In what situation must electrical appliances be considered hazardous?

Electrical appliances must be considered hazardous when they are near combustible materials because this situation significantly increases the risk of fire. When appliances that generate heat or have electrical components come into close proximity with flammable substances such as paper, wood, or chemicals, the risk of ignition is heightened if something were to go wrong, such as a malfunction or overheating. This principle is a key safety consideration in electrical work, as it is crucial to mitigate any potential hazards related to fire.

The other situations mentioned, while they may warrant caution in specific contexts, do not inherently create the same level of risk as the presence of combustible materials. For instance, appliances located outdoors could be designed for such environments, generating heat is a common function of many appliances (and not all are hazardous due to heat generation), and leaving certain appliances unattended is subject to various conditions, including their design and intended use. However, the combination of electrical devices and flammable materials consistently poses a serious safety hazard, making the correct choice to prioritize safety around these conditions.