While it is generally recommended to unplug devices that are not in use, one of them presents more risks than the others.
Our homes are full of household appliances. Whether it’s an oven, a washing machine or a refrigerator, there are multiple objects designed to make our daily lives easier. However, not all of these objects are harmless or have no impact on our electricity bills. You have probably already read in the past that it is strongly recommended to unplug devices that are not in use. Electronic and/or household objects actually tend to consume electricity, even when you are not using them. This phenomenon called “phantom charging” can quickly affect your consumption.
But there is another factor more important and dangerous than phantom charging when you leave your devices plugged in all the time. Indeed, some of them can continue to function even when you do not use them yourself. This is why it is generally recommended to unplug these everyday objects when they are not in use. One of them is all the more targeted since certain malfunctions can trigger a fire in your kitchen!
You will certainly have guessed it, it is an object capable of producing heat. If the oven or microwave can be suspected, they are not the most dangerous (but we still recommend unplugging them when not in use). The appliance you should always unplug is the toaster.
A toaster is generally made up of small electrical resistances which allow it to increase the temperature to toast your toast. If this object turns out to be quite practical, it can also become a risk for your safety due to several elements.
Firstly, the dirt present inside the toaster. Whether it is dust or bread crumbs that accumulate, it is recommended to clean the interior of the appliance regularly. Still on the maintenance side, be careful not to damage the machine at the risk of creating possible malfunctions in the resistances.
It is precisely these resistances which present a potential fire risk. Following a malfunction, these may continue to operate when the toaster is still plugged in, but not switched on. This could just as easily be due to wear and tear as to a fall or damage to the device. The resistors will then continue to heat up without you realizing it and may end up starting a fire.
In order to avoid this type of inconvenience, several techniques are recommended. First of all, be sure to unplug your toaster when you are not using it. As mentioned previously, it is also important to clean your device from time to time and not overload it. Finally, try to keep the toaster away from a source of water or nearby children who could trigger an accident.