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We investigate whether or not hoverboards are a fire hazard, taking a look at some of the recent incidents and what may have caused them.
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Introduction
In the past few years, hoverboards have become increasingly popular. Though they are a fun and convenient way to get around, there have been reports of them catching on fire. This has led many people to wonder, “Are hoverboards a fire hazard?”
Hoverboards are powered by lithium ion batteries, which are known to be volatile. When these batteries are damaged or improperly charged, they can overheat and catch on fire. In some cases, the fires caused by hoverboards have been so severe that they have destroyed entire homes.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your hoverboard from catching on fire. First, make sure that you purchase your hoverboard from a reputable source. There have been many instances of counterfeit hoverboards being sold with faulty batteries. Second, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging your hoverboard. Overcharging the battery is one of the most common causes of fires. Finally, avoid leaving your hoverboard charging unattended for long periods of time. If you must do this, make sure that it is in a safe place where it cannot fall and cause a fire.
While hoverboards can be great fun, it is important to be aware of the potential risks before using one. By following the above tips, you can help ensure that your experience with a hoverboard is a safe one.
The dangers of hoverboards
Hoverboards have been in the news a lot lately, and not always for the right reasons. A growing number of reports have surfaced of the devices spontaneously catching fire, leading many to wonder if hoverboards are safe.
While the cause of these fires is still under investigation, it is clear that hoverboards pose a serious fire hazard. In one recent incident, a family in Louisiana lost their home after their hoverboard caught fire while charging.
There have also been reports of injuries related to hoverboards, including concussions and broken bones. One young girl in Texas even had to have her foot amputated after she was run over by a hoverboard.
With so many reports of fires and injuries, it’s important to be aware of the dangers associated with hoverboards before you buy one. If you do decide to purchase a hoverboard, be sure to follow all safety precautions carefully.
The science behind the fires
Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, have been all the rage in recent years. But as popularity for the devices has grown, so have reports of fires caused by them.
There have been dozens of reports of hoverboard fires in the United States in recent months, leading to widespread concerns about the safety of the devices.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but there are some theories about what might be causing them.
One theory is that the lithium-ion batteries that power hoverboards can overheat and catch fire. Lithium-ion batteries are also used in laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices.
Another theory is that cheap knockoff chargers could be to blame. Many of the reported fires have started while the hoverboards were charging.
It’s also possible that a combination of factors could be causing the fires.
Whatever the cause, it’s clear that hoverboards can be a fire hazard. If you own a hoverboard, it’s important to take precautions to avoid a fire.
The government’s response
The United States government has issued a warning about the potential fire hazard posed by hoverboards.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said that it is aware of at least 60 reports of hoverboard fires in 24 states.
“These fires have caused property damage, including destruction of homes and cars,” the CPSC said. “Consumers should immediately report any incidents of smoking, sparking or fire to CPSC.”
The agency added that it is working with retailers and manufacturers to “address the problems associated with hoverboards.”
In response to the CPSC’s statement, several retailers have announced that they are stopping sales of hoverboards. Amazon, Target, and Overstock have all pulled hoverboards from their websites.
The industry’s response
The industry’s response to the allegations of hoverboards catching fire has been swift and largely unified. Statements from nearly a dozen companies that manufacture or sell the self-balancing scooters paint a picture of an industry that is taking the allegations seriously and working to ensure that their products are safe.
Several companies have issued voluntary recalls of their hoverboards, while others have instituted new safety measures, such as adding external fire containment features or using only certified batteries. Some retailers have stopped selling hoverboards altogether.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating the reports of fires and has urged consumers to exercise caution when using hoverboards. In the meantime, the industry appears to be taking steps to try to ensure that its products are safe.
The consumer’s responsibility
Hoverboards have been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. Reports of the self-balancing scooters catching fire have been increasing, leading to investigations by safety agencies and a recall of some models. So, are hoverboards a fire hazard?
It’s impossible to say for sure. There are many different brands and models of hoverboard on the market, and they all use different batteries and chargers. Some models may be more likely to catch fire than others, but it’s hard to know which ones those are.
One thing is clear, though: if you own a hoverboard, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them. That means only charging the device when you’re able to keep an eye on it, not overcharging it, and not leaving it plugged in when you’re not using it.
If you do all those things, your chances of having a hoverboard fire are probably pretty low. But even so, it’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy just in case.
Tips for avoiding a fire
Hoverboards have become a popular holiday gift in recent years, but there have been reports of the self-balancing scooters catching fire. In some cases, the fires have caused significant damage to homes and property.
There are a few things you can do to avoid a fire:
1. Only buy a hoverboard from a reputable retailer.
2. Make sure the hoverboard has UL certification.
3. Do not leave the hoverboard charging unattended.
4. Do not overcharge the hoverboard.
5. Do not charge the hoverboard with an incompatible charger.
How to respond to a fire
The battery-operated boards, which users stand upon and operate with their feet, have been linked to at least 60 fires in 20 states since December 1, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
If your hoverboard starts smoking or catches on fire while in use, immediately remove the battery pack and throw it in a fire-proof container such as a metal garbage can. If the fire is small and contained to the area around the battery pack, you can try to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. However, if the fire is larger or has spread to other parts of the hoverboard, evacuate the area and call 911.
The future of hoverboards
Since their inception, hoverboards have been fraught with controversy. Some believe that they are the future of personal transportation, while others believe that they are a fire hazard. Recently, several schools and organizations have banned the use of hoverboards on their premises due to the fire risk.
There is no doubt that hoverboards have the potential to be a fire hazard. In December of 2015, there were reports of dozens of fires in the UK that were started by hoverboards. In some cases, the fires were caused by faulty batteries, while in other cases, they were caused by poor quality chargers.
In order to reduce the risk of fire, it is important to only purchase hoverboards from reputable dealers. Additionally, it is important to always use the proper charger and never leave a hoverboard charging unattended. If you are worried about the safety of your hoverboard, it might be best to avoid using one altogether.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, yes, hoverboards are a fire hazard. There have been countless reports of them catching on fire, even when they’re not charging. So if you own one, or are thinking of buying one, be very careful. Keep an eye on it while it’s charging, and don’t leave it plugged in for too long. Also, don’t charge it overnight. And finally, if it starts making strange noises, or the casing feels hot, unplug it immediately and take a look at it.
