An Electrician’s Warning: Always Unplug These 7 Devices After Use
While some devices like refrigerators, dishwasher and built-in microwaves remain connected to power whether we are at home or not, questions arise regarding smaller, more portable devices. If your toaster, hair dryer and coffee maker stay plugged in when not in use?
To better understand which common household items pose the biggest safety risks when left plugged in, we consulted an expert. Jerry Poon, principal electrical engineer at Red Dog Engineering, revealed that some devices carry much higher risks than others.
“My rule of thumb: If it’s hot, uses a lot of power, or has a sketchy cord, unplug it,” Poon says. “It’s the simplest safety habit you can form.”
Although low-power electronics, such as phone chargers, alarm clocks, and laptops, can generally be left plugged in, some devices require extra attention and care.
“What I think most often causes problems is people plugging high-consumption devices into cheap networks. power strips or old loose outlets, then leave the house,” says Poon. “That’s where the problems start.”
Here are seven devices you should unplug when not in use.
1. Radiators
Radiators, even those with tip-over protection devices, should never be placed on carpets.
There’s a reason why radiators are at the top of our list. When misused, they present a significant fire risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2019 to 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 38,881 “home heating equipment fires,” with space heaters and stoves accounting for 29% of those fires.
To avoid being part of this statistic, never plug your heater into an extension cord and always unplug it from the wall outlet before leaving home or when not in use.
2. Air Fryers
Air fryers have grown in popularity over the years.
These countertop appliances are a great addition to your kitchen, but they should be treated exactly the same as a space heater. In other words, never plug them into an extension cord and never leave them plugged in when not in use, even if they are not turned on.
“‘Turning off’ doesn’t always equate to safety,” says Poon. “Some devices still have power when turned off, especially those with a sleep mode, digital display, or remote control. The biggest problem [with] heat generating devices, even when switched off, [is] a fault inside the device or cord can cause problems if plugged in.
Learn more: I didn’t think I could love my air fryer more, then I upgraded to this model
3. Portable Air Conditioning Units
Portable Air Conditioning Units are considered “high consumption” appliances, so even if they don’t produce heat, they should still be unplugged when you leave your house.
4. Hair tools
Do not leave your hair tools plugged in after use.
Even though there is an off switch on hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, that doesn’t mean they have to stay plugged in even when turned off. As Poon explained, the kill switch could fail, posing a safety risk.
5. Older Coffee Makers
Older coffee makers and those without automatic shut-off should always be unplugged after use.
Older coffee makers pose a greater risk than newer ones because they may not have an automatic shut-off, meaning they could overheat if you forget to turn them off or unplug them when going out.
Regardless of the age of the coffee maker, many recommend unplugging it from the wall as an added layer of protection.
6. Lamps and appliances with an old cord
“My rule of thumb is simple: If it’s hot, uses a lot of power, or has a sketchy cord, unplug it,” Poon says. “It’s the simplest safety habit you can form.”
Older or “sketchy” cords, as Poon puts it, can also pose a fire hazard if they become frayed. The same goes for old points of sale. It is best to have them replaced by a certified electrician before using them.
7. Toaster
Toasters are easy to unplug after use so you can be on the safe side.
Like coffee makers, toaster pose a fairly low fire risk, but in situations like this, it’s always best to exercise caution. Unfortunately, you never know when a short circuit may occur when one of your devices is plugged in.
“The short version is: Appliances that produce heat or have motors are the ones I would never leave plugged in while I’m away,” says Poon, later adding: “If something goes wrong, [it goes] hurt quickly.”
Learn more: Can an air fryer replace your toaster oven?
In addition to unplugging your toaster after use, you should also ensure that it remains clean, as crumb buildup can also pose a fire hazard.
What about small electronic devices?
For computer screens, phone chargers, televisions And alarm clocksPoon says these don’t pose the same type of risk and can stay plugged in even when you’re not home.
“These don’t draw a lot of current and are generally not a fire hazard if the cords and outlets are in good condition,” he says.
