Residents across Wiltshire will be able to have everyday electrical items checked for potentially dangerous faults at a series of free safety events.
Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards team has secured £8,276.40 from Electrical Safety First to deliver four community events aimed at reducing the risk of electrical fires and injuries.
The events are expected to take place in Trowbridge, Devizes, Chippenham and Salisbury in early 2027, with dates and venues yet to be confirmed.
Residents will be invited to bring along small electrical appliances for free safety checks carried out by a qualified Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) tester.
Items accepted will include phone chargers, extension leads, electric blankets, kettles, toasters, irons, power banks and portable heaters.
Those who surrender unsafe electrical products for recycling will also be eligible for vouchers towards replacement items, provided by Wiltshire branches of Kew Electrical.
The council is particularly encouraging people to bring products purchased through online marketplaces or overseas sellers, amid national concerns about items that may not meet UK safety standards.
The initiative aims to reduce the risk of electrical fires and injuries by helping households identify potentially dangerous appliances.
Councillor Paul Sample, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “I’m delighted that our Trading Standards team has been successful in securing this funding from Electrical Safety First.
“Many people use electrical items every day without realising they may have become damaged or unsafe over time.
“These events will give residents the opportunity to have everyday household items checked by qualified professionals, helping to prevent potential electrical risks in the home.
“Many of us have drawers full of old chargers, extension leads and other electrical items that we use every day without giving them a second thought. These events will provide a simple way for people to check whether those products are still safe and receive expert advice if they’re not.
“This funding will allow us to take practical action to help residents identify and remove potential electrical hazards from their homes, while also raising awareness of the simple steps people can take to stay safe.
“We’re keen to encourage as many residents as possible to take advantage of these events and get their household electrical items checked.
“I look forward to seeing the project develop and encouraging people to attend when further details are announced.”
The events will be open to everyone, although organisers are particularly keen to reach families, older people and vulnerable residents.
Wiltshire Council is also reminding households that unwanted small electrical items and batteries can be recycled through its free kerbside collection service.
Larger appliances can be taken to household recycling centres across the county.
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with Electrical Safety First, must be completed by the end of March 2027.
Further information about the events, including dates, locations and how to attend, will be announced in due course.
