We finally have some warmer weather in the UK and, if like us, you’re relying on an electric fan to keep cool, you might not know how to safely use it.
Consumer safety charity, Electrical Safety First, is urging people to follow their six tips on staying cool when using an electric fan.
The warning comes after the first Heat Health alert of the year was issued for certain parts of the country by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency.
While the public tries to keep cool throughout the warm nights, they could risk electric fans overheating.
Product Safety Engineer of Electrical Safety First, Giuseppe Capanna, has shared six essential tips for when you use an electric fan.
6 do’s and don’ts when using an electric fan
Don’t leave your fan on overnight
Although it can be tempting to keep your fan on overnight, households put themselves at risk if a fault was to occur in the night while they’re sleeping.
Electrical Safety First advises you to turn your fan off before you sleep and to check that you have smoke alarms that work in your property.
Do make sure you buy your electric fan from a reputable retailer
If you buy an electric fan from an online marketplace, it could leave you vulnerable to substandard and potentially dangerous imitations which could risk electric shock and fire.
Don’t balance your fan on the edge of a surface
Make sure your fan is always placed on a flat and secure surface.
If it’s balanced on the edge of a surface, it could tip over and cause the blades to hit the guard and put the motor under additional strain.
It could even break your fan altogether.
Do clean the dust off your fan
Two risks can occur when your fan has collected dust.
The motor could be placed under additional strain from the dust and grime or the dust could become a source of ignition if the motor were to overheat.
You should always make sure to clean your vents to make sure the fan works efficiently and is kept in good use.
Your fan must be unplugged and you need to follow the manufacturers’ instructions before you open the guard and clean the fan.
Don’t ignore your fan if it makes a buzzing sound
A faint buzzing sound coming from your fan could be a sign of an electrical fault or ‘arcing’ occurring at the plug.
Always make sure your fan is plugged in properly and if you start to smell burning or hear unusual noises, you need to turn it off immediately.
Do check for wear and tear
You might have dug out an electric fan that you’ve had for years and if this is the case, you’ll need to check for damage.
If you’ve stored a fan away for the cooler months, check that its cables haven’t become damaged whilst in storage.
While checking the cables are in good condition, you should also make sure that the vents are free from the build-up of dust as this can hinder the fan’s performance.
Tips for sleeping in the heat
Product Safety Engineer of Electrical Safety First, Giuseppe Capanna, said: “With temperatures projected to soar this weekend, people will look for any option to cool themselves down.
“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.
“People should buy their fans from a reputable High Street retailer they know and trust, register the product with the manufacturer and don't leave it on whilst asleep or out of the house.”
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