You’re using your fan WRONG – 6 dangerous mistakes to be aware of during new heatwave
FANS at the ready, as temperatures are on the up again this week.
But some of us could be taking some potentially fatal risks in a desperate bid to stay cool.
Consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First has warned about six particularly common mistakes electric fan owners are making.
In extreme cases, you could actually be putting yourself in danger of causing a fire.
“It’s important to make sure you don’t risk fires or burns in your bid to stay cool so ensure you follow our essential tips to avoid an accident occurring,” explained Electrical Safety First’s Giuseppe Capanna.
“People should buy their fans from a reputable High Street retailer they know and trust, register the product with the manufacturer
and never leave it on whilst asleep or out of the house.”
Read more about the heatwave
1. Don’t leave your fan on overnight
It’s really tempting to leave your fan on overnight when the heat makes it particularly uncomfortable to sleep.
However, according to Giuseppe, this is not a good idea.
He says households put themselves at risk if a fault occurs with their device while they are sleeping.
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Giuseppe recommends switching your fan off at night to avoid an electrical fault, which could lead to a fire.
Of course, most modern electric fans are safe to leave on for hours at a time and pose little to no risk of fire.
If you do choose to leave it on overnight, make sure the device is clear of dust and is far away from drapes or curtains.
If you risk severe heat stroke or other adverse health effects by leaving your fan off, it’s almost certainly worth leaving it on.
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And don’t forget, some modern fans also have timers – so maybe you could set it to go for a couple of hours then switch off automatically later?
2. Buy from a trusted retailer
Purchasing your fan from reputable retailers ensures that you’re getting a quality product that has been tested by safety inspectors.
Buying something cheap from obscure online marketplaces, on the other hand, can be dangerous.
That’s because it leaves you vulnerable to substandard imitations which could risk electric shock and fire.
3. Don’t balance your fan on the edge of a surface
Your fan should always be left on a flat surface.
If it’s balanced precariously on the edge of something, such as a dresser or bedside table, it risks tipping over.
This can cause the blades to hit the guard and put the motor under additional strain, thereby leading to overheating and even a fire.
On top of that, it could break your fan altogether as well.
4. Clean your fan of dust that’s built up
Over the years, your fan’s vents and motor can become quite clogged up with dust buildup.
This can put the motor under extra strain, making it more likely to overheat and catch fire.
The dust itself can also act as a source of ignition if the motor were to overheat.
Ensure to regularly clean your vent to clear it of dust.
Before cleaning the fan blades or motor, make sure to unplug the device and follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual.
5. Don’t ignore any weird buzzing sounds
If your fan is giving off a faint buzzing sound it may be a sign of an electrical fault or ‘arcing’ occurring at the plug.
Always ensure your fan is plugged in securely and if you notice any smell of burning or unusual noises, turn it off immediately.
6. Check your fan for wear and tear
We often keep hold of fans for years, packing them away in the cooler months, where damage may occur to cables.
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It’s important to check that the cables and vents are in good condition.
Damage to those parts can hinder the product’s performance.
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