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The heatwave hack that could be KILLY: TikTokers are urged not to attach frozen towels to their fans to keep cool as they risk giving themselves serious electric shocks
- The hack sees TikTokers freeze towels before attaching them to their fans
- Electrical Safety First has warned that the hack could be deadly
- It comes amid the UK’s heat wave, with parts of Britain set to reach 31°C today
With parts of the UK set to reach 31°C (87°F) today, many Britons are struggling to cope with the heat.
But experts have pushed for a dangerous new hack that swamps TikTok during the heat wave.
The hack sees TikTokers freeze wet towels before attaching them to their fans.
Electrical Safety First has warned that the hack could be deadly as users risk giving themselves serious electric shocks.
“Water and electricity don’t mix, and copying this hack could allow water to come into contact with the motor or plug and outlet, increasing the risk of electric shock,” said Giuseppe Capanna, a product safety engineer with Electrical Safety First.
But experts have pushed for a dangerous new hack that swamps TikTok during the heat wave. The hack sees TikTokers freeze towels before attaching them to their fans
Forecasts across Britain show no signs of easing as conditions will remain hot and humid throughout the week.
The uncomfortably warm nighttime temperatures – which barely dipped below 20C in London – prompted Britons to woo their fans and post on social media about their restless sleep.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and rain across the country on Monday, in contrast to the weekend’s blistering sunshine.
But forecasts show that conditions will remain hot and humid, with the mercury rising to 31°C in the coming days.
Amidst this heat wave, the British have gotten creative with their measures to keep cool.
The TikTok hack has been described as a way to “make your own AC unit,” sticking a frozen towel to a fan in hopes of blowing colder air around the house.
One user posted a video of the hack saying, “Lifehack. If you don’t have air conditioning, put a towel under cold water and freeze it.
“And then put this bad boy on your fan.
“I’m on the second floor and the heat is rising. My room feels like it’s 120°F, but this helps cool it down. So easy, enjoy!’
Several users responded to express their delight at the trick, including one calling it an “air conditioner dupe.”
However, Electrical Safety First is urging people to ignore the hack as it could pose a serious security risk.
One user posted a video of the hack saying, “Lifehack. If you don’t have air conditioning, put a towel under cold water and freeze it. And then put this bad boy on your fan’
“Once again, we see TikTok influencers demonstrating “heat hacks” with their fans that may be unsafe,” Capanna said.
“Placing an ice-cold towel on a connected fan can destabilize the device and cause it to tip over, causing the blades to strike the guard and pressurize the motor, and even completely destroy the device.
“The biggest risk comes from the towel, which would eventually thaw and get soaking wet.”
While it may be tempting to leave your fan on overnight to beat the heat, Mr. Capanna also advises against this.
‘Tit leaves you at risk if your device malfunctions while you sleep,” he explained.
‘Always switch off your fan before you go to sleep and ensure that smoke detectors work in your building.’