Domestic appliances have become an integral part of everyday household life. However, improper use or excessive electrical loads can pose serious risks, including fire hazards.
One of the most common causes of fires in household appliances is damage to or failure of the electrical wiring. Over time, they can break, break or become intermittent, leading to short circuits or overheating. If wires are not properly insulated or are used in poor condition, they can cause sparks. When sparks come into contact with flammable materials, they can cause fires.
Overloading of the electrical system is also a common cause of accidents. Connecting several appliances to a single socket or using extension cords that are not designed for high loads can cause overheating. Electrical sockets and power strips have a limited capacity and it is very dangerous to exceed it.
Many people are not aware that some electrical appliances used simultaneously on the same electrical circuit can cause overloading, which can lead to fires.
Electric heaters and hairdryers
Electric heaters and hairdryers are energy-intensive appliances that, when connected to the same circuit, can overload the electrical wiring and increase the risk of fire.
Heaters require a lot of energy to heat, especially in winter when they are used frequently. On the other hand, hair dryers also consume a lot of energy because they need to heat the air quickly. Both appliances generate high heat when running, which can overheat electrical connections. Failure to disconnect them in time could result in a short circuit or even a fire.
Microwave and electric oven
Microwave ovens and electric ovens are two other appliances that require a lot of energy. Microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly, which uses a lot of electricity. Electric ovens, on the other hand, use heating elements that reach high temperatures to cook food.
When both appliances are connected to the same circuit at the same time, they can cause an overload similar to that of heaters and hair dryers. It is worth noting that some homes are equipped with dedicated circuits for these appliances, which greatly reduces the risk of overloading.
Washing machine and iron
Washing machines and irons are frequently used household appliances that consume a lot of electricity. Although they do not generate as much heat as heaters or ovens, connecting them in the same circuit can be just as dangerous because of the electrical load required. The main fire risk in such cases comes from the heat generated by the rectifier, which can raise the temperature of nearby wires and cause a short circuit.
To avoid the risk of fire, it is necessary to take into account the energy consumption of electrical appliances and to avoid using them simultaneously in the same circuit. To ensure safety and avoid serious accidents, the distribution of electrical loads must be properly controlled.
