ESF warns against TikTok heatwave 'hack'

Experts are warning against a new trend which is sweeping across social media as temperatures rise, which could risk electric shock.

Consumer safety charity, Electrical Safety First, is urging consumers to avoid a new social trend which could put them at risk.

Brits looking to beat the heat are turning towards a number of users on Tik Tok and Twitter who are sharing advice on how to make your own ‘homemade air conditioning’.

This hack is shown to involve users tying bags of ice to their electric fans while in use, in the hope of blowing colder air throughout their homes.

The charity is warning people to ignore the ‘hack’ as it could pose a serious safety risk.

Attaching bags of ice above an electric device, such as a fan, risks water coming into contact with the motor, increasing the risk of not only electric shock but damaging your fan completely.

As well as the risk of electric shock users trying to cut corners with their fan risk short-circuiting the device whilst the excessive weight of the bag attached to the top of the fan will risk the stability of the fan, risking it falling over and damaging or obstructing the rotation of the blades.

Product Safety Engineer of Electrical Safety First Giuseppe Capanna commented: “Videos on TikTok are encouraging sweltering Brits to practice unsafe hacks with their electric fans. Tying a bag of ice to a fan is very risky as it could destabilise the fan which may make it fall over, causing the blades to hit the guard and put the motor under additional strain, as well as potentially breaking your fan altogether. However, most importantly, the water that melts from the bag has a chance of coming into contact with the motor and causing an electric shock risk to anyone touching the fan.”

Giuseppe Capanna, offers some further advice on how to use your fan safely:  

DON’T leave your fan on overnight 

It’s tempting to keep cool air circulating as the nighttime temperature stays high but this leaves you at risk if a fault occurs within your device while you’re sleeping. Always turn your fan off before you go to sleep and ensure you have working smoke alarms in your property.  

DO purchase your fan from a reputable retailer you know and trust 
Purchasing electric fans from third-party sellers you have never heard of on online marketplaces could leave you vulnerable to substandard and potentially dangerous counterfeits which may risk electric shock and fire.  

DON’T balance your fan on the edge of a surface 
Always place your fan on a flat stable surface. If your fan is balanced on the edge of a surface, or has items attached to it, such as a bag of ice, it could tip over. This would cause the blades to hit the guard and put the motor under additional strain, as well as potentially breaking your fan altogether.  

DO clear your fan of dust build-up 
Be sure to look at the vents or the motor for a build-up of dust as there are two risks:

The motor may be placed under additional strain from the dust and grime
The dust could become a source of ignition if the motor were to overheat.

Always clean your vents to ensure your fan works efficiently and is kept in good use. Make sure to unplug your fan and to follow manufacturer’s instructions before opening the guard or attempting to clean the fan. 

DON’T ignore a buzzing sound 
If your fan is giving off a light buzzing sound it may be a sign of an electrical fault or ‘arcing’ occurring at the plug. Always ensure your fan is plugged in securely if you notice any smell of burning or unusual noises, turn it off immediately.  

DO check your fan for wear and tear 
We often keep fans for years, storing them away in the cooler months where damage may occur to cables. Always check your device to ensure the cables are in good condition and that the vents are free from the build-up of dust, which can hinder the product’s performance.  