Why cell phone are not allowed near petrol pumps?

Answer 1

People did think that connectors at the bottom (for the charger) could spark, but it has been proved not to work. The 'Cell phones ignite petrol fumes' theory is a myth. There is actually more danger if you wear nylon or other synthetic clothing near the pumps, because they build up static as they rub against you and other things, so you discharge the static (and therefore cause a spark) beside the petrol whilst your filling your car, igniting it; there is more chance of this happening in the USA where they have the automatic pumps - the driver puts the pump into the car, leaves it running, gets into the car (thus building up static as the clothes rub against the seat or the bent-over person), gets back out of the car, touches the pump and... BANG! No more driver.

Anyway, back to your question, I have explained the theory behind why cell phones are banned near pumps, but in practice, this just does not happen and you are probably 99.9% safe to use your cell phone near pumps - just don't wear nylon!

(And by the way, after posting this I saw another answerer said Mythbusters made it happen in extreme conditions - as far as I remember they did not get the phone to ignite it at all - they used some other means such as a lighter (and I think it's fair enough to say don't use them near petrol.))

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Petrol Pumps Nearby

Answer 5

It is a myth that the gas companies didnt research properly before slapping a sticker on the pumps. A show on the Discovery Channel called "Mythbusters" tryed every way imaginable to spark a fire using a cell phone by gasoline fumes. They were only able to make it happen in the most extreme conditions that normal people would never find themselves in.

Answer 6

the static waves from the antenna of a cell phone works like a magnet. It is not like the magnet that you put little ornaments on your refrigerators. It is electrical magnet and so strong where the gas pumps are metal and get magnetized with your antenna so easily. When that occurs, it pulls your cell phone closer to the gas pump and whenever it touches, it produces a spark where that's all you need to ignite the gasoline. I hope it helped your curiosity.

Answer 7

Anything at all that can cause a spark can ignite the petrol. It is of interest that one should avoid getting back into the auto and then getting out to stop the pump because the rubbing clothing in the process of sliding into and out of the vehicle also is capable of causing a spark.

Answer 8

I have heard that the US National Transportation Safety Board recommends that cell phone usage be curtailed when filling up at the pump because of cell phone produce a static electircial charge that can set off a fire at the pump. Please with gas reaching 3.00 let's not making matter worse.

Answer 9

Static electricity can ignite the fumes from the gas being pumped. Put your phone down for a few minutes a week. You will live by not using it and pump your gas safely. "Hey Mike, guess what I am doing right now while talking to you....BOOM was it worth it?

Answer 10

They say its because the cell phones can send electirc charege creating a spark that can ignite flowing fuel. If you have ever had a cell phone near an electric alarm clock you will notice that when it goes off it will set the clock off as well.