Fact and fiction about electrical appliances

Press, 8 May 1980, Page 15

Fact and fiction about electrical appliances

Here is some fiction and fact about the electrical appliances -used in the home. FICTION: Vacuum cleaners wear carpets. FACT: Tests prove the reverse, for, provided the

cleaner is used correctly, it removes grit which otherwise cuts fibres and so causes unnecessary wear. FICTION: Electric and gas fires dry the atmosphere. FACT: They warm the air but do not dry it any more than a coal fire or coke-burning room heater. Rooms should always be kept well ventilated, especially when fire or heater is not connected to a flue. FICTION: Vacuum cleaners still pick up dirt whether the bag is full or empty.

FACT: If the bag is not reasonably empty the efficiency of the cleaner is reduced by more than half. If dust clogs the

pores of the bag the force of suction may be destroyed and filtering is slowed down. FICTION: If fuses blow frequently, just put in a heavier fuse. FACT: Fuses are safety valves. A larger size fuse than specified puts too heavy a load on wiring, causes blinking, overheating of wire, and possible risk of fire. FICTION: An electric iron, being a smaller appliance, uses less current than a vacuum cleaner. FACT: ' Current consumed by a vacuum cleaner and other mechanical apparatus is practically negligible, whereas an iron or any appliance that produces heat consume' at least twice as much.