The risks from old electronic equipment are always quite high. On social networks, online shopping sites, or just by typing in the phrase "used Japanese goods", consumers can come across a series of stalls selling "used" electronic goods from Japan, Korea, etc. such as air conditioners, washing machines, rice cookers, refrigerators, fans, microwaves, ovens, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, etc. at lower prices than new imported goods with similar features.

Dr. Bui Hung Thang, Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said that preventing the risk of fire and explosion due to electrical systems is very important, especially in the summer when temperatures are high and power consumption increases sharply. Electrical equipment and appliances that are too old need to be checked regularly for timely repair or replacement (especially air conditioners). When there is no need to use electrical equipment anymore or in case of a power outage while using, the electrical equipment must be immediately disconnected from the power source (iron, electric kettle, electric stove, etc.).

Fire scene in Tay Ho district due to using too old refrigerator

Principles for ensuring electrical safety in family

According to Dr. Bui Hung Thang, to ensure electrical safety in the family, the electrical wires, switches, and circuit breakers must not be rusted, if not, the rusted place will overheat. Crushed insulation and discolored insulating plastic are prone to ignite when the current is overloaded, and need to be replaced with new wires. Electrical equipment must be regularly maintained and cleaned.

Before leaving the house, turn off all consumer devices and electrical appliances, check devices and appliances such as lights, fans, etc., and disconnect the power of unnecessary electrical appliances before sleep. Absolutely do not charge your phone or electrical appliances overnight or for a long time without supervision.

It is necessary to periodically review and re-check the entire electrical line to ensure problems such as exposed wires, chewed wires by rats, degraded wires, loose wire joints, or degraded electrical tape causing electrical exposure, etc.

"It is necessary to check the compliance of the electrical wire with the capacity of the electrical consuming devices. Using small, low-capacity electrical wires to supply power to high-power devices (or many small devices with a total capacity exceeding the rated capacity) can cause overload and electrical fires. It is recommended to use circuit breakers for the electrical system, and even use electrical outlets and plugs with integrated circuit breakers. In particular, it is recommended to choose a type with an anti-shock function to minimize the risk of electric shock or fire due to overload or electrical short circuit", Dr. Bui Hung Thang recommends.

For electric vehicle systems, the technical standards of lithium batteries need to be periodically checked to ensure quality according to the manufacturer's regulations. The charging process must comply with the manufacturer's procedures and regulations.

Charge electric vehicles in a well-ventilated area, without flammable objects and explosives around to avoid the risk of fire spreading if an accident occurs. It is best to charge at the right time to be able to monitor the charging process and absolutely do not charge the vehicle overnight after going to bed.

Business locations, shops, warehouses, etc. contain many flammable objects, goods, and supplies. Therefore, Dr. Bui Hung Thang recommends that people carefully review the risks of fire and explosion related to the electrical system as mentioned above. At the same time, minimize the use of high-capacity electrical equipment at business locations, shops, and warehouses with many flammable objects and goods. Electrical equipment used in these places should be selected with explosion prevention functions to ensure safety.

"Before closing your store, warehouse, or business location for the evening, it is best to turn off the power and unplug all electrical equipment, especially high-power equipment (except for important equipment such as security cameras, fire alarms, etc.). This is to ensure to limited occurrence of electrical short circuits and fires from electrical equipment at night when there is no one around.

Absolutely do not leave or charge cell and lithium batteries-powered devices overnight at stores, warehouses, or business locations containing many flammable and explosive items and goods at night after going to bed.

Translator: Thu Hường