An increasing number of people these days prefer to use electric stovetops rather than gas-powered ones because they are convenient to use and easy to clean. However because there’s no visible open flame, extra care is required.
Mike Balfour has more.
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March 22, Gangjeong-dong, Seogwipo

Heavy smoke can be seen coming out of this multiplex housing unit that caught fire earlier this year. The cause of the fire was found to be an electric stovetop. It ended up causing tens of millions of won in damage… and took the life of the man who lived there. The incidents of of accidents caused by electric stoves is on the rise.

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Nationwide, accidents have risen from 18 in 2010... to 36 in the first half of 2015.

We conducted an experiment to see how dangerous electric stovetops can be.

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Electric cookers still hot after heat is turned off

We placed a kitchen towel on top of an electric stove right after it had been turned off. It immediately started to burn... and within seconds went up in flames.
The same thing happened to this dishcloth…

Unlike gas stoves, electric units tend to stay hot for much longer after the power has been switched off.

The temperature of this electric cooktop went up to 560 degrees when it was in use. We turned it off and 5 minutes later, it is still 200 degrees. And 15 minutes later… it’s still above the boiling point, at 140 degrees.

[Camera]
Hyeon Gwang-hoon

Even if the power is off, you must never touch the top of an electric stove or place an flammable item nearby. And as a precautionary measure, it is best to have a fire extinguisher ready just in case.

[INTERVIEW]
Kim Seung-sook / Fire Investigation Officer, Seogwipo Fire Station
You must check to see if you’ve left any flammable items nearby like a dry towel or dishcloth. You should also make sure you’ve switched the power off when it’s not in use and most importantly you should have a fire extinguisher in the house...
<인터뷰 : 김승숙 / 서귀포소방서 화재조사관>
"마른 수건이나 행주 등 불에 타는 물질이 주변에 있는지, 전원을 제대로 껐는지. 무엇보다 중요한 것이 확산소화기 등 소방시설을 설치해서…."

[Reporter] Mike Balfour

It is vital that we take extra care when using electric stovetops to prevent a possible accident.
Mike Balfour KCTV