GOV.UK / OPSS Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls
Official UK product safety alerts, reports and recall information.
Open resourceAdvice hub
Electrical safety advice and customer guidance
Customer guidance for recalls, common electrical issues, safety awareness and useful VLV enquiry routes.
Electrical Product Recalls and Safety Alerts
Electrical products can occasionally be recalled due to safety concerns. If you are concerned about an appliance, charger, accessory or electrical product, check reputable recall sources before continuing to use it.
If a recalled or suspect product shows signs of overheating, burning, smoke, damage, water ingress or repeated tripping, stop using it and seek competent electrical advice. If it is connected to fixed wiring, do not attempt to remove or alter it yourself.
Electrical Safety First Product Recalls
Consumer-focused electrical product recall information.
Open resourceTrading Standards Product Recalls and Safety Notices
Trading Standards consumer safety notice and recall resources.
Open resourceThis website links to reputable external resources but does not copy or republish live recall data.
Basic Electrical Problems FAQ
Why do my sockets keep tripping?
Repeated socket tripping may be caused by an appliance, damaged accessory, wiring fault, moisture, overload or protective device issue. Send VLV details of when it trips, affected rooms, recent appliance changes and photos of the consumer unit if safe. For investigation, see Electrical Fault Finding.
Why are my lights flickering?
Flickering lights can be linked to lamps, fittings, loose connections, dimmer compatibility, circuit issues or supply-related problems. Send a short video, the room affected and details of any recent changes. Do not open fittings or switches yourself.
Why has part of my house lost power?
Partial loss of power may involve a tripped protective device, circuit fault, damaged accessory or wider supply issue. Note which rooms are affected, whether anything has tripped and whether there are signs of burning, overheating or water ingress.
Why is my consumer unit tripping?
A consumer unit may trip to disconnect a faulty or unsafe circuit. Repeated tripping should not be ignored. Send photos of the board if safe and explain which switch trips, when it happens and whether any appliance or area seems linked.
Why is an accessory warm to touch?
A warm socket, switch, plug or isolator may indicate load, poor contact, damage or overheating. If it is hot, smells of burning, is discoloured or crackling, stop using it and seek competent electrical advice.
What should I do if I smell burning?
Stop using the affected circuit or equipment. Isolate if safe to do so and contact a competent electrician. Do not open accessories, consumer units or electrical equipment.
Why are my outdoor lights not working?
Outdoor lighting faults can involve lamps, water ingress, damaged fittings, timers, sensors, cabling or protective devices. Send photos of fittings, controls and the affected area where safe. See General Electrical Maintenance or Electrical Fault Finding.
Why has my extractor fan stopped working?
Extractor fan issues may involve the fan unit, isolator, timer, wiring, moisture or a related lighting circuit. Send photos of the fan, isolator and location. Do not remove covers or access wiring yourself.
Why does my EV charger not charge properly?
EV charger issues may relate to the charger, vehicle settings, app settings, signal, load management, protective devices or supply conditions. Send charger model, symptoms, photos and any error messages. VLV can review whether fault finding or charger-specific support is appropriate.
What information should I send before booking fault finding?
Send what is not working, when it started, what trips, affected rooms or circuits, photos or videos if safe, and whether there is burning, smoke, overheating, water ingress or exposed parts. See Electrical Fault Finding for the full enquiry route.
Basic Electrical Safety FAQ
When should I stop using a circuit?
Stop using a circuit if there is burning, smoke, overheating, exposed live parts, water ingress, damage or repeated tripping. Isolate if safe to do so and seek competent electrical advice.
What should I do if water has entered electrical equipment?
Do not use affected electrical equipment. Isolate the circuit if safe and seek competent electrical advice. Water ingress can create hidden risks even after visible moisture has dried.
Are overloaded extension leads dangerous?
Overloaded extension leads can overheat and increase fire risk. Avoid relying on temporary extension leads for fixed or high-load use. Ask for advice if more sockets or a safer arrangement is needed.
Is a cracked socket or switch dangerous?
A cracked, loose or damaged accessory should be reviewed. Do not remove it or touch exposed parts. Send a photo if safe and arrange suitable repair or replacement.
What are warning signs around a consumer unit?
Warning signs include burning smells, heat, buzzing, scorch marks, missing blanks, damaged covers, repeated tripping or signs of water ingress. These should be assessed by a competent electrician.
Why should repeated tripping not be ignored?
Repeated tripping can indicate a fault, damaged equipment, moisture, overload or unsuitable protection. Resetting repeatedly without investigation can mask a real safety issue.
What smoke, heat or CO alarms might a property need?
Alarm requirements depend on property layout, escape routes, fuel-burning appliances, room use and applicable requirements. See Smoke Alarm / Fire Detection for VLV's enquiry route.
What is an EICR and why does it matter?
An EICR assesses the condition of an existing electrical installation and records observations that may affect safety. It helps owners, landlords and duty holders understand electrical condition and next steps.
What should landlords know about electrical safety?
Landlords should keep electrical safety, access, documentation, EICR testing, remedials and tenant-reported repairs organised. See Landlord Electrical Services, EICR Testing and EICR Remedial Works.
Why should recalled electrical products be checked?
Recalled products may have known safety concerns. Check reputable recall sources and stop using suspect products if there are signs of damage, overheating, smoke, burning or repeated tripping.
Consumer Advice and Trusted Resources
VLV may link to reputable consumer guidance where it helps customers understand electrical safety, recalls, inspections and when to seek professional help. External resources should be used for general awareness only and do not replace site-specific electrical inspection, testing or professional advice.
Electrical Safety First consumer guidance
Consumer guidance for general electrical safety awareness.
Open resourceIET consumer guidance
General consumer resources from the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Open resourceGOV.UK product safety advice
Official UK product safety and recall guidance.
Open resourceNAPIT consumer advice
NAPIT householder guidance for choosing and understanding competent electrical work.
Open resourceTrustMark consumer advice
TrustMark homeowner guidance for working with registered trades and understanding standards.
Open resourceAsk VLV for advice
Contact VLV Electrical Ltd for enquiry-specific guidance before arranging electrical work.
Contact VLVVLV Service Guidance
Practical topics customers often ask about before arranging electrical work.
- What does C1, C2, C3 and FI mean on an EICR?
- What happens after an unsatisfactory EICR?
- Why upgrade a consumer unit?
- Why VLV commonly installs RCBO boards.
- Why Type AC RCDs are not preferred for modern upgrades.
- What photos to send for an EV charger quote.
- How to prepare for a rewire survey.
- What to consider before running power to a garden office.
- Why commercial electrical work is priced differently.
- How fault finding visits are charged.
Need advice on an electrical issue?
Send VLV Electrical Ltd the property type, postcode, symptoms and photos or videos where safe. Do not remove covers, open accessories or expose electrical parts.
If there is burning, smoke, overheating, water ingress, exposed live parts or repeated tripping, stop using the affected circuit or equipment and seek competent electrical advice.