monitor on = fire hazard?

[ninikins]

Just a question, but is it true if you leave your monitor on there's a risk of fire? I'd not heard of this before...sounds logical though.

[vee_ess]

With any electrical equipment, there is risk of fire when it is turned on, but you have to weigh the risk. I never turn any of my monitors off, because there is very low risk and the internal soft switch is a far more robust than the power button.

[Slashmire]

I think the worst that could happen is probably "burning" the screen of the monitor and when you close the monitor, you still see a shadowy image.

[Triumph]

I am confused what is the risk? I use flatscreens which shut themselves off after inactivity, anyways, but what is the fire hazard associated with monitors being on? I have used computers for a scary 25 years now and have never heard of that.

[Slashmire]

Like mentionned the risk is only "technical." For example...your TV could catch in fire since it is plugged in an electric outlet...but the chances of it doing so is very unlikely.

[Triumph]

Is your tv a risk just by being plugged in or does it need to be plugged in and on?

I did find a way to make them a risk though. If you douse a monitor in gasoline and drop a lit cigarette on it, it could burst into flames.

Triumph's Home Safety Type #3

[Slashmire]

Albeit we're talking about a very unlikely scenario...yes, technically a TV could get in fire simply by being plugged, as some TV do keep getting small bits of current when off (like settings that are reset when there is a power outtage for example.)