Couple of fire/safety questions

[AmadeusM]

I have noticed slight fraying of insulation on the wires underneath the heat pads (I am sure there is a more correct name for those) on my electric range.I don't quite see the exposed metal though.

1) Can this be a fire hazard?
2) If so, would this be a fire hazard when the thing is in use, or at anytime? In other words, can it trigger a fire when I am away from home?


Heaters:
If the window is opened briefly for ventilation and the heater (I don't know what kind it is, it is somewhere outside my apartment) is running a little harder to keep up with the frigid air, can this be a fire hazard?

Finally, do candles that are electrically melted (via plug in small candle heater) emit carbon monoxide like burned candles?

Thank you much, and I hope these are not too retarded.

 

[Gollnick]

I have noticed slight fraying of insulation on the wires underneath the heat pads (I am sure there is a more correct name for those) on my electric range.I don't quite see the exposed metal though.

This is normal. The insulation on the wire in question has to able to withstand the high heat. So, on newer ranges it's fiberglass cloth. On older ones, it's asbestos cloth. Eitherway, it doesn't strip neatly like plastic insulation does. It always looks frayed.

BTW, whenever one says asbestos, one raised concerns. The danger in asbestos is in "frangible asbestos" which can get into your lungs. The asbestos cloth used for wire insulation is not frangible.

1) Can this be a fire hazard?

No.

2) If so, would this be a fire hazard when the thing is in use, or at anytime? In other words, can it trigger a fire when I am away from home?

If the metal conductor under the insulation is exposed, then it is a shock and fire hazard only when the stove is on.

If the window is opened briefly for ventilation and the heater (I don't know what kind it is, it is somewhere outside my apartment) is running a little harder to keep up with the frigid air, can this be a fire hazard?

The heater won't work any "harder" but it may run longer or even continuously. That could lead to internal overheating. But, modern heaters have built-in safety theromostats that cut the unit off it the internal temperature gets dangerous. Still, it's best not to push this. Don't run the heater while the window is open. It's a waste of energy and money anyway.

Finally, do candles that are electrically melted (via plug in small candle heater) emit carbon monoxide like burned candles?

I've never heard of such a thing.

In general, the amount of CO emitted by a candle is insignificant.

Thank you much, and I hope these are not too retarded.

Where fire safety is concerned, there are no insignificant questions. Better to ask then to find out the hard way.