Gas stations and airplanes have in common the prohibition for using the mobile, although the reason is different. One of the doubts that users do the most in both cases is, why can’t I use my mobile? Many think that the ban is based on a legend and others that there really is a serious danger. As everything, it has a scientific explanation and we are going to answer it for both gas stations and planes.
Technology is undeniably linked to myths, from how to charge our mobile for the first time to privacy. Thousands of myths are generated around a technology that is complicated for many, which ends up becoming hoaxes and generating disinformation. We will try to treat both the gas station and the aircraft cases in a simple way , so that we can all understand it and not be left with doubts.
No electrical device should work together with the dispenser
When we go to a gas station we will find a sign that informs about the prohibition of using mobile phones, although in reality the prohibition affects all electrical devices . For this reason, we should also not keep the car radio on or use any other device that works with electrical energy next to a pump or gas station.
Mobile phones are the most popular device and that has made them the main recipients of the ban. The general traffic regulations mention in article 115 the following:
“Owners of fuel distribution apparatus or employees of the latter will not be able to provide fuels for loading if the engine is not stopped and the lights of vehicles, electrical systems such as radio and devices emitting electromagnetic radiation such as mobile phones.”
Being regulated, users who do not comply with the regulations could be fined up to 100 euros without withdrawing points.
What dangers exist?
The main reason why we cannot use any electronic device such as mobile phones next to a pump is because these devices base their operation on static electricity . This energy can cause a minimal spark to jump from our mobile to the fuel vapor and produce a factual reaction.
It is true that the technology has great security measures so that this does not happen and we can even pay by NFC with our mobile phone at various suppliers. But the prohibition is accepted at the time of refueling, when the danger multiplies exponentially.
There are real cases
We can think that this never happens or that it is really a problem rooted in the devices of years ago, for this reason we want to share with you a video that shows how a woman uses a mobile device and after cleaning it touches the pump hose dragging with it the static energy . This is just one of the many results, so it will be best to leave the phone stored and without using it, at least until we hang up the hose and close the tank.
The big differences with the ban on using mobile phones on planes
If we thought that the reason would be the same in planes and gas stations, we are wrong. On the runway during the refueling of the planes, we can find the same reason not to use the mobile or other electrical devices, but during the flight the answer is very different.
When we get on the plane, the first thing we come across are signs warning us to put airplane mode on our devices, and employees will also remind us. In recent times we have begun to see how several airlines begin to offer WiFi network to users as an in-flight entertainment service and therefore the doubts about using the mobile in aircraft have increased.
The reason has to do with interference
Using the mobile phone in a plane with WiFi network or with activated data does not have to suppose an accident or danger. If this is the case, it will be much more strictly necessary to connect the airplane mode or turn off the device. The reason lies in the interference caused by our mobiles with the communication system between pilots and the control tower.
In recent years, technology has evolved, limiting these interferences. But since we are not a single user on airplanes, hundreds of devices could make it impossible for the crew to communicate with the runway . This could be a real problem, endangering our lives, that of all passengers and crew.
In the heights you have no coverage, better not play it
We must follow the instructions for the use of technology in airplanes, but we must also clarify that in the heights to which aircraft are located there is no coverage. This means that we will not be able to browse the Internet , consult apps, much less make a call. It is best to follow orders and not risk that interference can play tricks on us.
