Is my toaster dangerous?

[brethartfan]

Everytime the toast pops up in my toaster, you can see a spark inside the toaster. Nothing metal has dropped into it and it's a new toaster. How likely will the toaster start a fire if it sparks at me?

 

[peter d]

It's normal for a switch to draw an arc when it opens and closes. I'm assuming this is what you're seeing. It's normal in that case.

 

[LarryFine]

Just to help allay your fears, Pete is correct, the spark is indeed normal. "They all do it."

If you have an old mercury-bulb HVAC thermostat, there is a spark in there, too.

 

[sii]

In the wrong hands...absolutely.

 

[quogueelectric]

Just to help allay your fears, Pete is correct, the spark is indeed normal. "They all do it."

If you have an old mercury-bulb HVAC thermostat, there is a spark in there, too.

Every time my wife cooks there is usually a spark followed by a smoke detector alarm tone.

 

[nolabama]

as long as you dont shower or bath with the toaster you should be ok

 

[480sparky]

as long as you dont shower or bath with the toaster you should be ok

Why would that be dangerous?

 

[nolabama]

Why would that be dangerous?

yes you are right the nec has made it were one can bath with a toaster - it just wont work

 

[480sparky]

yes you are right the nec has made it were one can bath with a toaster - it just wont work

Sssssshhhhhhhhhh! Don't give 'em any ideas!

I've been bathing with my toaster for years now. I don't want to give that up!

 

[tonyou812]

as long as you dont shower or bath with the toaster you should be ok

I think the tag on the cord says that now!....You know for the Darwin people.

 

[K8MHZ]

as long as you dont shower or bath with the toaster you should be ok

How is that any different from using a solder gun in the bath?

 

[dereckbc]

Most likely not a problem; sounds normal for any switch opening under a load current. The higher the voltage and larger the current; the bigger and brighter the arc.

 

[nakulak]

what's dangerous about using a soldering gun in the bath ?

 

[augie47]

the heat, of course (and hot solder... have you never been told not to fry bacon nakkid ?)

 

[iaov]

what's dangerous about using a soldering gun in the bath ?

Dropping it and not having the water deep enough.

 

[mxslick]

To answer the OP - Nope. not dangerous unless you try to get stuck toast out with a metal fork.

 

[jaylectricity]

Everytime the toast pops up in my toaster, you can see a spark inside the toaster. Nothing metal has dropped into it and it's a new toaster. How likely will the toaster start a fire if it sparks at me?

I think you should call an electrician and have that receptacle replaced. It's obviously supplying too much electricity to your toaster and can be quite dangerous.

You also might want to ask him if you should upgrade your service to 200 amps to be sure that you don't start a fire. Don't go cheap, you'll regret it.

 

[topgone]

Everytime the toast pops up in my toaster, you can see a spark inside the toaster. Nothing metal has dropped into it and it's a new toaster. How likely will the toaster start a fire if it sparks at me?

Could be crumbs spattering on the heaters! Toasters have heaters enclosed and unless your gas is leaking, any spark in your house is not "dangerous", IMO.

 

[iaov]

I think you should call an electrician and have that receptacle replaced. It's obviously supplying too much electricity to your toaster and can be quite dangerous.

You also might want to ask him if you should upgrade your service to 200 amps to be sure that you don't start a fire. Don't go cheap, you'll regret it.

Excellent advice!! Probably not a bad idea to look at installing some home automation too.