Do you know which electrical appliances can cause fire accidents? Let’s find out.
The households of today are filled with electrical appliances. Televisions, video game systems, DVD players, cell phones, and computers provide us information, as well as entertainment. Then there are appliances that ensure comfortable living. The latter include appliances such as heaters, air conditioners, microwaves, etc. However, sometimes these appliances can create more problems than comfort. You may not realize that electrical appliances are the number one cause of most fire accidents in the US.
Here are 5 electrical appliances that result in fire hazards.
- Dishwashers
Did you know that your dishwasher can cause a fire? Well, it actually can. If you do not believe this, open your dishwasher after a cycle has ended. The heat that comes out can be overwhelming. To dry your dishes, the dishwasher contains heating elements. Every time the dishwasher is used, these heating elements heat up, get wet and cool down. When these elements get old and faulty, they can start a fire. To avoid such an accident, make sure to operate it, only when you are around. Do not turn it on before you go out.
- Refrigerator
Another electrical appliance that causes fire accidents is the refrigerator. Overheating of the compressor and electrical shorts in the refrigerator can result in fire hazards. Furthermore, the light that stays on all the time can also start a fire.
- Microwave Owens
Microwaves are one of the most integral components of every household these days, because of the convenience they offer. They quickly heat your food. However, despite the convenience, they can also be very dangerous. Several cases have been reported, in which the microwave ovens turned on by themselves, and resulted in fire accidents. If you hear the microwave turn on by itself, make sure to unplug it right away, for the consequences can be severe.
- Toasters
The double-sides toaster that we have in our homes rose to prominence in the year 1913. Toasters also contain heating elements, which make your bread and bagel crisp and brown. If a toaster fails to turn off, it can result in a fire hazard. As a responsible individual, your job is to turn the toaster off, while it is not in use. Also, make sure to remove the dry crumbs of bread that settle at the base of the toaster. Furthermore, make sure to check the heating elements, because sometimes bread crumbs can get stuck on them, which can start a fire.
- Hair Dryers
Just like dishwashers, hairdryers also have a heating element in them. Despite the comfort and convenience they provide, the heating element, when faulty, can result in a fire accident. Make sure not to use a hairdryer for too long to ensure that it does not overheat..
