Europe is experiencing the biggest heatwaves in the continent’s history this week. On the 19th, Britain recorded temperatures above 40°C for the first time in its history.
Amid this alarming situation, TikTok users have been taught a technique to try and bypass high temperatures, but experts warn that the “hack” to make the day milder is dangerous.
The idea is to build a homemade air conditioner by hanging a bag of ice behind the propellers of mobile fans so the blades supposedly blow cooler winds. Joining fans and Ice has become a trend on the social network, in a series of videos that have been removed following the backlash.
However, ice near electrical equipment, especially the motor, as in the case of the fan, increases the risk of causing an electrical short.
“The water that melts from the bag can come in contact with the motor and put anyone who touches the fan at risk of electrocution,” said Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at British NGO Electrical Safety First, in an interview with the tabloid Chron.
Also, there is a risk that the weight placed on the fan may fall or damage the rotation of the propeller.
The recommendation from experts who have commented on the trend is to keep an ice bucket a safe distance from the fan.
It’s a safe and affordable option to keep you cool on the hottest days of the year.
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