devices charging while you’re asleep or away from home.
Stop using damaged cables or chargers.

These simple habits help prevent heat building up while your devices are charging.

Smartphone charging on a portable power bank with white cables on a white background.

Look out for warning signs

Check plugs, cables and sockets regularly. Warning signs include:

Scorch marks or melted plastic.
A burning smell.
Buzzing or crackling sounds.
Damaged cables or exposed wires.
Plugs or sockets becoming unusually hot.
Electrical circuits repeatedly tripping.

If you notice a problem, stop using the affected item or socket. Switch it off and unplug it only if safe to do so, and contact the Abode team promptly. Never attempt to repair electrical fittings yourself.

For routine maintenance concerns, please use our maintenance form. If there is smoke or fire, follow the building’s fire evacuation procedure and call 999 from a safe place. Do not wait for a response to a maintenance report.

Help keep your student home safe

Take a moment today to check the sockets around your desk, bed and shared living areas. A few small changes can reduce the risk of an electrical fire and help keep everyone at Abode safe.

If you’re unsure about an electrical safety issue in your accommodation, please get in touch with our team.