How Do You Feel About Leaving A Light On When You Are Away?o

[Jennykenny]

I live alone, and like to go away a lot.
How do you feel about using these plugs that turn lights on and off while you are away?
I have an irrational fear of fire being caused by them.
And when and where do you use them? And what type?

[DTCwordfan]

I turn on the local light.... https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-lighthouse-searchlight-beam-foggy-air-image10012155

[Buenchico]

I can't recall ever hearing about a fire caused by the type of lights you mention. However around 15 fires occur in the UK every day due to faulty fridge-freezers. (Grenfell was just one of them). So, unless you unplug your fridge-freezer whenever you go away (which, I suspect, is extremely unlikely) it would seem rather silly to worry about the negligible fire risk from the automatic lights which you're referring to in your post.

[Captain2]

@ Mamya and DTC :)))))))

[Jennykenny]

Thanks all. Will have to think about it.

[Tilly2]

It'll be fine. Don't worry.

[Sam1960]

What could possibly go wrong !!

[Minkyme]

//It'll be fine. Don't worry//

Which is what 97% of people who don’t take necessary precautions and who are then burgled probably say.

Op, your home is your fortress do fortify your fortress, make it impregnable and then as the above poster says it’ll be fine, don’t worry.

[Prudie]

We always set various lamps on timers and use the mechanical ones as the electric ones seem to malfunction a lot. I've never worried about fire particularly but do worry if a bulb goes as that tends to trip out the whole fuse - that's only in respect of our fish tank so don't put anything on that circuit.

[Jennykenny]

Thanks. Still not sure.
Been burgled twice, both times while living abroad. Once when we were in the apartment at the time.

[diddlydo]

We've used the simple plug-in timers where you can change the time to please yourself and attach them to ordinary table lamps with low-energy bulbs. I also use such a timer to make the washing machine wash overnight as we have a separate night meter for electricity. Never had a problem with doing this for 30+ years

[Arksided]

I'm fortunate now not to have to bother, being next door to a few witches and a Hoggle (Labyrinth) stands me in good stead. I shouldn't worry about a light though, if you feel the need to keep it on then do it.

[DarceyK123]

Jenny- if you're worried have thought about getting a house sitter?

There are Agencies who will find you someone to come over and stay, they don't get paid, just do it to go to different areas and places, the Agency would take a fee I would imagine.

So the more attractive your area the better chance you would have (not too sure where you live)

I'm thinking of doing it when I retire.