Whether electrical or electronic, all appliances come with state-of-the-art safety standards built into them. Security features differ from brand to brand, but almost all brands follow certain general security measures. This includes a low resistance ground, to protect the user from receiving an electric shock. Those electrical devices without ground connection will have double insulation to avoid electric shocks. Home appliances like toasters, kettles, and hair dryers come with different types of switch technologies that detect any fault in the appliances and cut off the power automatically. Popular brands like Electrolux and Whirlpool come with different types of child safety features. There are safety features including dryers that have a latch on the interior door that protects children from being locked inside, and some ovens are equipped with locks on the outside of the door to prevent children from opening a bed oven.
Despite all the built-in safety features, care must be taken when using electrical appliances. Never touch metal or stand in water while using electrical appliances. Check cords, plugs and switches on appliances at regular intervals. Always turn off electrical appliances and unplug them when not in use. Some of the most commonly used gas appliances are gas grills, fireplaces, vented and ventless gas logs, lights, and more. All gas appliances must be kept in a properly ventilated space. The cooking surface of any gas must be kept free of dust and dirt to avoid dangerous obstructions.
Although people are aware of all these security features, they do not pay much attention. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has estimated that each year more than a thousand people are injured by electrical or gas appliances. This is mainly because people overlook security features.
It is recommended that you verify the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval before purchasing any appliance. This is a confirmation that the safety of the devices has been tested.
