Increasingly, there is information about the ignition of refrigerators, mainly outdated models that have served for more than 20-30 years. This appliance operates continuously 24 hours a day. Therefore, it is important to know the cause of the fire and whether the refrigerator can explode unexpectedly. This will help to avoid fire and possible human casualties.
Causes of fire
There are several reasons that explain why refrigerators light up. These include:
- Old wiring, which during operation becomes unusable. Therefore, if this device serves a sufficiently long period, it is recommended to call the wizard and check the wiring condition.
- The door gasket wears out, it starts to press tightly, which means that the appliance has to work without stopping to maintain the required temperature. To avoid fire, install a new seal.
- Summer heat is the most difficult time for the refrigerator, as the air temperature rises and the load increases.
- In older devices, the cause of the fire should be sought in the design of thermostats. When a failure occurs, they heat up, smoldering and melting of the plastic occurs, inside of which thermostats are installed.
- When repairing, some craftsmen instead of safe freon fill the device with isobutane, which can explode.
- An explosion and fire could result in oil leakage from the compressor. When heated, it releases vapors that are explosive and can cause a fire.
How to avoid fire
The economic situation does not allow everyone to regularly replace old electrical appliances with new ones. This is especially true for refrigerators. Many families have been using them for several decades, even inheriting them.
In order to prevent explosions and fire due to a faulty refrigerator, it is necessary to pay due attention to it and observe the following safety rules:
- Do not install the refrigerator near heat sources, or in direct sunlight (for example, on a balcony).
- Always pay attention to the tightness of the door closure. Ideally, if the door closes spontaneously, without any pressure. To do this, the device should be installed with a slight slope back.
- Particular attention should be paid to electronics, monitor the insulation of the power cord for damage. During operation, the plug must not heat up. If a malfunction is noticed, the refrigerator should be returned for repair.
- It is not recommended to often open the door of the appliance or leave it open for a long time. This increases the load on the device, forcing it to work to maintain the temperature in enhanced mode.
- Do not put hot or warm foods. Pre-cool them to room temperature.
- A shorting of the wiring to the housing is indicated by the sensation of tingling or tingling when touching the metal parts of the device.
- The danger is created by faulty contacts in sockets, tees or adapters. Therefore, the status of these devices is also important to monitor.
- During long trips, it is recommended to put the control of the refrigerator in standby mode or completely disconnect it from the network.
Compliance with these rules during operation, as well as regular inspection of the appliance by a master, will help to avoid breakage and fire.
My fridge lit up in the beginning there was a pungent smell. What kind of gas smells like that, who knows?