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Lancashire firefighters urge residents to register appliances for safety


Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) is encouraging households to register their appliances during Register My Appliance Week (20th–26th January 2025) to ensure they receive important safety updates about faulty appliances.

With over 40 million large appliances in UK homes still unregistered, many households risk missing out on crucial safety information. This could leave them unaware if a safety repair is needed.

An estimated 133 million fridges, washing machines, and ovens are currently in use across the country, yet nearly a third of households have never or rarely registered their appliances. This lack of registration makes it difficult for manufacturers to trace appliances if faults arise, significantly increasing the risk of an electrical fire in your home.

LFRS is stressing the importance of registration, not just for new appliances but also for older or second-hand items. Taking just a few minutes to register is quick, free, and ensures that owners can be contacted in the event of a recall or safety issue.

The benefits of registering appliances include:

  • Enhanced safety: While recalls are rare, faults can develop over time. Registering appliances ensures that manufacturers can contact owners if safety repairs are needed.
  • Ease of registration: Most appliances can be registered without proof of purchase. All that is typically required is the appliance’s model and serial number.
  • Coverage for all appliances: Whether an appliance is new, second-hand, or refurbished, registration ensures it is traceable for updates or repairs.
  • Second-hand and ‘nearly new’ appliances
    LFRS is also raising awareness about the importance of registering second-hand or nearly new appliances. Many consumers are unaware that older items can still be registered, regardless of whether they have a receipt.

    For those buying pre-owned appliances, the following terms are commonly used:

  • Out-of-box/open box: These are returned or display items, often with minor cosmetic damage.
  • Graded: New appliances returned due to cosmetic imperfections or minor faults, repaired by the manufacturer.
  • Refurbished: Appliances that were defective but have since been repaired and tested for resale.
  • Display models: Items used for display purposes that are typically unused but may have blemishes or lack original packaging.
  • Consumers should always ask why a product is reduced and whether it includes a warranty.

    With many households relying heavily on appliances to make daily life easier, LFRS is urging residents to visit Register My Appliance and ensure their devices are safe and traceable.

     

    Visit Electrical Safety | Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for electrical safety advice.


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    Message Sent By
    Zoe Scott
    (Lancashire Fire & Rescue, Campaigns Officer, Lancashire)

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