Public safety and security experts have warned of four main types of electrical appliances that may pose a significant risk if left plugged in, even when turned off, due to the potential for sudden fires that threaten lives and residential and industrial buildings.
Colonel Omar Badr Al-Din, an expert in preventive security and civil protection, pointed out a common mistake that many people make, which is leaving lithium-ion battery chargers, used for phones and laptops, connected to electrical outlets.
He added, in statements to “Sky News Arabia,” that these chargers, including chargers for electric bicycles, scooters, and portable electronic games, may endanger the lives of residents in homes and factories if left plugged in for long periods.
He explained: “When the charging process of any device is complete, the continued flow of electricity from the charger to the battery may cause its temperature to rise, and then the chances of it exploding increase, especially since the explosion of lithium-ion batteries leads to significant losses, and is rapidly spreading and powerful in impact.”
He also pointed out that many people overlook the danger of leaving chargers plugged in, whether while away from home for a short period or during the night until morning.
According to Badr al-Din, the most dangerous devices for the lives of residents, factory owners, companies, and shops are electric heaters, which are considered the most common cause of fires in the winter, as a result of their increased use as a cheaper alternative to air conditioners.
He pointed out that most types of electric heaters on the market lack the automatic shut-off or “timer” feature, which may cause the temperature of wires and electrical connectors to rise, especially since they operate at a high voltage that may exceed 1500 volts in some cases.
In this case, the heater may cause a large fire, especially if it is near wooden furniture or other flammable devices, and the danger of the fire may be doubled if there are devices that operate with explosive batteries, such as mobile phones.
