When refueling the family car, I usually shut off my celfone, keeping in mind advice that its electronic signal would interfere with the pump and cause an explosion. I may be wrong about this, despite seeing dramatizations of such a scenario; a person was chatting on her cell next to me while I was gassing and didn't cause the pump to explode. In any case, this should not be attempted unless the "Mythbusters" show provides dramatic evidence it can be done and the FCC gives the green light.
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More dangerous I have seen people turn on the gas with the clip holding the hose on open, while they go into the gas station convenience store. One day I was on the opposite side of a pump where the gas began to overflow, the clip had not released. Two fine ladies sat in the back of their hot car as gas puddled and flowed around their car. "Get out, Get out" I yelled. They stared at me, ignorance is bliss. Eventually I reached across the gas for the kill switch, expecting to be exploded. I am still here. But I never would leave a hose running and trust the clip.
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteThere is really no evidence for this myth.
Look for other causes, the primary issue is "Static Electricity Discharge"!
The act of getting in and out of your car can cause a static charge to build up. There are a number of factors involved; what you are wearing, the composition of your upholstery and the relative humidity.
Before pumping gas, consider simply grabbing a metal pipe or girder supporting the overhang, which will ground any charge you have acquired.
In any case, the risk is very low.
Dave Israel