The Most Dangerous Electrical Items in Your Home
We use them every day, but electrical household items always come with a certain amount of risk involved.
Usually that risk is very low, but some items are more dangerous than others.
Here’s a list of the most dangerous electrical items in your home.
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1. Washing Machines
According to a Which? investigation that used a Freedom of Information request, 12,000 fires were caused by faulty products between 2011 and 2014.
At the very top of the list was a surprising offender: washing machines.
It turns out that 14 per cent of fires caused by electrical items were caused by these over a period of three years. And although it does not say why this is, it could be that many people leave their washing machines on when they are not at home, meaning if a fire starts they are less likely to be around to put it out.
2. Tumble Dryers, Dishwashers and Other Items
In the same Which? research, tumble dryers were also high on the list, leading to 12 per cent of fires. Next came dishwashers with 11 per cent (and dishwashers can also be dangerous if they become breeding grounds for bacteria and mould). Cookers came next with 9 per cent, and fridge-freezers were fifth with 7 per cent.
3. Extension
Cords
Extension cords are one of the most dangerous appliances in the home – and it is easy to see why. It is very easy to overload extension cords, and this can present a fire risk. Be very careful with your extension cords, and don’t use them if they look old and worn out.
4. Space
Heaters
Leaving a space heater alone is a very bad idea. Also be very careful where you position yours, and make sure it is not near to any fabric like the curtains or the carpet – and always turn it off when you go to sleep.
4. Stoves
Another obvious one, stoves create heat, and that means there is always a risk of fire occurring. Electric stoves can be especially problematic because when the stove is turned off, the colour may return to black even while the stove is still hot.
5. Adaptors
Adaptors are another simple but potentially dangerous device. The same Telegraph article states that 72 types of adaptors have been discovered to be faulty over the last four years.
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6. Any
Faulty Products
Another obvious one, stoves create heat, and that means there is always a risk of fire occurring. Electric stoves can be especially problematic because The Telegraph reported on the topic of product recalls here, and that while four million defective evices have been recalled in recent years, as many as 90 per cent of them remain in homes (it got its information from Electrical Safety First). You can check products on the faulty
product checker here, and always stop using anything that you find to be faulty.the stove is turned off, the colour may return to black even while the stove is still hot.
7. Other
Potentially Dangerous Items
Other household electrical items that could present a danger include clothes dryers, microwaves, toasters, hairdryers, humidifiers and more. In fact, any electrical items can potentially be dangerous, so it is important to take precautions when using them.
Always use them as they are designed to be used, and don’t leave them on overnight or when you go out. Also, be very areful around children, and ensure children only use them when supervised.
