Will Using Cell Phone While Pumping Gas Causes Explosion

Whenever someone visits a gas pump for the fueling of their vehicle, they often encounter the signboard warning against the use of cell phone. Such prohibition signs are actually put up by the officials of the gas station, as they believe that cell phones can cause the explosion. However, the researchers have not assured the occurrence of any such event due to the mobile phones. In order to figure it out, let’s delve deeper into the theory explaining the repercussion of using cell phone while pumping gas.

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Can Cell Phones Cause Explosion

In order to understand this, it is essential to first look into the working and manufacturing of the cell phone. So, what exactly is this small device?

Basically, the cell phone is a device, which consists of countless electric components, responsible for communicating with network towers. Although there are no wires in-between still there is a two-way communication that takes place through the electromagnetic waves. These waves actually travel within a certain radio frequency, which lets the making and receiving of calls possible. And, it is these waves, which can cause the spark and ignite the gas at the station.

Using cell phone while pumping gas causes injury
Using cell phone while pumping gas causes explosion. Source: Daily.Social

However, as far any experiment is concerned, there is no proof of the cell phones causing the fire at the gas station. This is because mobile phones do not have the sufficient battery-voltage that can lead to the fire at any gas pump. Even if it happens then, it is concluded that the defective batteries of the vehicle or the mobile phone can be the reason behind it.

Static Electricity: The Real Culprit

Using cell phone while pumping gas may not ignite fire but the static electricity can. This electricity is, in fact, enough even in the small amount to ignite the gas vapors.

Usually, people are careful while filling up the gas in their vehicle, as it is quite expensive. However, the vapors of this fuel still surround the nozzle of the pump, even when not in use. Once these vapors are ignited, it can cause this ignition to travel where the gas is present in large amount. And, the very next minute it can cause a big boom at the gas station.

In this regard, some experts stated that whenever an individual moves in and out of the car during re-fuelling of his vehicle, he actually carries the charge of approximately 60,000 volts. Therefore, it is wise enough to leave the cell phone in the vehicle while going for its gas filling.

Using cell phone while pumping gas can cause fire
Harmful effects of using cell phone while pumping gas. Cre: Fabio/Getty Images

After gaining the industry knowledge that using cell phone while pumping gas won’t burst into flames. Still, it is a good idea to leave this device in the car, keeping in mind the surroundings and the other vehicles at the gas station.