Appliances and electrical safety

Electrical safety is a top priority at International Students House. Defective electrics are a common cause of fire.

To help keep everyone safe:

• Make sure all electrical items are in safe working order - stop using damaged items immediately and report them to the Duty Manager
• Ensure items conform to current safety standards
• Use extension leads safely - ideally choose those with surge protection and place them out of the way to avoid trips and falls
• Do not use multi-plug adaptors or overload sockets
• Switch electrical items off and unplug them after use
• Only electric shavers and toothbrushes are allowed in washrooms
• For GPS: Electric scooters and bikes (including rechargeable batteries) cannot be stored in the building. For Kennington: Electric scooters and bikes (including rechargeable batteries) should be stored in the secure cycle store.

Portable appliance testing

PAT is carried out regularly by our Maintenance Team to test the safety of electrical items in rooms. Before you buy a new appliance, please ask the Duty Manager if it will need to be tested before use.

Appliances in your room

The rules below vary by building. Please ensure that you follow the requirements for your accommodation.

GPS

Using heat-generating or cooking appliances in bedrooms is strictly prohibited, unless you live in a studio or premium twin room with a designated cooking area.

Portable heaters, hot plates or hobs, air fryers and rice cookers are not permitted. Unbranded or low-quality replacement phone and laptop chargers are also prohibited.

International appliances must be used with a British Standard (BS 1363) fused adapter. Travel adapters are intended for temporary use only and must not be used long term.

Accommodation staff and Duty Managers carry out regular room safety inspections. Untested appliances, unapproved adapters and prohibited items may be confiscated and returned at the end of your stay.

Kennington

Using heat-generating or cooking appliances in bedrooms is strictly prohibited. Electrical items such as portable heaters, microwaves, hobs, toasters, air fryers and rice cookers are considered fire hazards and will be confiscated. They will be returned when you leave the accommodation.

Small fridges are permitted only in ensuite rooms where they are required for a valid medical reason. Prior authorisation must be obtained from the Resident Services Manager.

Permitted at both buildings

Hairdryers, hair curlers, hair straighteners and kettles are permitted in bedrooms.

UK safety standards and voltage

Please ensure all electrical items, adaptors and converters are suitable for UK voltage and meet EU or UK safety standards. The electrical supply in the UK is: 230 Volts ± 5% AC (50Hz).