After a dishwasher fire in Marktoberdorf: When can electrical appliances burn?
First a dishwasher in Marktoberdorf burneda week later, pellet heating started to smoke. Both times it went out lightly, nobody was injured and there was no high damage. Both times, a technical defect was the reason for the fire. It is rare that it just begins to burn in the house. But some devices offer more dangers than others. According to statistics from the Institute for Damage Control and Research by public insurers (IFS), electrical devices and installations are most often the reason for an apartment fire. At the very front: dishwasher, washing machine, dryer. How can that be?
Dishwasher burns: How can this happen?
« Usually you assume that the devices in Germany are safe, » says Ostallgäu district fire council Markus Barnsteiner. If something happens, it is often due to an error in installation. « For example, that a cable is pinched. » Problematic with dishwashers or heaters is that they stand and run in the house for years as a matter of course. « You don’t have it on your screen, » says Barnsteiner.
« But when the devices come into age, fatigue can occur. » Since this is not noticeable in everyday life, he recommends that he have security reviews. « Many electricians carry out an e-check for buildings and devices, » says Barnsteiner. You recognize when something is damaged.
Fire risk from electrical devices: This is how you can reduce risks
For smaller machines, the district fire council recommends that you have an eye on safety. Be it the kettle, the coffee machine or the toaster. Is everything in order or is a cable damaged? Then the device should rather be replaced. Barnsteiner also advises to put such machines on a fire -proof surface.
According to the district fire council, caution is also required for multiple sockets. If you use incorrectly or with a lack of quality, you will mount fire risks. Because you can ignite through electrical overload. Devices that are permanently in stand-by mode can also be associated with a risk. « When the television runs and something happens, I can react, » says Barnsteiner. But if something happens in stand-by mode, in the worst case you don’t even notice it.
If an electrical device begins to burn, it is about quick action. Barnsteiner recommends capsing the power supply. Either on the machine itself by pulling the plug or on the power box. « If that is still possible, » he says. Because self -protection always proceeds. Otherwise it means: bring it to safety quickly and choose the emergency call.
