From air fryers to heated blankets, modern gadgets promise convenience, efficiency and a small amount of luxury. But as our homes become more wired and rely on electronics, safety regulators and insurers have issued an alarm about the trend: Some of today’s most popular home gadgets are connecting with home fires.
Although most of these products are completely legal, problems arising from overuse, charging, manufacturing defects, or not following fine printing in the user manual at all. The National Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Fire Department reported a steady increase in equipment-related fires and were only considered harmless until recently.
Here are six widely used home gadgets that are now considered fire hazards, as well as protecting your home as you need to know.
1. Lithium battery powered equipment
From smart vacuum cleaners and electronic bikes to handheld tools and rechargeable flashlights, lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. Their compact power completely changed the technology, but it had fiery shortcomings. When damaged, charged, or exposed to heat, these batteries may explode or ignite with little warning.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have increased significantly, especially in urban homes and apartment buildings. A bug or non-branded charger will only make the situation worse.
To reduce the risk, avoid recharging the battery overnight or on flammable surfaces, do not use damaged cables, and stick to the original manufacturer’s accessories. Even sparks from overworked lithium batteries can cause catastrophic damage.
2. Smart plug adapter and multi-port extender
Smart plugs and power extenders make it easy to automate devices by automating devices through voice or application, charging multiple devices and controlling electronic devices. However, these convenience gadgets are marked for abuse and overheating, especially when used with treble items such as space heaters, coffee machines or microwaves.
Overloaded circuits, poor ventilation and cheap manufacturing can all lead to internal failures that trigger fires. If your smart plug feels hot or is constantly resetting, it can be a dangerous warning sign.
The fire department recommends using them only with low combat electronics like lights or fans (such as lights or fans) without plugging one extender into another (a practice called “Daisy Chaining”). Unfortunately, many homes are doing this without realizing the risk of fire.
3. Drive and countertop oven
The air frying table has taken over the U.S. kitchen, offering a replacement for healthier frying and faster cooking times. But with popularity surges, recalls, overheating issues and, in some cases, a surge in home fires.
Major brands such as Instant Pot and Cosori recalled hundreds of thousands of units due to internal cabling defects, melted components and unexpected flue gas emissions. Fire risk increases when these devices are unattended, operate on unstable surfaces or next to flammable materials such as curtains or tissues.
CPSC recommends always keeping these devices on heat-resistant surfaces to keep them away from walls or overhead cabinets and never let them run, even for a minute, when you leave the room.
4. Electric blanket and heated mattress mattress
In colder climates, warm staples of electric blankets and mattresses, winter nights are comfortable for comfort, but they are also one of the main culprits in bedroom fires. The danger increases with age; worn wires, cracked controllers and worn heating elements are recipes for electrical sparks.
These products are especially risky when used by older people who may fall asleep with them or forget to turn them off. If stacked, folded or folded with heavy bedding, folded or layered, even newer models can overheat.
To stay safe, never use a blanket with visible wear, always unplug when not in use, and pets are not allowed to sleep on heated bedding. They can pierce the wires. Fire safety experts recommend replacing these products every 5 to 7 years, regardless of how they seem to work.
5. Space heater
It’s no surprise that space heaters are on this list. They have long been called the main cause of winter fires. But it’s shocking how many families continue to use them or ignore basic safety guidelines.
Modern space heaters usually come with a tip sensor and an automatic shutdown, but this doesn’t make it foolproof. Units placed too close to furniture, curtains or bedding can ignite materials in seconds. And inserting them into extension cords (still a common exercise) is a fast track to electrical overload.
Even the updated “smart” model cannot guarantee the security of abuse. The Fire Marshal recommends placing the space heater at least 3 feet away, inserting them directly into a wall outlet, and never leaving them unattended, especially near pets or children.
6. Heated clothes and blankets with USB power
New entry into the fire hazard category, USB-powered heated scarves, vests, blankets and seat cushions are becoming increasingly popular, especially among older people and those with poor circulation. However, these gadgets usually rely on power banks or continuous USB charging, and when quality is compromised, there are two major fire risks.
Many of these products are produced overseas, with little supervision and may not meet U.S. safety standards. Fire can cause a fire to heat coils, unqualified wiring, or overheating batteries stuffed into pockets or sleeves.
They may feel like a comfortable solution for a comfortable home or a winter walk, but these gadgets can pose a significant danger when inserted too long or folded. If using them, select UL products on the market, check the cable regularly, and avoid sleeping while in use.
Fire risk is closer than you think
Most people think that fire hazards come from old wiring or careless candles. But, as this list shows, many of the biggest risks today come from the devices we use every day. Sometimes it’s on our kitchen counters, bedside tables or circles.
What makes this trend particularly shocking is that these gadgets are often sold as safe, cutting-edge and even energy-efficient. Consumers rarely want to check recalls, look for security certifications or question the location and use of their favorite home technology.
Overloading the socket, which allows the device to charge overnight or runs an unattended gadget, is a slow risk that reveals yourself only if something goes wrong. By then, it might be too late.
Prevent your smart house from rising in the flames
As homes become more tech-savvy, matching them with smart safety habits is crucial. This means regular checking of recalls, using manufacturer-approved chargers and ropes, replacing old appliances, and never neglecting signs of wear or overheating.
Most importantly, rethink how you use these gadgets. Do they charge on flammable surfaces? Stay when you are not here? Used in a way the manufacturer never intended to use? A small change in habits may be the difference between comfort and five guard fires.
Have you noticed any of these fire risks in your home? Or have you experienced a gadget failure?
Read more:
What should I do if my property is damaged by a fire?
Stop silent churn: 10 gadgets each year cost $200 in electricity per year
Riley Jones is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to popular culture, she wrote everything in the sun. When she is not writing, she will spend time outside, reading or embracing two corgis.
