"Check Your Plugs Before Leaving for Vacation"... Electronic Devices to Watch Out For

Unplug Laptops, Rice Cookers, and Hair Irons
Keep Kimchi Refrigerators and Freezers Plugged In

As the summer vacation season approaches, there is growing interest in which household appliances must have their plugs unplugged to prevent fires.

Power strip. YouTube capture

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 40,000 household fires are caused by electronic devices each year, resulting in over 300 deaths. Property damage alone is estimated to reach approximately 800 billion won. Managing the plugs of household appliances before leaving home is important not only to save on electricity bills but also to prevent fires.

The first devices to pay attention to are those that use lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, power tools, electric bicycles, and mobile phone chargers. Leaving these devices plugged in for long periods may increase the risk of overheating. The U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommends unplugging devices after the battery is fully charged.

Appliances such as coffee machines, microwave ovens, rice cookers, and food processors consume electricity even when not in use, as long as they remain plugged in. Therefore, it is advisable to unplug them when leaving home for an extended period.

Next, it is important to check hair styling devices such as hair irons and hair dryers. Although most newer models have an automatic power-off function, experts advise developing the habit of unplugging them after use.

In addition, devices such as game consoles, TVs, and computers should also be unplugged when leaving home for a long time. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the United States explained that these devices can account for 5-10% of a household's total electricity consumption due to standby power, even when not in use.

Experts also advise that turning off the power to power strips can reduce both the risk of fire and electricity waste at the same time.

However, refrigerators, freezers, and kimchi refrigerators should not be unplugged, even when away from home for an extended period, as it is important to keep food inside safely stored. Additionally, internet routers and modems typically do not consume much power, and because they may be linked to IoT appliances or security systems, disconnecting them could cause problems. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them powered on.

Furthermore, if you are planning a long trip, it is also recommended to shut off the water valve to prevent water leakage accidents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.