I don't think that the radiations may cause fire threat. This instruction is written not only on fuel stations but also in nokia handset manuals.
2006-07-31 05:49:47 · 16 answers · asked by stroha 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
I think this is one of those urban myths. See the the link below in my source.
2006-07-31 05:54:53 · answer #1 · answered by Donna DiaWana 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It was believed, during the advent of cell phones, that the electrical output of the phone could cause a spark in the tank and start a fire. This has been proven to be untrue but the companies never stopped putting it on the pumps just in case. Any electrical spark could cause a fire near a pump, that is why your car is supposed to be completely off during fuelling. Safety is always a partner to caution.
2006-07-31 12:56:22 · answer #2 · answered by PUtuba7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Several correspondents mention "static" electricity, as does the link provided by Donna DiaWana.
Rubbish.
Radio transmitters (there's one in every cell phone) don't cause or produce static electricity. They produce electromagnetic radiation.
The radiation induces r.f. currents in any conducting medium within the radiated field.
These currents can, and sometimes do, cause sparks in gaps in those media.
The fact that someone's tests failed to produce sparks is not proof of safety nor does it "bust" any "myths".
The danger, although small, perhaps very small indeed, is neverthless real.
Try using a radio transmitter in the vicinity of a bomb disposal squad while it is working. You will get lynched. (I hope.)
2006-07-31 16:39:34 · answer #3 · answered by dmb06851 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the phone has a battery, which can provide a spark, which can ignite spilled gas or gas fumes.
thats why you set a gas can on the ground too. even such a tiny spark as from static electricity, like rubbing your feet on a carpet, can ignite gas fumes.
i get a little static charge every winter when i step out of a car. so i have to close the door by pushing on the window.
2006-07-31 12:53:39 · answer #4 · answered by digital genius 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm...I wouldnt worry about any radio frequency every igniting a flame, but its for the same reason you are sapose to touch your car before the pump, just a little extra precation that theres no extra electricity that might spark a little...accident
2006-07-31 12:55:27 · answer #5 · answered by el_huevo_de_la_noche 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why they tell you to turn them off, all this crap about sparks igniting fumes is rubbish. Your ignition switch will spark when you turn it off and break the circuit, your ignition switch will spark when you start your car, your starter motor will spark when it turns the engine. A mobile phone would be the least of the worries for sparking.
2006-07-31 21:14:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you ever have watched mythbusters on discovey channel, they compleatly busted this myth. they tired everything and a cell phone WILL NOT cause flash fires or explosions at a gas station. if it was true and if it was really a big problem, i think gas stations would be exploding everywhere. because i cant see everyone in america obiding by that "rule".
2006-07-31 13:49:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because in rare instances the phones have been a source of spark thjat ignites the fumes from nozzle and tank.
2006-07-31 12:53:07 · answer #8 · answered by weigh_with_words 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The radio frequency and the static electricity can spark and cause a fire. Just be safe and don't use it while filling up!
2006-07-31 12:53:13 · answer #9 · answered by Tangled Web 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Urban legend that a static charge will ignite the fuel vapors while filling your car.
2006-07-31 13:50:49 · answer #10 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its because of the charge that is created when your cellphone rings/vibrates. Everytime your recieve a call there is a charge, kinda like static electricity. It's the fumes that catch ablaze not the actual liquid.
2006-07-31 12:54:17 · answer #11 · answered by [ V ] 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋