Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWith temperatures rising, many of us are relying on electric fans to stay cool – particularly at night when it can feel impossible to sleep in the sweltering heat. But experts warn there are some dangers to watch out for.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that you should only use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, and not to aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.Electrical Safety First also advises that electric fans can pose fire risks if they overheat; so users should ensure their fan has a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse and avoid buying second-hand models.They caution not to leave a fan running overnight, or when you are out the house. You should always unplug the fan from the socket when not in active use.Additionally, it is also crucial to monitor for warning signs such as burn marks, 'arcing' sounds, fuses blowing, circuit breakers tripping, or the fan feeling hot to touch; if any of these occur, immediately unplug the fan and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. In fullHow to keep your house cool without air conditioning during a heatwaveMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Is it dangerous to sleep with an electric fan on at night?
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWith temperatures rising, many of us are relying on electric fans to stay cool – particularly at night when it can feel impossible to sleep in the sweltering heat. But experts warn there are some dangers to watch out for.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that you should only use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, and not to aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.Electrical Safety First also advises that electric fans can pose fire risks if they overheat; so users should ensure their fan has a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse and avoid buying second-hand models.They caution not to leave a fan running overnight, or when you are out the house. You should always unplug the fan from the socket when not in active use.Additionally, it is also crucial to monitor for warning signs such as burn marks, 'arcing' sounds, fuses blowing, circuit breakers tripping, or the fan feeling hot to touch; if any of these occur, immediately unplug the fan and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. In fullHow to keep your house cool without air conditioning during a heatwaveMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
