Fire hazard – these 6 appliances that you use every day can cause fires if you leave them plugged in

May 30, 2025
Fire hazard - these 6 appliances that you use every day can cause fires if you leave them plugged in

We have all left our mobile charger or laptop, the strips to which we plug the TV, computer, lamps, among other devices. But are we really aware of the danger they pose?

We must pay special attention to mobile chargers, extension and power strips, toasters, coffee machines, microwaves, desktop computers, irons and hair dryers and, the most dangerous ones, stoves. Carelessness in the care of these appliances could have a fatal outcome, since we could be the victim of a fire that left us with nothing.

Risks

According to home security experts, the practice of leaving some of our appliances plugged in or connected, especially at night, can lead to misfortune.Since they are not large appliances such as the refrigerator or air conditioning, but those smaller ones that we do not pay so much attention to, we overlook that they are really dangerous and harmless.

Which devices should not be overlooked?

Here you have a list of all those devices that you should pay extra attention to.

  1. Desk computers: A power surge can make your products completely unusable, as well as create a fire.
    Computers and printers are often left connected continuously, which is a habit to change.
  2. Phone chargers. Its daily use and size makes us think that it is harmless, but the reality is that if a short circuit or a surge of voltage occurs while plugged in, it could generate sparks or even an explosion, according to a Spanish telephone company and home services, The Phone House.  It is important to remember not to place them on tables or flammable surfaces.
  3. Extensions and power strips. Statefarm experts recommend turning them off especially at night. They are objects that should not be in contact with moisture or overloaded, as it is very likely to cause a short circuit.
  4. Small appliances: toasters, coffee makers and microwaves.If you want to anticipate the potential dangers of these devices, unplug them at night. A fire could be caused by a failure in the internal circuits, since they have timers and lights that work without rest.
  5. Iron and hair dryer. Leaving the hair straightener or dryer on a flammable surface can create an increased risk. Both have LED lights that continue to work even when switched off, which can cause sparks and thus a fire if there is a power surge.
  6. Last but not least, but most dangerous, the electrical stoves. We have ever used the stove to dry or heat our clothes, without being aware that we were running a huge risk. Hotfiredoor specialists warn that this practice is not carried out, as the clothes could burn in seconds. A bad connection of the internal wiring or an increase in voltage could result in an immediate fire. Leaving the stove plugged in overnight is the greatest act of danger.

More tips

As we see, it is those seemingly harmless electrical devices that pose a real risk to our physical integrity, that of our loved ones and that of our home. As we see, it is those seemingly harmless electrical devices that pose a real risk to our physical integrity, that of our loved ones and that of our home.

Besides, it is not just about avoiding this risk. Have you ever wondered how it affects your electricity bill that all your appliances are connected continuously? The increase in spending is substantial, so besides putting our lives at risk, we are paying a high price for it.

Introducing the habit of unplugging electrical appliances in our homes, especially before going to sleep, is not a complicated challenge. In addition, it will not only be reflected in the electricity bill, but it marks the difference between a normal life or an unwanted home accident, with irreversible consequences.

You can learn more tips about house safety here!