Fires Caused by Air Conditioners and Electric Fans Increasing Every Year: "Safety Guidelines Must Be Followed"

Electrical Issues Such as Poor Contact Are the Leading Cause

Over the past five years, there has been an increase in fires caused by air conditioners and electric fans during the summer. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has urged the public to strictly follow safety guidelines when using cooling devices.

According to the National Fire Information Center of the National Fire Agency, the number of fires caused by air conditioners rose from 221 cases in 2020 to 387 cases last year, while fires caused by electric fans increased from 99 cases to 143 cases over the same period. This represents an increase of approximately 1.8 times and 1.4 times, respectively. By period, the highest number of fires occurred in August, when the heat is at its peak.

The most common cause of these fires was electrical factors, such as poor electrical contact. For air conditioners, 79% of fires were due to electrical issues, while for electric fans, the figure was 66%. Mechanical factors, such as motor overheating, and user or installation negligence followed as the next most common causes.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety advised users to check air conditioner wires for any damage and to use high-capacity power outlets whenever possible, as air conditioners consume a lot of electricity and may overheat.

In particular, dust accumulation on outdoor units can cause overheating, so dust should always be removed before use. Outdoor units installed outside are especially vulnerable to dust and moisture, so regular inspections are necessary. If the blades of the outdoor unit fan are damaged or if unusual noises are heard, usage should be stopped immediately and the unit should be inspected by a professional.

For electric fans, care should be taken to ensure that wires are not damaged by being pressed or bent by heavy objects, and that the power cord is not stretched by pulling or dragging the fan. When using a fan that has been stored for a long period, accumulated dust inside should be removed, and during operation, clothing or towels should not be placed over the motor's air vents. The use of multi-outlet extension cords should be avoided, and the power should always be turned off when leaving the area.

Additionally, when air conditioners and electric fans are used for extended periods in hot weather, the risk of overheating increases. It is recommended to use timer functions to allow the devices to cool down and to ventilate enclosed spaces frequently.

Hwang Kiyeon, Director General of the Prevention Policy Bureau at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated, "As the use of cooling devices has become a daily routine in households due to summer heat waves and tropical nights, I hope everyone enjoys a comfortable summer by using these devices properly."