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Dryer Fire
Fact Sheet
Consumer Warnings
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Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there
are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths, and 310 injuries
associated with clothes dryers. Some of these fires may occur
when lint builds up in the filter or in the exhaust duct. Under
certain conditions, when lint blocks the flow of air, excessive
heat build-up may cause a fire in some dryers. To prevent fires:
- Clean the lint filter regularly and make
sure the dryer is operating properly. Clean the filter after
each load of clothes. While the dryer is operating, check the
outside exhaust to make sure exhaust air is escaping normally,
If it is not, look inside both ends of the duct and remove any
lint. If there are signs that the dryer is hotter than normal,
this may be a sign that the dryer's temperature control thermostat
needs servicing.
- Check the exhaust duct more often if you
have a plastic, flexible duct. This type of duct is more apt
to trap lint than ducting without ridges.
- Closely follow manufacturers' instructions
for new installations. Most manufacturers that get their clothes
dryers approved by Underwriters Laboratories specify the use
of metal exhaust duct. If metal duct is not available at the
retailer where the dryer was purchased, check other locations,
such as hardware or builder supply stores. If you are having
the dryer installed, insist upon metal duct unless the installer
has verified that the manufacturer permits the use of plastic
duct.
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