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Safe Refueling (with video)

The Petroleum Equipment Institute began investigating mysterious refueling fires in the mid-nineties. We learned that static electricity— the same thing that shocks you after you drag your feet on the carpet— can ignite gasoline vapors at the pump.

Watch the video of an actual refueling fire incident: AVI | MOV

Almost 200 incidents have been reported to PEI that appear to be related static electrical discharge. We've made our full report of Refueling Fire Incidents available. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the report.

Three Rules for Safe Refueling

1. Turn off engine.

2. Don't smoke.

3. Never re-enter your vehicle while refueling.

Are Cell Phones Responsible?

No. We have not documented a single incident that was caused by a cellular telephone.

Cell phones continue to be cited as causing fires at the pump in e-mails circulating on the Internet. So far we have been unable to document any incidents that were sparked by a cellular telephone. In fact, many researchers have tried to ignite fuel vapors with a cell phone and failed.

PEI still recommends not using any electronic device that might distract the motorist during the refueling process.

More Information

The following links offer more information on static electrical discharge— the fact and the fiction.

Snopes.com: analysis of infamous warning e-mails circulating

Mythbusters: includes episode on cell phone myth and features our own, Robert Renkes

University of Oklahoma: report on wireless phones at gas stations

ESD Journal: more static-related incidents and safety tips

About.com: detailing the truth of the urban legend

Forum: safe refueling questions and answers from our forum

Books on Static Electricity

Electrostatics: Exploring, Controlling and Using Static Electricity by A. D. Moore

ESD Design and Analysis Handbook by James E. Vinson