Hotpoint DWF and DC dishwashers fire risk
Certain Hotpoint dishwashers (DWF30-DWF35, DWM37, DC26) manufactured between January 1999 and September 2003 have a potential fire risk. If you own one of these models, contact Whirlpool immediately and do not leave the machine running unattended.
This safety notice covers certain Hotpoint dishwashers manufactured between January 1999 and September 2003. There is a potential risk of fire in the affected models.
If you have one of the affected models listed below, contact Whirlpool (the manufacturer) immediately for guidance.
Which Models Are Affected?
UK Hotpoint dishwashers manufactured between January 1999 and September 2003 with the following model numbers:
- DWF30
- DWF31
- DWF32
- DWF33
- DWF34
- DWF35
- DWM37
- DC26
What to Do
Hotpoint recommend not leaving the dishwasher unattended while in use. This advice applies equally to all dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble dryers – never leaving them running when the house is empty or everyone is in bed significantly reduces the risk of serious consequences if a fire starts. See: fire risks in appliances.
If you have one of the affected models, contact Whirlpool directly to arrange a safety inspection or repair.
Hotpoint FDW range dishwashers fire risk safety notice – All dishwasher safety notices – All appliance safety notices
Extension Leads and Cables with Washing Machines
Using an extension lead with a washing machine is not recommended by manufacturers and introduces real fire and electrical risks. If one is absolutely necessary, it must be rated at 13 amps, be three-core with an earth conductor, and have cable at least as thick as the appliance’s own cable. Never run two high-current appliances from the same extension at the same time, and always fully unwind a cable reel before use.
Using an extension lead with a washing machine, dishwasher, or tumble dryer is not recommended by manufacturers and introduces genuine fire and electrical risks if the wrong cable is used. This guide covers what the risks actually are, the rules for choosing a safe extension lead if one is absolutely necessary, how to calculate whether your socket is overloaded, and the warning signs that something is going wrong.
All major appliance manufacturers, including Miele, explicitly state in their instruction manuals that washing machines must not be connected via an extension lead. If you must use one, the rules below are not optional – they are the minimum required for safe operation.
Why Extension Leads Are Risky With White Goods
Washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers draw significantly more current than most domestic appliances. A washing machine on a hot cycle with the heating element running can draw close to 10 amps. A tumble dryer can draw 11 amps or more. These are high-current appliances operating continuously for extended periods, and that combination is precisely what extension leads are not designed to handle reliably.
Overheating riskExtension cables generate heat under load. A cable rated for lower-power appliances, such as lamps or chargers, will overheat when a washing machine draws 10 amps through it. The insulation degrades, connections become resistive, and in worst cases the cable can melt or ignite. This risk is present even when the extension cable appears to be working normally.
Multi-socket overloadingA four or six-socket extension strip can only carry 13 amps in total through the cable, regardless of how many sockets it has. It is easy to plug multiple appliances into a multi-socket strip without realising that two high-current appliances running simultaneously will exceed the safe limit. This is one of the most common causes of extension lead fires in UK homes.
No earth connectionWashing machines and other white goods appliances must be earthed. Some cheap extension cables use only two-core wiring with no earth conductor. Connecting a washing machine via an unearthed extension means the appliance is not earthed, and if an insulation fault develops inside the machine, the appliance casing becomes live at mains voltage. This is potentially lethal. Read: electric shocks from an appliance.
Poor connectionsThe fire brigade advise against plugging large appliances into double adaptors because the internal connections are often of lower quality than a proper wall socket. Poor connections under high current loads create resistance, generate heat, and can arc. A connection that handles a phone charger safely can fail dangerously under the sustained current a washing machine draws.
The Rules for Using an Extension Lead Safely
If a wall socket is genuinely not available and an extension lead must be used, all of the following requirements apply. Missing any one of them creates a safety risk.
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The lead must be rated for 13 amps. This is non-negotiable. Extension leads designed for garden tools, lamps, or low-power electronics are often rated at 5 or 10 amps, which is insufficient for a washing machine. A 10-amp lead connected to a washing machine will overheat. Check the packaging or the cable itself for the amp rating before use. If it is not clearly stated, do not use it for white goods. -
The lead must be three-core with an earth conductor. A washing machine requires an earth connection. A two-core extension cable has no earth, and connecting an earthed appliance to it removes the earth protection. Check the plug end of the extension cable: a three-core cable has three pins, including a longer earth pin at the top. A two-core cable has only the two flat live and neutral pins. -
The cable must be as thick as or thicker than the appliance’s own cable. A cable thinner than the appliance cable cannot safely carry the same current. The thickness of the cable is a rough visual guide to its current rating. If the extension lead cable is noticeably thinner than the machine’s own power cable, it is likely undersized for the application. -
Buy from a recognised brand. Cheap unbranded extension leads from market stalls or discount websites may not meet their stated ratings. Branded products from established UK electrical suppliers are more likely to meet their specifications reliably. This is not about price snobbery – it is about whether the stated amp rating is accurate. -
Never connect two high-current appliances to the same extension at the same time. A washing machine and a tumble dryer, or a washing machine and a dishwasher, running simultaneously on the same extension will draw close to or beyond 13 amps combined, overloading the cable and potentially the wall socket. No two appliances with heating elements should run from the same socket or extension at the same time. -
Keep the cable run as short as possible. Longer cables have higher resistance, which increases heat generation under load. Use the shortest cable that reaches the socket and avoid coiling any excess cable while the machine is running, as coiled cable traps heat.
Extension Reels: Unwind Fully Before Use
Retractable extension reels that wind up into a drum are particularly dangerous with high-current appliances if left wound up during use. When a cable is coiled, heat generated by current flow cannot dissipate and accumulates in the reel. This is why extension reels carry two separate amp ratings: one for fully unwound use, and a lower rating for use while wound up.
The wound-up rating on a cable reel is typically well below 13 amps. A washing machine drawing close to 10 amps through a wound reel can cause the reel to overheat and potentially catch fire even when the cable itself is rated for 13 amps unwound.
How to Calculate Whether You Are Overloading a Socket
Every UK wall socket can handle a maximum of 13 amps. Every appliance has a wattage rating on its label, and you can convert watts to amps using a simple calculation: divide the wattage by 230 (the UK mains voltage) to get the approximate amperage.
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Approximate amps |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine (heating element running) | 2,000 to 2,400W | 8.7 to 10.4A |
| Tumble dryer | 2,400 to 2,800W | 10.4 to 12.2A |
| Dishwasher | 1,800 to 2,200W | 7.8 to 9.6A |
| Fridge freezer | 100 to 400W | 0.4 to 1.7A |
| Microwave | 700 to 1,200W | 3.0 to 5.2A |
| Laptop charger | 45 to 90W | 0.2 to 0.4A |
A multi-socket extension strip plugged into a single wall socket can only carry 13 amps in total through the connecting cable. It does not matter how many sockets the strip has. The maximum safe load across all sockets combined is 13 amps. If a washing machine alone draws up to 10.4 amps, there is only around 2.5 amps available for any other appliance on the same extension at the same time.
For an interactive tool to check whether your socket is overloaded, Electrical Safety First offer a free socket calculator: Socket Overload Calculator.
Wall Socket Adaptors
Double or triple wall socket adaptors, the type that plug directly into a wall socket and allow multiple plugs, are less common now that multi-socket extensions are widely available. They are always rated at 13 amps, so the amp limit itself is the same as a wall socket.
However, the same overloading rules apply. A washing machine drawing close to 10 amps leaves very little capacity for anything else on the same adaptor. Two high-current appliances in the same adaptor running simultaneously will overload it. The fire brigade advise against using double adaptors for large appliances because of poor internal connection quality, even where the amp limit itself is not exceeded.
Warning Signs of Overloading or Electrical Faults
A strange fishy or burning smell coming from a wall socket, plug, adaptor, or extension lead is a warning sign of dangerous overheating inside the fitting. This is not an obvious burning smell – it can be faint and unusual, more like a fishy or acrid odour. If you notice it, stop using the socket immediately and investigate the source before the fitting is used again.
Fishy or burning smellSome electrical components and insulation give off a characteristic fishy or acrid smell when they overheat, rather than the obvious smell of burning plastic or rubber. This smell near a socket, plug, extension lead, or adaptor should be treated seriously. Turn off the circuit and do not use the fitting until it has been inspected by an electrician.
Warm or hot socket or plugA socket or plug that feels warm or hot to the touch during appliance use indicates a connection issue or overloading. Some warmth under high load is not unusual, but a socket or plug that is uncomfortable to touch is not functioning safely. Have it inspected.
Tripping RCD or circuit breakerAn RCD or circuit breaker that trips when a washing machine runs may indicate an overloaded circuit, a fault in the machine, or a problem with the extension cable or socket. Do not simply reset and continue without investigating the cause. A tripping RCD is doing its job, but the underlying cause needs to be identified.
Scorch marks or discolourationAny scorch marks, discolouration, or blackening around a socket, plug, or extension lead connection point indicates that arcing or overheating has occurred. The fitting must not be used again until it has been replaced and the cause investigated.
Related Safety Guides
Electric shocks from a washing machineWhy washing machines sometimes give electric shocks, the most common causes, and why an unearthed appliance is potentially lethal.
Extension sockets and adaptorsA deeper look at multi-socket extensions and wall socket adaptors, including how to check what is safe to plug in together.
How to wire a washing machine plugThe correct way to wire a three-pin UK plug on a washing machine, including how to identify and connect the earth, neutral, and live wires safely.
Appliance safety hubAll of Whitegoods Help’s appliance safety guides in one place, covering fire risks, electric shock, safety notices, and safe use of white goods.
8 ways to make your appliances saferPractical steps every household can take to reduce the risk of fire, flood, and injury from white goods appliances.
Is it safe to leave the washing machine on when out?The genuine fire risk from unattended appliances, what the evidence shows, and how to weigh the risk in practice.
Need a repair or electrical help?
If your appliance has an electrical fault, or if you need a qualified engineer to check your installation, Whitegoods Help can point you in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an extension lead with a washing machine?
Manufacturers including Miele explicitly advise against it in their instruction manuals, and it is not recommended as a permanent arrangement. If a wall socket is genuinely not available, the extension lead must be rated at 13 amps, be three-core with an earth, and have cable as thick or thicker than the appliance’s own cable. Never use a multi-socket extension with more than one high-current appliance running at the same time.
What extension lead rating do I need for a washing machine?
A minimum of 13 amps, three-core with an earth conductor. The cable must be at least as thick as the machine’s own power cable, and the lead should be from a recognised brand rather than an unbranded product. An extension rated for anything less than 13 amps is not safe for use with a washing machine.
Can I plug a washing machine and tumble dryer into the same extension lead?
Not at the same time. A washing machine on a hot cycle draws up to 10 amps and a tumble dryer can draw up to 12 amps. Running both simultaneously through a single 13-amp extension would significantly exceed the safe limit, causing overheating that could start a fire. If both appliances need to run, they must be on separate wall sockets.
How do I calculate whether my socket is overloaded?
Find the wattage of each appliance on its rating plate, typically inside the door rim or on the back. Divide the wattage by 230 to get the approximate amperage. Add up the amps of all appliances running from the same socket simultaneously. The total must not exceed 13 amps. For example, a 2,200W washing machine draws approximately 9.6 amps, leaving only 3.4 amps for anything else on the same socket while it is running.
I can smell something fishy near my socket. What does it mean?
A fishy or acrid smell near a socket, plug, extension lead, or adaptor is a warning sign of electrical overheating. Some components and insulation materials produce this specific smell rather than the more obvious smell of burning plastic when they overheat internally. Stop using the socket immediately, do not reset the circuit, and have it inspected by a qualified electrician before using it again.
Do I need to fully unwind a cable reel when using it with a washing machine?
Yes, always. A cable reel wound up in its drum cannot dissipate heat, so the effective safe current rating when wound up is significantly lower than the rating when fully unwound. Even a reel rated at 13 amps fully unwound will have a much lower wound-up rating printed on the label. Always fully unwind the reel before connecting a washing machine, dishwasher, or tumble dryer.
Is a two-core extension cable safe to use with a washing machine?
No. A two-core extension cable has no earth conductor. Connecting a washing machine to it removes the machine’s earth protection entirely. If the machine develops an internal insulation fault, the casing becomes live at mains voltage. This is potentially lethal. Always use a three-core extension cable with a washing machine.
Is It Safe to Leave a Washing Machine On?
Leaving a washing machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher running while you are out or asleep is a low-probability but high-consequence risk. White goods appliances are involved in over 1,000 accidental fires in England every year. The recommendation is to run these appliances only when someone is in the house and awake, in a position to hear a smoke alarm or smell burning. You do not need to watch them, but someone needs to be there.
Official UK fire safety guidance recommends not leaving white goods appliances running unattended. This does not mean sitting and watching every cycle, but it does mean having someone in the house who can respond to a smoke alarm or smell burning.
Washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers are involved in house fires every year in the UK. Although this question is most commonly asked about washing machines, the same risks apply equally to tumble dryers and dishwashers, and this guide covers all three. Future dedicated guides for each appliance type are planned. For now, this is the real risk, what the most current statistics show, the specific advice for each appliance, and how to make an informed decision rather than simply hoping for the best.
The Real Risk: What the Current Statistics Show
Appliance fires are not as rare as most people assume. According to Electrical Safety First, 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving common household white goods, such as tumble dryers and washing machines, occurred across England in the year to 2025, the equivalent of three fires every single day. This figure covers England alone and does not include the rest of the UK.
Washing machines and tumble dryersAmong the most common sources of accidental electrical fires in UK homes. Fires can result from electrical faults in the machine, overheating components, lint accumulation around heating elements in tumble dryers, or faults in the wiring and plug. Modern machines have better thermal protection than older ones, but are not immune from fire risk.
DishwashersLess commonly discussed but also a documented source of appliance fires. Heating elements, pumps, and wiring are all potential fault sources. The same principle applies: a dishwasher running while the house is empty or everyone is asleep carries the same response-time problem as any other appliance.
Fridges and freezersThese run 24 hours a day and cannot practically be switched off. However, a significant proportion of fridge and freezer fires are linked to blocked air vents at the rear of the appliance, where dust and lint accumulate over time. Pull fridges and freezers out periodically and clean the rear panels and vents. Check for relevant safety notices: fridge and freezer safety notices.
Floods and leaksFire is the most serious risk, but large leaks are a significant secondary concern. A washing machine with a failed hose or seal running unattended can flood a room before anyone responds. Some leaks can run continuously until the water supply is turned off. Water damage from an unattended appliance leak can be both extensive and expensive.
The figure of 1,140 accidental white goods fires per year in England is sourced from Electrical Safety First’s Electrical Fire Safety Week 2025 campaign, published in 2025. This is the most current publicly available figure from a nationally recognised electrical safety body. The Home Office publishes annual detailed fire statistics for England (most recently for April 2024 to March 2025, published August 2025), which provide the underlying data. For the most detailed breakdown, see the Home Office detailed analysis of fires, England, April 2024 to March 2025.
For historical comparison, the former Electricity Safety Council reported 22 deaths and 2,500 injuries from appliance electrical fires in 2012, with washing machines and tumble dryers identified as the second most common cause of electrical fires in UK homes at that time. The current Electrical Safety First figures indicate the problem remains substantial over a decade later.
The nature of the risk matters as much as its scale. A fire starting in a machine you are watching can be caught quickly, as the first-hand account below demonstrates. A fire starting in a machine running overnight, or while the house is empty, has hours to develop before anyone responds. The same fault that produces a contained incident in a supervised home can burn a house down in an unsupervised one.
A Real Account: Why Being Present Changes the Outcome
The following account was shared by a Whitegoods Help reader and illustrates exactly why the presence of someone in the house changes the outcome of an appliance fire:
“My Indesit tumble dryer caught fire from the rear of the appliance within a couple of minutes of being started. Within a couple of minutes I could smell smoke. I dashed back to the machine where there was very slow grey smoke coming from around the sides of the dryer. I quickly pulled the laundry out and could see flames through the rear of the drum, approximately 7 to 10 inches high and clearly well alight. Because I caught the fire straight away, the flames hadn’t even damaged a plastic panel located above the motor compartment.
I think it’s important to mention: I was about to go out in my car as soon as I started the machine. There were four family members upstairs in bed when this incident occurred. I was genuinely having palpitations with the thought of what could have happened. The machine was around 5 years old and had been serviced just one month ago.”
Whitegoods Help reader, dryer fire account
This account makes the risk concrete. The machine had been recently serviced. The fire started within minutes. Being present made the difference between a contained incident and a potentially fatal house fire with four sleeping occupants. The same fault, one hour later with the house empty or everyone asleep, would have been a very different outcome.
Specific Advice for Each Appliance Type
Washing machines
Washing machines are among the most common sources of accidental electrical fires in UK homes. Electrical faults in the motor, wiring, PCB, or heating element are the most frequent causes, alongside flooding from failed hoses or door seals. Running a washing machine overnight or while the house is empty is not advisable. If you must use a delay start feature, set it to complete as close to when someone will be awake and present as possible.
Tumble dryers
Tumble dryers carry a higher fire risk than washing machines, primarily because of the combination of continuous heat and the lint they accumulate. Lint around or on the heating element is a significant fire accelerant. There has also been a large-scale recall programme in the UK for certain tumble dryer models from major brands, covering machines manufactured within specific date ranges. Check whether your machine is subject to a current recall before using it unattended.
Do not stop a tumble dryer mid-cycle and leave the laundry inside. In some circumstances, hot laundry left in a stopped drum can reach a temperature sufficient to ignite. If you need to stop the dryer to go out or to bed, cancel the cycle properly rather than simply switching it off mid-run. Read the full explanation: why you should not stop a tumble dryer mid-cycle.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are often left running overnight because the cycle is long and the noise is unwelcome while the household is awake. The same fire and flood risks apply. If the dishwasher must run while the household is asleep, ensure smoke alarms are fitted nearby and that the machine is not subject to any current safety notice or recall.
Is It Safe to Use Delay Start?
The presence of a delay start feature on a machine does not mean the manufacturer endorses unsupervised overnight operation. Manufacturers include the feature because it is useful and commercially desirable, not because it removes the fire and flood risk. Cases of appliance fires and floods occurring during delay-start cycles are documented.
If you use delay start, set the cycle to complete as close as possible to when someone will be awake and in the house. A cycle finishing at 6am when the household rises at 6:30am is a considerably more manageable risk than a cycle running from midnight through to 2am.
Economy 7 Tariffs and Running Appliances Overnight
Economy 7 tariffs offer cheaper electricity during off-peak overnight hours, making running appliances at night financially attractive. Against this saving needs to be weighed the increased risk associated with unsupervised overnight operation. For most households, the electricity saving from running one or two appliance cycles during off-peak hours is relatively modest. It is worth calculating the actual saving before deciding whether it justifies the overnight risk.
If you do use Economy 7 for appliance cycles, set the cycle to run as late in the off-peak window as possible, so the machine finishes closer to when the household wakes up and someone is available to respond if needed. Read our full analysis: Economy 7 tariffs and white goods appliances.
Do Modern Appliances Have Better Safety Protection?
Yes, to a meaningful degree. Most modern appliances are controlled by software built into the main PCB. These machines typically have thermal protection that aborts the cycle if overheating is detected. They will time out and display error codes if filling, draining, or heating takes too long. Washing machines can abort the spin if the load is dangerously unbalanced.
However, these protections do not cover all failure modes. A flooding leak from a failed inlet hose, a fire starting from an electrical fault in the wiring or plug rather than the main PCB, or a dryer fire caused by lint ignition around the heating element, are all scenarios that onboard protection cannot prevent or detect in time. The protections reduce certain risks but do not eliminate the case for supervised operation.
Practical Steps to Reduce the Risk
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Run appliances only when someone is in the house. The key protection against an appliance fire is a person who can hear a smoke alarm or smell burning and respond quickly. You do not need to watch the machine, but someone needs to be present. -
Fit a smoke alarm near your washing machine, tumble dryer, and dishwasher. Standard cooking-sensitive alarms are unsuitable in kitchens due to false alarms from cooking. Optical alarms, which are less sensitive to cooking fumes, are a better choice near appliances. Test any alarm regularly to confirm it is working. -
Clean the tumble dryer lint filter after every cycle. A blocked lint filter restricts airflow, causes overheating, and concentrates flammable material near the heating element. This is the single most important maintenance action for reducing tumble dryer fire risk. -
Pull fridges and freezers out periodically and clean the rear. A significant proportion of fridge and freezer fires are linked to dust and fluff accumulation blocking rear ventilation. Clean behind these appliances every six to twelve months. -
Check whether your appliance is subject to a recall or safety notice. Several major appliance recalls have been issued in the UK, including for large numbers of tumble dryers. Check the UK government’s product recall list: Trading Standards product recalls and safety notices. Also check: Whitegoods Help appliance safety notices. -
If using delay start, set it to finish as close to waking time as possible. Do not use delay start to run appliances through the middle of the night with the household asleep and no one able to respond. -
Turn off the water supply taps after using the washing machine. A machine that develops a leak while the supply is on can flood continuously until someone turns off the water. Turning off the inlet taps after each use eliminates this risk entirely. Read our guide: should you turn off the taps after using the washing machine?
More Safety Guides
How dangerous are our appliances?A frank look at the fire, flood, and injury risks from domestic white goods, what the statistics show, and how to put the risk in realistic perspective.
8 ways to make your appliances saferPractical steps every household can take to reduce the risk of fire, flood, and injury from washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and fridges.
Why you should not stop a tumble dryer mid-cycleThe specific risk of stopping a tumble dryer part-way through a cycle and leaving laundry inside, and why cancelling the cycle properly matters.
Washing machine door glass dangerWhy washing machine door glass sometimes shatters unexpectedly, how common it is, and what to do if it happens.
Extension leads and white goods appliancesWhy using extension leads with washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers carries genuine fire risk, and the rules if one must be used.
Appliance safety hubAll Whitegoods Help safety guides in one place, including fire risks, electric shock, manufacturer recalls, and safe appliance use.
Is your appliance safe to use?
If your appliance has been recalled, is making unusual noises, or has shown any signs of overheating, do not leave it running unattended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to leave a washing machine on when you go out?
It is not recommended. According to Electrical Safety First, 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving white goods occurred in England in the year to 2025, the equivalent of three per day. A fire starting in an empty house has far longer to develop before anyone responds. Official UK fire safety guidance recommends having someone in the house when these appliances are running. Source: Electrical Safety First, Electrical Fire Safety Week 2025.
Is it safe to run a washing machine overnight?
The same risks apply as leaving one running while you are out, with the additional consideration that sleeping occupants are less likely to respond quickly to a smoke alarm or the smell of burning. If you use a delay start or Economy 7 tariff to run the machine overnight, set the cycle to finish as close to when the household wakes as possible rather than running through the middle of the night.
How many house fires are caused by white goods each year in the UK?
According to Electrical Safety First’s 2025 campaign data, 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving white goods such as washing machines and tumble dryers occurred across England in the year to 2025, the equivalent of three fires per day. This figure covers England only. The Home Office publishes detailed fire statistics annually through its official statistics programme, with the most recent release covering April 2024 to March 2025, published August 2025. Source: Electrical Safety First, 2025; Home Office fire statistics, 2025.
Are tumble dryers more dangerous than washing machines to leave running?
Yes, generally. Tumble dryers carry a higher fire risk because of the combination of continuous heat and the lint they accumulate. Lint around the heating element is a significant fire accelerant. Additionally, there have been large-scale tumble dryer recalls in the UK affecting specific brands and model years. Never leave a tumble dryer running when the house is empty or everyone is asleep, and never stop one mid-cycle without cancelling the programme properly first.
Is it safe to use the delay start feature on a washing machine or dishwasher?
The delay start feature does not remove the fire and flood risk. Manufacturers include it for convenience, not because it makes unsupervised operation safe. If you use delay start, set the cycle to complete as close to when someone will be awake and present as possible, and ensure smoke alarms are fitted nearby.
Do modern appliances have better fire protection than older ones?
Partially. Most modern appliances have PCB-controlled thermal protection that can abort cycles if overheating is detected, and they will display error codes if filling, draining, or heating takes too long. However, these protections do not cover all failure modes. Wiring faults, hose failures, and lint fires are not reliably prevented by onboard protection. Modern machines reduce certain risks but do not eliminate the argument for supervised operation.
Should I turn off the taps and socket when the washing machine is not in use?
Turning off the water supply taps after each use is good practice. A developing leak cannot flood continuously with the supply off. Turning off the wall socket when the machine is not in use is also beneficial where the socket is easily accessible, removing the small risk of an electrical fault in the standby circuit. Read our guide: should you turn off the taps after using the washing machine?
Dishwasher Fire Risks to Pets
If your Bosch, Neff, or Siemens dishwasher is subject to the fire risk safety notice, stop using it until an engineer has inspected and cleared it. The manufacturer’s guidance to not leave it “unattended” is not adequate protection – a fire can develop faster than anyone in the house can safely respond. Check your model number against the official safety notice and arrange an engineer visit as a priority.
If you have a Bosch, Neff, or Siemens dishwasher, check whether your appliance is covered by the official safety notice. See our guide on the Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwasher fire risk safety notice for full details of affected models and the manufacturer’s guidance.
A couple in Norfolk lost their pet dogs when their Bosch dishwasher caught fire. According to ITV News coverage of the incident, there had already been 259 reported fire incidents at the time. The couple say they were not advised to stop using the appliance while awaiting an engineer visit – and it caught fire while in use.
What Happened
The couple contacted Bosch after becoming aware their appliance was on the affected list. They were told an engineer would visit within 14 days. Crucially, they report that they were not advised to stop using the dishwasher in the interim. They continued using it during that period, and it caught fire – destroying part of the property and killing their pets.
The official Bosch guidance at the time of the incident advised owners with affected appliances that they could continue using them – but should not leave them “unattended.” In practice this means not leaving the house or going to sleep while the appliance is running.
If your appliance is subject to a fire risk safety notice, stop using it until it has been inspected and cleared by an engineer. Being present in the house while it runs is not adequate protection – a fire can take hold faster than a person can respond, and kitchen fires are among the most dangerous. An appliance we can comfortably manage without for a few weeks is not worth the risk of a house fire or injury to people or animals in the home.
The Problem With “Do Not Leave Unattended” Advice
Manufacturers frequently issue guidance telling owners to not leave affected appliances unattended rather than advising them to stop using the appliance entirely. This is inadequate for several reasons:
- Being in the same house as a running appliance provides very limited protection against a fire that starts suddenly
- Smelling smoke from another room and finding an appliance on fire leaves very limited time to respond safely
- Few domestic kitchens have fire extinguishers or other suppression equipment
- Unplugging or pulling out an appliance that is already on fire is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted
The capacity argument – that visiting and modifying tens of thousands of affected appliances takes time and an engineer cannot always attend within a day – is understandable as a logistical reality. It does not, however, change the risk to an individual household while they wait. The only genuinely safe course is to stop using the appliance until the repair has been carried out.
A Note on Manufacturer Safety Responses
When appliance fire risks emerge, manufacturers typically emphasise that only a small percentage of appliances are affected. Statistically this may be true. The relevant question is not the percentage of the production run that might be affected, but the consequences for the specific household where a failure does occur. House fires cause fatalities, serious injuries, and devastating losses. That context should drive the response, not the percentage figure.
Even for appliances not subject to a specific safety notice, Whitegoods Help strongly recommends not running washing machines, dishwashers, or tumble dryers overnight or when the house is unoccupied. For appliances with a known fire risk safety notice, stop using the appliance until it has been inspected and confirmed safe by an engineer.
Check All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Guides
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?Fire, flood, and electrical risks from white goods – what the data shows and how to reduce your risk.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce the risk of fire, flood, and electrical faults.
Is It Safe to Leave the Washing Machine On?The risks of running washing machines unattended – what the statistics show and how to weigh them.
Tumble Dryer Fire Risk Safety NoticesWhich tumble dryer brands and models have been subject to fire risk safety notices in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Bosch dishwasher is on the affected list – can I still use it?
Whitegoods Help’s recommendation is to stop using any appliance that is subject to a fire risk safety notice until an engineer has inspected and cleared it. The manufacturer’s guidance of “do not leave unattended” is not adequate protection – a fire can start and spread faster than a person in another room can respond. Check the official safety notice for your model number and contact Bosch to arrange an engineer visit as a priority.
How do I know if my dishwasher is affected by the Bosch fire risk notice?
Check your model number against the official safety notice. See our guide on the Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwasher safety notice for details of how to find and check your model number. Affected models include Bosch, Neff, and Siemens branded dishwashers.
Is it safe to run any large appliance overnight or when the house is empty?
Whitegoods Help does not recommend running washing machines, dishwashers, or tumble dryers overnight or when no one is home – regardless of whether the specific appliance is subject to a safety notice. Fire risks can arise from faults that develop without warning, and having someone present significantly improves the chance of catching a problem early.
Hotpoint dishwasher fire risk safety notice
The affected models are Hotpoint FDW20, FDW60, and FDW65A – manufactured between June 2006 and March 2007. Not all units are affected; specific serial number ranges apply. If the first five digits of the serial number fall between 60601 and 70331, the dishwasher is affected. Check the inside of the door for a green sticker – if one is present, the modification has already been carried out.
Certain Hotpoint dishwasher models have been identified as carrying a potential fire hazard caused by an electrical component that may overheat. If your dishwasher matches the model and serial number criteria below, stop using it and contact Hotpoint immediately.
Hotpoint has acknowledged awareness of cases where an electrical component in certain dishwasher models has failed, leading to overheating and in some cases a potential fire risk. Approximately 71,000 dishwashers were identified as potentially affected. For ITV News coverage including photographs of the internal heat damage that can occur, see the ITV News report on the Hotpoint safety notice.
How to Check If Your Dishwasher Is Affected
Step 1: Check the model number
The model number is usually on a sticker on the side of the door. The affected models are:
Hotpoint FDW60
Hotpoint FDW65A
Step 2: Check the manufacture date
The affected units were manufactured between June 2006 and March 2007. If your machine is from outside this period, it is not affected by this safety notice.
Step 3: Check the serial number
Not all units from this period are affected – only specific production batches. The serial number is 9 digits long. If the first 5 digits fall between S/N 60601 and S/N 70331, your appliance is affected.
Already modified?
If a green sticker is visible on the inside of the door, the modification has already been carried out and the appliance is safe to use. If there is no green sticker and your model and serial number are within the affected range, stop using the appliance and contact Hotpoint.
Hotpoint previously maintained a dedicated safety page and customer service line (08448 910094) for this notice. As is common with manufacturers after the initial publicity period, this page may have been removed from their website despite the likelihood that not all affected appliances have been modified. If you have any concerns, contact Hotpoint directly to confirm whether your appliance requires a modification.
What to Do If Your Dishwasher Is Affected
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Stop using the dishwasher immediately. Do not use it again until Hotpoint have confirmed it has been inspected and modified.
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Contact Hotpoint. Use Hotpoint’s current customer service contact details to report your appliance and arrange an engineer visit. Explain that your model and serial number fall within the affected range and that no green modification sticker is present.
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Do not assume the risk is low enough to continue using it. Hotpoint’s description of the risk as “rare” does not mean it is acceptable to continue using an appliance with a known fire hazard – particularly one that may be left running unattended.
If a family member or neighbour has a Hotpoint dishwasher, pass this information on. The affected models are over 15 years old and owners may not be aware a safety notice was ever issued, or may not have taken action at the time.
More Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Guides
Bosch, Neff and Siemens Dishwasher Safety NoticeA separate fire risk safety notice affecting Bosch, Neff, and Siemens branded dishwashers.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?Fire, flood, and electrical risks from white goods – what the data shows and how to reduce your risk.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce the risk of fire, flood, and electrical faults from large appliances.
Is It Safe to Leave Appliances On Unattended?The risks of running large appliances when no one is home – what the evidence shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hotpoint dishwasher models are affected by this safety notice?
The affected models are the Hotpoint FDW20, FDW60, and FDW65A, manufactured between June 2006 and March 2007. Not all units from this period are affected – the serial number must also fall within the affected range, with the first five digits between S/N 60601 and S/N 70331.
How do I find the model and serial number on my Hotpoint dishwasher?
The model and serial number are usually on a sticker on the side of the door – visible when the door is open. The serial number is 9 digits long. Check the first 5 digits against the range S/N 60601 to S/N 70331 to determine whether your unit is within the affected batch.
There is a green sticker inside my dishwasher door – is it safe?
Yes. A green sticker on the inside of the door indicates that Hotpoint has already carried out the necessary modification to the appliance. No further action is needed.
The Hotpoint safety page no longer seems to exist – what do I do?
Contact Hotpoint customer services directly, providing your model number and serial number and explaining that you are enquiring about the FDW series fire risk safety notice. Manufacturers sometimes remove dedicated safety pages after the initial publicity period despite not all affected appliances having been modified.
Extension sockets and adapters
If an extension lead must be used, it must be 3-core (with an earth wire), rated for at least 13 amps, fully unwound if it is a reel type, and positioned where it cannot get wet. Never use two large appliances on the same extension or multi-socket adapter – the combined current draw can exceed 13 amps and cause overheating.
Washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers draw close to 10 to 13 amps and should be connected directly to a dedicated wall socket wherever possible. Extension leads and multi-socket adapters introduce additional connection points that can overheat, and most manufacturer instruction books specifically advise against their use with large appliances.
Extension leads and multi-socket adapters are used in virtually every home, and sold in their millions. They are legal products and can be used safely. The issue with large white goods appliances is specific: the current they draw, combined with the extra connection points and potentially lower-rated cable of an extension lead, creates a genuine overheating risk that a direct wall socket connection does not.
Why Large Appliances Are Different
The problem is not that extension leads are inherently dangerous – it is that they are frequently used with appliances drawing far more current than the lead was designed for, or in combinations that exceed the 13-amp limit of a standard UK wall socket.
| Appliance type | Approximate current draw | Extension lead risk |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | 10 to 13 amps | High – near the maximum for a single socket |
| Tumble dryer | 10 to 13 amps | High – never combine with any other large appliance |
| Dishwasher | 8 to 10 amps | High – leave little headroom for any other device |
| Microwave | 4 to 7 amps | Medium – dangerous if combined with any large appliance |
| Kettle | 8 to 13 amps | High – never combine with a washing machine or dryer |
| Phone charger, lamp, router | Under 1 amp each | Low – safe to combine on a multi-socket extension |
A washing machine and a kettle running simultaneously on the same extension or socket will exceed 13 amps and cause overheating. A radio, two lamps, and a phone charger combined will draw less than 3 amps – well within any extension lead’s capacity.
“Do not connect via an extension lead. Extension leads do not guarantee the required safety of the appliance (e.g. danger of overheating).”
Miele washing machine instruction manual
“Do not connect the appliance by an extension lead, multi socket adaptor or similar. These can overheat and are a fire hazard.”
Miele tumble dryer instruction manual
If an Extension Lead Must Be Used: The Requirements
Must be 3-core with an earth wire
A 2-core extension lead has no earth. Using a large appliance without an earth connection puts the user at risk of electric shock if the appliance develops an insulation fault. See our guide on electric shocks from washing machines for more on why earthing matters.
Must be rated for 13 amps
Many extension leads use thinner cable than the appliance’s own flex, rated for 5 or 10 amps. If the cable is noticeably thinner than the appliance’s cable, it is not suitable. A 10-amp rated extension used with a washing machine drawing 13 amps will overheat.
As short as possible
Longer cable means more resistance and more heat generated. Use the shortest extension that achieves the connection needed. Do not coil unused cable – lay it out fully.
Not positioned where it could get wet
If the washing machine leaks, a live extension socket on the floor behind or beside it becomes extremely dangerous. Position any extension socket at worktop height or somewhere it cannot be reached by water from a leak or overflow.
Reel-Type Extension Cables: A Specific Danger
Extension cables on a reel must be fully unwound before use. Wound cable acts as an inductor – it generates heat when current flows through it. All reel-type extensions have two current ratings printed on the body: one for fully unwound and a lower rating for wound or partially wound. The wound rating is typically around 10 amps – which is insufficient for a washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher drawing up to 13 amps.
Do not use a reel-type extension lead as a permanent connection for a large appliance. Even when fully unwound, many reel extensions are only rated for 10 amps – below the requirement for a washing machine or dryer. Avoid them for white goods entirely where possible.
How to Calculate Whether You Are Overloading a Socket
The 13-amp limit applies to the total current draw of everything connected to a single socket or extension. You can check your own combination using the formula below.
Amps = Watts ÷ Voltage. In the UK, use 240 volts for this calculation. Do not use the fuse rating of the appliance as its amp draw – these are different figures.
The wattage of each appliance is on its rating plate – usually found on the back of the machine, inside the door, or on the underside. As an example: a dishwasher rated at 1930W draws 1930 ÷ 240 = 8.04 amps. A toaster rated at 930W draws 930 ÷ 240 = 3.87 amps. Combined, those two appliances draw 11.91 amps – within the 13-amp limit. Adding a washing machine drawing 10+ amps would take the total well over the limit.
The Socket Overload Calculator from Electrical Safety First can help with this calculation if you prefer not to do it manually.
For help finding the rating plate or model number on specific appliance types, see our guides on how to find an appliance model number and where to find the model number on a fridge or freezer.
The Warning Sign: A Fishy Smell Near Appliances
A strange fishy or burning plastic smell near an appliance, plug, or socket that has no other obvious explanation is a warning sign of electrical overheating. Burning or arcing in plastic components – plugs, sockets, adapters, and extension leads – can produce this distinctive smell before any visible damage appears.
Unplug the appliance and inspect the plug, socket, and any extension lead for discolouration, melting, or scorch marks. A discoloured plug or socket face indicates overheating that must be investigated before the appliance is used again. Do not ignore this warning sign.
Related Safety and Electrical Guides
Related Guides
Electric Shocks or Tingles From a Washing MachineWhy a missing or broken earth connection causes shocks – and why it must be investigated immediately.
Washing Machine Tripping the ElectricsCauses of a washing machine tripping an RCD or blowing a fuse – and how to diagnose them.
Is It Safe to Leave the Washing Machine On?The genuine fire risk from unattended appliances and how to manage it safely.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, flood, and electrical risks from large appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug a washing machine into an extension lead?
Ideally not – manufacturers including Miele explicitly advise against it in their instruction manuals. If it is unavoidable, the extension must be 3-core with an earth wire, rated for at least 13 amps, as short as possible, fully unwound if it is a reel type, and positioned where it cannot get wet. Never use the washing machine and another large appliance on the same extension.
Can I plug two large appliances into the same extension lead?
Not if either is a washing machine, tumble dryer, or dishwasher. These appliances draw 10 to 13 amps individually – two together would exceed the 13-amp maximum of a standard UK socket and cause the extension lead to overheat. Even two moderate appliances – a washing machine and a microwave or kettle – can exceed this limit.
How do I know if my extension lead is rated for 13 amps?
Check the rating printed on the body of the extension lead or on the plug. If the cable appears noticeably thinner than the appliance’s own flex, it is likely rated below 13 amps. Do not guess – only use an extension if you can confirm it is rated for 13 amps and has a 3-pin plug with an earth pin.
Does a reel extension lead need to be fully unwound?
Yes, always. Wound cable generates heat when current flows through it. Reel-type extension leads have two amp ratings – one for fully unwound and a lower one for wound or partially wound. The wound rating is typically around 10 amps, which is insufficient for a washing machine or dryer. Always fully unwind a reel extension before use and avoid this type for permanent large appliance connections.
What does a fishy smell near a plug or socket mean?
A fishy or burning plastic smell near an appliance, plug, socket, or extension lead that has no other explanation is a warning sign of electrical overheating. Unplug the appliance and inspect all connections for discolouration, melting, or scorch marks. Do not use the appliance or socket again until the cause has been identified and made safe.