Abstract: Failure analysis for a household electric kettle of some brand with frequent short circuit was carried out. The short circuit was caused by the water from the leaking spout during use. The area around spout was analyzed by macroscopic examination, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometry. The results show that the non-uniform filling of silica gel in part leads to the infiltration by water and accelerates the ageing of silica gel. The different expansion and contraction in the non-uniform parts of silica gel due to multiple thermal cycles in use, which leads to the stress tearing the silica gel, and ultimately leads to the local leakage. Finally, according to the results of failure analysis, some improvement suggestions are put forward to ensure the safety of consumers.

Key words: Electric kettle, Water leakage, Failure analysis, Welded structure