In the realm of home safety, it's crucial to recognize the devices that pose the greatest risks when left plugged in. While it's common knowledge that refrigerators and other high-power appliances should remain connected, the less permanent fixtures in our homes often go overlooked. In this article, I'll delve into the seven devices that should be unplugged when not in use, and why. From space heaters to toasters, understanding these risks can help prevent potential hazards and keep your home safe. So, let's explore the less obvious culprits and the importance of unplugging them when you're away.
Space Heaters: A Fire Hazard
Space heaters are a common household item, but they can be a significant fire risk if not used correctly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters and heating stoves accounted for 29% of home heating equipment fires from 2019 to 2023. This statistic highlights the importance of unplugging these devices when not in use. Never plug your space heater into an extension cord, and always unplug it from the wall outlet before leaving your home. It's a simple safety habit that can prevent potential disasters.
Air Fryers: A Countertop Hazard
Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but they should be treated with the same caution as space heaters. These countertop appliances should never be plugged into an extension cord and should always be unplugged when not in use, even if they are not turned on. The reason for this is that some devices still have power flowing when they're off, especially anything with a standby mode, digital display, or remote control. A failure inside the device or cord can cause problems if it's plugged in, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
Portable AC Units: High-Draw Devices
Portable AC units are considered high-draw devices, so even though they don't produce heat, they should still be unplugged when you leave your home. These units require a significant amount of power to operate, and leaving them plugged in can pose a safety risk. It's a simple safety measure that can prevent potential hazards and keep your home safe.
Hair Tools: Off Switches and Safety Hazards
Although there is an off switch on hair dryers, curling wands, and straightening irons, that doesn't mean they should remain plugged in even when turned off. The off switch could fail, which poses a safety hazard. It's best to unplug these devices when not in use to prevent potential accidents and keep your home safe.
Older Coffee Makers: Overheating Risks
Older coffee makers pose a greater risk than newer ones because they might not have an automatic shut-off, which means they could overheat if you forget to turn them off or unplug them on your way out. Regardless of the coffee pot's age, many still recommend unplugging it from the wall as an extra layer of protection. This simple safety measure can prevent potential hazards and keep your home safe.
Lamps and Devices with Old Cords: Fire Hazards
Older, or 'sketchy' cords, as Jerry Poon, principal electrical engineer at Red Dog Engineering, says, can also pose a fire hazard if they are frayed. The same goes for old outlets. Your best bet is to have those replaced by a certified electrician before using them. This simple safety measure can prevent potential disasters and keep your home safe.
Toasters: A Cautionary Tale
Toasters pose a fairly low fire risk, but in situations like this, it's always better to err on the side of caution. You never know when a short circuit may occur when any of your devices are plugged in. Devices that make heat or have motors are the ones I'd never leave plugged in when I'm gone, as Jerry Poon advises. If something goes wrong, it goes wrong fast.
Smaller Electronics: Low-Risk Devices
For computer monitors, phone chargers, televisions, and alarm clocks, Poon says these don't pose the same type of risk and can stay plugged in even when you're not home. These devices don't draw much current and generally aren't a fire risk if the cords and outlets are in good shape. However, it's still a good idea to unplug them if you're going to be away for an extended period of time, just in case.
In conclusion, unplugging these seven devices when not in use is a simple safety measure that can prevent potential hazards and keep your home safe. While it may seem like a small step, it can make a big difference in preventing fires and other accidents. So, the next time you're getting ready to leave the house, take a moment to unplug these devices and give yourself peace of mind.
