Your phone, laptops and other devices are ticking bombs in this extreme heat, here is how to prevent any fire

Recently, you might have seen several reports of incidents of mobile phones catching fire after overheating or videos of an AC catching fire and burning down an entire flat in Noida society. Summers are at an all-time high with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees in most parts of northern India. As temperatures soar during the summer, it's not just humans who suffer, our electronic devices are also at risk.

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In extreme heat, smartphones, laptops, TVs, and even air conditioners can overheat and, in severe cases, catch fire. But why do devices overheat, and what causes fires?

Why do devices overheat?

Electronic devices like smartphones and AC units generate heat as a byproduct of their operation. When the surrounding temperature is high, the cooling mechanisms in these devices, such as fans and heat sinks, struggle to dissipate the heat effectively. This can make them overheat, potentially damaging internal components and causing fires.

This is the same reason airlines restrict you from carrying electronics and power banks in checked baggage and instead ask you to take them in your cabin baggage. If kept in luggage, the devices can catch fire due to pressure or temperature changes. In the case of extreme heat, the high air temperature can lead to the battery and components inside gadgets heating up and catching fire.

Similarly, if you are using your smartphone or laptop indoors around noon, you may notice they become hot even when not powered on. This is due to the battery inside them.

Here are a few reasons why devices overheat:

Inadequate ventilation: Devices like laptops and TVs have vents designed to release heat. Blocking these vents with objects or placing devices in confined spaces prevents proper airflow.

Continuous usage: Using devices for longer durations without breaks increases their temperature. This is especially true for activities that require high processing power, like gaming or video editing.

High ambient temperature: High external temperatures also make it harder for devices to cool down. This is exacerbated if the device is left in direct sunlight or in a car on a hot day.

Dust: Malfunctioning fans, degraded thermal paste, or dust accumulation in your smartphone, AC, laptop, and other devices can also affect their cooling systems.

How to cool down overheating devices

So how can you prevent devices from overheating and avoid fires? Here are some steps you can take if your device starts to overheat:

If you think the device is overheating, stop using it and give it a rest. Turn off the device and unplug it from the power source. This stops further heat generation and allows the internal components to cool.

Close unnecessary applications and reduce screen brightness. For smartphones, switching to airplane mode can minimise heat generation.

Place the device in a shaded, cool area away from direct sunlight. For mobile devices, removing the case can also help dissipate heat faster. You can keep your laptop upside down so that the fan beneath can get air.

For laptops, a cooling pad with built-in fans can provide additional airflow. External fans can help circulate air around larger devices like TVs or gaming consoles.

Safety tips if your device catches fire

If your device catches fire, here are some safety tips:

If it is safe to do so, unplug the device. For larger appliances, turn off the main power supply.

If the fire is small and manageable, use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires. Do not use water, as it can conduct electricity and cause further damage.

If the fire spreads or you are unable to control it, evacuate the area and call emergency services immediately.

Do not attempt to reuse the device after a fire. It is likely severely damaged and may pose further risks.