In the evening, you prepared toast for the children for dinner or for yourself in the morning on a trip. The kitchen is cleaned, the lights are off, everything seems fine. You finally go to bed, but something keeps you awake. Is that toaster unplugged? You may ignore the thought, but maybe it’s time to get up and check if it’s safe.
Many people think that turning off the appliance with a button is enough. But the opposite is true. A toaster, like other kitchen appliances, remains live as long as it is plugged into an outlet. When there is any malfunction inside the device, for example, a thermostat failure or a power surge, it can become hot even without your knowledge. Imagine that you are sleeping soundly and smoke starts to spread through the kitchen. By then it may be too late.
Watch a video from Bron Afon’s YT creation – Toaster and fire protection
Source: Youtube
The statistics speak clearly. There are thousands of home fires caused by kitchen appliances every year, and toasters are often mentioned on this list. Small impurities that remain in the device are another risk factor. Dried crumbs or grease can easily catch fire when combined with an electrical short.
How to prevent accidents?
The first step is a simple habit. Unplug the toaster after each use. This small action only takes a few seconds, but it can save you a lot of trouble. Furthermore, regularly check the condition of the cables.
If they are cracked or damaged, do not hesitate to have them repaired or replace the entire device. Modern toasters with safety features such as automatic shutdown in case of overheating are another option to increase the safety of your home.
Electric kettles, microwave ovens or hobs have their own risks, but toasters tend to be underestimated precisely because of their simplicity. If you unplug the toaster, you not only reduce the risk of fire, but also save on electricity. Appliances connected to the network draw electricity even when switched off.
Source: jimstestandtag.com, ksmu.org, cnet.com
