However, according to statistics, approximately 900 fires occur annually in the republic due to violation of fire safety rules during the operation of electrical equipment.
Here are 5 of the most common misconceptions about electrical appliances.
1. "Standby mode" is an all-day mode.
You must admit, it's a familiar situation – we don't unplug the TV or computer from the mains, not for days, but for years. A weekend trip to the dacha or even a holiday doesn't become a reason to change the habit. But an electrical appliance in "sleep mode" consumes electricity, and consequently, your money is wasted senselessly. This is the first point, and here's a more significant argument – in electrical appliances that are not working but plugged into the socket, many components are live and can catch fire at any moment due to overheating or short circuits. It only takes a few minutes for the fire to spread throughout the room. How to overcome the habit of leaving electrical appliances in "standby mode"?
The recipe is very simple: re-read the paragraph above and, when leaving home, unplug electrical appliances from the mains. Be sure, it's safer this way!
2. A charger left in the socket is convenient and practical.
In our time, "gadget addiction" is becoming similar to some incurable virus. It's amazing how people don't let go of their phones and tablets, panic if they forget them at home, and get seriously upset if the battery runs out. In addition, chargers break and get lost with enviable regularity. A method to extend their service life has been invented – the charger is simply left in the socket. When asked why? People answer confidently and uniformly: because it's convenient and practical, you don't have to search for the charger around the house, and you can immediately put your gadget on charge when you get home from work. But what about safety? After all, as mentioned above, a fire can occur at any moment due to voltage surges, overheating, or simply due to the low quality of the device itself. It's like sitting on a powder keg, lighting it, and waiting...
Believe me, you won't have to wait long. Therefore, when leaving, unplug the charger and place it nearby; this will be safe.
3. Electrical appliances in the bathroom are a way of life.
Drying your hair with a hairdryer or taking a bath while the washing machine is running – this is a common occurrence for many. However, a bathroom is a humid environment. And water is an excellent conductor, a bridge for electric current. What are the consequences of such experiments? In "dry" conditions, accidental contact with an electrically conductive surface would only cause unpleasant sensations, but in a humid environment, it can be fatal.
4. Electric heaters are completely safe.
A heater should be installed on a fire-resistant base. It must be in good working order, not of amateur production, and preferably equipped with an emergency shut-off system (in case of overheating or tipping over).
When using heaters, try to avoid extension cords. If you must use one, ensure that the rated (nominal) power of the extension cord is not less than the power of the electrical appliance. Check the integrity and condition of sockets, plugs, and power cords, and do not allow multiple high-power electrical consumers (electric stove, electric fireplace, kettle, etc.) to be connected to the mains simultaneously, as this can cause an overload of the electrical network. Also, do not run the heater cord under carpets or across doorways, as this can lead to it being abraded. Never leave an electric heater on overnight, especially near a bed or other flammable interior items.
5. The service life of an electrical appliance is plus or minus infinity.
We have a practice of taking old televisions, refrigerators, and other electrical appliances to our summer houses or villages, or at worst, to a student dormitory for a child. After all, why throw it away if it still works! However, the instruction manual (if anyone ever reads it) specifies the service life. And when it expires, one should seriously consider replacing the old electrical appliance with a new one.
Many may argue here, saying their grandmother's refrigerator is still working at their summer house and it's fine. And it's not economical to throw away an appliance that is still "working"! Perhaps. But when a refrigerator from "ancient times" suddenly causes a fire, or an old television at the summer house burns up in flames, along with years of accumulated property, then it is too late to lament or read the instructions.
Therefore, please consider this and be cautious when using such benefits of civilization. Better yet, read the instructions and strictly follow the recommendations. It works! Definitely!
P.S. And also, when leaving home, turn off electrical appliances!