Common household appliance responsible for millions of power cuts

Millions of power cuts in homes across the country have been trace back to a common household appliance. New research from home assistance provider HomeServe has revealed the culprit behind persistent power outages plaguing households in the UK – the toaster.

According to HomeServe's findings, a significant number of power disruptions have been directly linked to faulty toasters. More than 2,530,000 instances of power outages have been attributed to the seemingly innocuous kitchen appliances and a number of people have experienced after effects like a smell of smoke (14%) and even an electrical fire (7%) when appliances blow their fuses.

A power outage is disruptive - leading to food spoilage, hindering work-from-home setups, and affecting daily routines.

The top electrical appliances causing power outages across the UK are:

● Toasters (9%)
● Electric kettles (8%)
● Ovens or stoves (7%)
● Lighting fixtures (6%)
● Washing machines (6%)
● Irons (5%)
● Televisions (5%)

Some of the issues could be down to old appliances, with more than a third of UK adults acknowledging that some of their appliances are over 10 years old.

Sam Starbuck, Home Expert at HomeServe, said: “The research highlights the importance of having basic electrical knowledge to ensure that these fuse issues don't escalate into hazards like fires or other serious problems. It's really important to understand fundamental troubleshooting skills to address common electrical issues effectively.

“At HomeServe, we provide lots of tips on how to do this, including how to locate your fuse box, isolate and fix electrical problems, and recognise when maintenance might be needed. However, if homeowners are unsure or hesitant about handling electrical problems, it's crucial to call a professional. Electrical safety is paramount, and seeking expert assistance can prevent potential hazards.'"

For advice and guidance on how to fix a tripped fuse, visit HomeServe’s step by step guide here.