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How can I ensure my business is prepared for the fire risks of smart appliances?

Introduction

Smart appliance fire risks are growing. In this guide you will learn practical, legal and technical steps to reduce those risks across your premises. You will get clear actions for procurement, installation, everyday management and emergency planning so your business stays compliant and safe.

Why the fire risks of smart appliances deserve attention

Smart appliances combine electrical components, remote connectivity and often lithium-based batteries. This mix creates failure modes that differ from traditional appliances. For example, a software fault may keep a device charging after a fault develops; in contrast, an older-style appliance usually fails in a way that is easier to spot and isolate.

Many fires linked to smart devices start from faulty chargers, poor wiring or degraded batteries. The National Fire Chiefs Council highlights the specific dangers from lithium‑ion batteries, which may enter thermal runaway, emit toxic gases and reignite after extinguishing. These incidents are becoming more common as businesses adopt more battery-powered equipment.

As the responsible person you must identify hazards and take reasonable steps to reduce them. That duty covers electrical safety, maintenance and fire risk assessment for the premises. The GOV.UK guidance on workplace fire risk assessments makes clear you must evaluate hazards, record significant findings and review controls regularly. This includes risks created by new technologies such as smart appliances.

In addition, the Health and Safety Executive requires that electrical equipment be maintained to prevent danger. Your maintenance plan must be risk‑based and reflect the environment and equipment type; smart devices and battery packs usually need more frequent inspection.

How to identify which smart appliances increase your risk

Start with an inventory. List every connected or battery-powered device, including small appliances, cordless tools, chargers, e-bikes and shared devices in meeting rooms. For each item record the manufacturer, model and serial number. Record the power source, such as mains, USB or the battery type. Note the location, typical usage pattern and who uses it, plus whether charging happens unattended.

Grade items by risk. Give higher priority to devices that contain lithium batteries, are charged in communal areas, or are used in high‑heat or dusty environments. Flag items with poor provenance, such as low‑cost imports without certification.

Practical controls for day-to-day risk reduction

Good housekeeping prevents many fires. Enforce no‑charging policies in high‑risk zones such as escape routes and storerooms. Limit overnight charging to secure, ventilated areas under supervision. Ensure charging is carried out using the correct charger supplied by the manufacturer because incorrect chargers can overheat batteries.

Separate charging points from combustible materials and use metal or fire‑resisting cabinets for storing batteries when not in use. Where possible, fit sockets and charging stations with overcurrent protection and residual current devices so power is cut quickly on fault. For large battery systems or fleets of devices, discuss dedicated circuits with a qualified electrician.

Inspection, testing and maintenance adapted for smart appliances

Portable appliance testing and formal inspections remain essential, but adapt them for smart appliances. Visual checks should include signs of swelling, burn marks, unusual smells or damaged cables. Devices with internal batteries need special attention: inspect battery housings, terminal covers and connectors.

Create a risk‑based testing frequency. High‑use or high‑risk devices might need monthly checks; lower‑risk items may be inspected quarterly. If your business lacks in‑house competence, appoint a competent person or contract a provider to perform scheduled checks and PAT testing. The HSE provides guidance on maintaining electrical equipment and recommends user checks, formal inspections and testing based on risk.

Technology and installation: fit-for-purpose measures

Install devices according to manufacturer instructions and official wiring regulations. Where smart appliances integrate with building management systems, isolate critical circuits so a single fault cannot cascade across multiple systems. Ensure sockets, fuse ratings and wiring methods suit the load and duty.

For devices that require firmware or app updates, enforce a patching policy. Unpatched devices may mismanage battery charging or exhibit faults that raise fire risk. Restrict who can pair or configure devices; misconfiguration can disable safety features.

Addressing lithium battery hazards specifically

Lithium batteries are a significant source of risk in many smart appliances. They can fail without warning and may burn at very high temperatures. Use the GOV.UK guidance for users of e-bikes and e-scooters when setting business policies on warning signs, safe charging, storage and disposal.

Control measures include using manufacturer‑approved batteries and chargers, avoiding third‑party modifications, and storing spare batteries in fire‑resistant containers. When disposing of damaged or end‑of‑life batteries, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local collection schemes to avoid putting waste crews and recycling centres at risk.

Fire detection and suppression: adapt to new failure modes

Smart appliance fires may begin inside encased devices and produce toxic fumes rapidly. Review detection coverage and consider additional detectors in storage and charging rooms. Heat detectors or aspirating smoke systems can provide earlier warning for enclosed battery storage.

Suppression also needs consideration because some battery fires require more than conventional water‑based response. Discuss with your fire safety provider whether supplementing extinguishers with other suppression types, or providing specific instructions for fire and rescue services, is appropriate for your site.

Training, procedures and emergency planning

Train staff to recognise warning signs such as bulging batteries, hissing sounds or abnormal heat. Make reporting simple and immediate. Provide clear steps: turn off and unplug the device if safe, move it to a safe location if possible, and evacuate if it emits smoke.

Update your fire safety policy and evacuation plan to include smart appliance incidents. Ensure first‑aiders and fire marshals know how to respond and when to inform the fire and rescue service that lithium batteries or sophisticated electrical control systems are involved.

Procurement: buy safely to reduce future risk

Set procurement standards that require conformity with recognised safety marks and certifications. Avoid low‑cost, uncertified imports and insist on documented test reports from suppliers. The NFCC has called for stronger product safety rules because many battery and charger issues stem from poor‑quality components.

Include lifecycle and support terms in contracts. Ask suppliers about firmware update policies, battery replacement options and safe disposal services. Require that devices shipped to your business include manufacturer charging equipment and clear user guidance.

Monitoring and data: use smart features to improve safety

Ironically, the connectivity that creates new risks can also support risk reduction. Where possible, enable device telemetry that reports battery health, temperature or charging faults to a central dashboard. Use alerts to flag devices needing inspection and to prevent charging if the system detects unsafe parameters.

Treat telemetry as a supplementary control, not a replacement for physical inspection and maintenance. Connectivity may fail, and software cannot always detect mechanical degradation or third‑party battery changes.

When to call in specialists

If your audit reveals many battery‑powered devices, large‑scale battery storage, or charging infrastructure used by staff or the public, consult a specialist for a site‑specific risk assessment. A qualified fire risk assessor will examine electrical supply, segregation, detection, suppression and evacuation arrangements and recommend proportionate controls.

Total Safe provides tailored services including fire risk assessments, PAT testing and maintenance that can help businesses manage these modern risks. For a practical review of services that can reduce smart‑appliance risk, see Total Safe fire safety services. You may also learn from real examples in Total Safe case studies.

Putting it all together: a simple action plan for responsible persons

Create an inventory of smart appliances and rate them by risk. Keep records of location, power source and who uses each device.

Update your fire risk assessment to include charging, storage and battery hazards. Use the GOV.UK fire risk assessment guidance if you need to check legal steps.

Implement charging controls. Use supervised, ventilated spaces and approved chargers only.

Set inspection schedules and carry out PAT and battery checks based on risk. Follow HSE advice on maintenance and testing intervals.

Update detection and suppression where battery storage or large charging banks exist. Review device‑specific suppression needs.

Train staff to spot warning signs and to follow a clear reporting procedure. Make escalation simple and immediate.

Procure only certified devices and document supplier warranties and update policies. Require manufacturer chargers and support terms.

Where uncertainty or complexity exists, commission a professional fire risk assessment. Use competent third parties for site‑specific advice.

Conclusion and next steps

Smart appliances add convenience, but they also bring new fire risks that demand updated policies and controls. Start by treating the fire risks of smart appliances as you would any other hazard: identify, assess, control, record and review. Use procurement standards to reduce the chance of unsafe devices entering your estate. Maintain a risk‑based inspection and testing regime. Finally, involve specialists where complexity grows.

If you would like a pragmatic, site‑specific review, Find out about Total Safe.

FAQ

Q: How often should smart appliances be inspected?

A: Inspect frequency depends on use and risk. High‑use or battery‑powered devices should be checked monthly or before each use; lower‑risk items may be inspected quarterly. Follow a risk‑based plan and formal PAT guidance as described in HSE guidance (HSG107).

Q: Are lithium batteries always a fire hazard?

A: No, most lithium batteries are safe when used correctly. However, they can fail catastrophically if damaged, overcharged or if counterfeit components are used. Treat them as higher‑risk items and apply storage, charging and disposal controls. See the GOV.UK battery safety guidance for practical measures.

Q: Should we ban personal devices from charging at work?

A: Consider policy by risk area. Banning charging in escape routes and storage rooms is sensible. For communal charging, require manufacturer‑approved chargers and supervised or ventilated charging stations.

Q: What should I tell the fire and rescue service about smart-appliance incidents?

A: Inform them if lithium batteries or large battery banks are involved, and provide details of storage location and quantities. This helps them plan an appropriate response for potential thermal runaway or toxic emissions. The NFCC position statement contains useful context for responders.

Q: Who can carry out a competent fire risk assessment for smart-device hazards?

A: Appoint a competent person with experience in electrical and battery‑related fire risks. If you need external help, contact qualified fire safety consultants such as Total Safe services for businesses for a tailored assessment and remediation plan.