A simple warning!
 

Please check the cords on your iron for freying or damage.

Today I was ironing some fabric that had just been washed and my iron went cold. Thinking I had pulled the cord out of the extension cord I lifted the cord to follow it and it looked like July 4th in my living room. Ok not quite the 4th but sparks were going everywhere. Once I got it unplugged and looked at it the cord had a hole near the end where it had blown out. So once my heart worked it's way back into my chest I cut the end off, threw the iron away and thought I would post a warning.

Please remember to check those cords on those helpful but electrified tools that we use. I guess sometimes we don't actually see the wear that they are getting.

Tammy

Thanks for the warning!

Check the wiring on other things, too -

Sewing machines and lamps are the two first things that come to mind - especially the vintage ones.

Those old space heaters too that get the red hot coils are also dangerous.

Also toasters! I remember long, long ago, some (NFL?) football player's home burned to the ground, and it was attributed to a toaster, which was not in use, (I believe no one was home at the time,) just plugged in. You don't stop to think when you leave small appliances plugged in that you are entrusting the welfare of everyone and everything in the house to that inexpensive item, but you really are.

Thanks for the warning! After reading several previous blogs about irons catching fire, I now always unplug my iron and from now on will check the cords over periodically also.

was it a Rowenta by chance? those have been catching fire all by themselves. glad you are all right.

No not one of those. I don't even remember what it was. I've had it for awhile and had never notices any ware on the cord. It worked well up until today, it actually worked better than the new one I have. I guess it just finally got tired and wanted to rest.

I never leave my irons plugged in and will have to reconsider leaving the toaster plugged in. I check my cords for my sewing machine because I don't leave them plugged in. I guess the movement of the iron just helped to ware on it.

Go to the search at the top of this page and enter unexpected fire and see what happened to a friend of mine last week. These irons are getting a bit scary.

I unplug my irons all the time when I'm done using them. And that's part of the reason I'm having cord issues with both of my irons now! It's the extra wear/tear on the plug/cord connection. But I'll still unplug. Just got used to doing that when my dogs had access to wherever I happened to be ironing. Don't care if there's an auto shut-off. Never know what the 4 legged creatures might get spooked by, jump up and knock it over. Not taking chances here.

An update on the Rowenta that burst into flames while I was using it - I have received the prepaid label from Rowenta to send it into their factory, however, first I'm going to take it to the Fire Department and get it documented from them. Just as a precaution on my part. There is NO wear on the cord where this shot fire out and burnt it off. I hope your heart is pounding o.k. now - think my is starting to slow down too!