Why does a lighter explode

They have a number of uses around the house, including lighting stoves, pilot lights and candles as well as other utility uses. A lighter may seem innocuous, but it can be dangerous. It contains a pressurized flammable gas that can potentially explode, and it can cause a fire in the hands of a young child who mistakes it for a toy.

Lighters are far too small to produce that much force, but they nevertheless can explode if placed near an open flame or subjected to another source of heat.

The explosion can send shards of plastic flying and potentially start a fire as the pressurized butane ignites. Inadvertently leaving a lighter too close to a stove or fireplace can seriously injure someone who doesn't know it is there. Gas generally doesn't leak from a lighter under normal use, even an inexpensive one. If the lighter is refillable, however, the valve may stick open after removal of the refilling cartridge.

Pens Maybe small but can burst and leave ink in the vehicle. Clean-up can be expensive and stains a challenge to remove. Aerosol cans Whether lubricants, paint or deodorant the pressure inside the container can build-up and explode in high temperatures. Check the side of the can for storage instructions.

Disposable batteries Heat can make acid in batteries prone to leaking. If this happens when left on a seat it can burn holes in the upholstery.

Flame height Flame height should not exceed 2-inches for non-adjustable lighters or 4. Flaring Learn More. Flaring There should be no greater than 2-inches of variation in flame height from the steady state flame condition.

Volumetric Displacement Learn More. Resistance to High Temperaturet Learn More. Resistance to High Temperature Every lighter should be able to withstand degrees Fahrenheit for 4 hours without gas escape leakage exceeding 15 milligrams per minute. However, two factors have threatened to reverse the progress of the last quarter century:. Understanding lighter safety standards So what should you know about lighter safety standards? Learn more about ASTM safety standards here. Learn more at playsafebesafe.

Customer Name. Customer Email. Do lighters ever explode? How long does it take for a lighter to explode? What happens if you hold a lighter on too long? What would cause a lighter to explode? Can a lighter explode on its own? What happens if you hold a lighter upside down? Why do lighters not explode?

What happens when you keep a lighter on for more than 30 seconds? Is it OK to keep a lighter in your car? Is it safe to keep a lighter in your pocket? How hot does a lighter get before it explodes? Are lighters dangerous? Can a lighter explode in your pocket?