Seeing a red “do not use” label on one of your appliances can be alarming, but a fail is the test doing its job: it found a problem before it hurt anyone.
Simple faults are fixed on the spot
A large share of failures come down to small things: the wrong fuse rating, a cracked plug, or a loose cable grip that lets the flex pull out. These are usually fixed during the visit and the item is retested, at no extra cost.
- Wrong fuse fitted (for example a 13A fuse in a lamp)
- Damaged or cracked plug top
- Loose cable grip or exposed inner cores
- Scorching or overheating around the plug pins
Everything else is taken out of use
If an appliance can’t be safely repaired there and then, it’s labelled as failed, unplugged and recorded in your asset register with the reason. That gives you a clear decision to make: have it repaired by a competent person, or replace it.
Why the record matters
The register shows you acted on the result. If an insurer, inspector or landlord asks, you can show the item was found, removed from use and dealt with. That’s far stronger evidence than a sticker alone.
Never peel off a fail label and carry on using the appliance. Repair it, replace it, or remove it.
