Electric shock from toaster? Possible reasons why this is happening include exposed live wires touching the toaster frame, a faulty earth on the toaster or the power outlet it’s plugged into, faulty toaster cable or plug. The shock could even be coming from something else with an electrical fault and the toaster is simply the earth connection.
This post will try to explain why someone might get a shock from a toaster and what they can do about it, from an electrician’s perspective.
What Is An Electric Shock?
An electric shock is a painful and potentially deadly sensation which occurs when electrical current passes through the body, through the skin and organs before going to earth. The electrical current passes from the point of contact of where there is a high voltage to earth.
The earth can be your feet touching the ground, but it can also be another thing or appliance which has a better earth connection than you (because all appliances must be earthed). Examples of this could include an earthed water tap or fridge.
As electric shocks can cause extreme harm, electricians must follow strict code when installing electrical circuits.
This means that all conductive, metal surfaces must be connected to your earthing system. Every appliance with metal components must be earthed. This also includes all power outlets, hot water cylinders, ovens and many types of lights.
Earthing conductive surfaces prevents hazardous voltages from appearing on them which eliminates risk of electric shock.
There must also be residual current devices (RCDs) on most (not all) household circuits. RCDs work by shutting off power to a circuit if it senses voltage leaking which might occur as a result of a fault. This ‘leaking’ voltage poses electric shock risk so the idea is that power will shut off when RCD senses it occurring.
As the time someone is exposed to an electric shock matters, RCDs are designed to shut off power within a specific timeframe which is usually 300 milliseconds when 30 milliamps of current have ‘leaked’.
Other preventative measures against electric shock include using appliances within their manufacturers instructions (so that means not using the toaster in the bath) and not having high voltage fittings and appliances in damp areas.
With this in mind, let’s look at the first reason why someone might get an electric shock from a toaster.
Electric Shock From Toaster – Reason #1
Electrical Short To The Body Of The Toaster
An electrical short, as explained here, occurs when the live wire comes in contact with the earthed body of the toaster or neutral. In our experience, it is most likely touching the body of the toaster.
For a toaster, this could be because the element is faulty or there is moisture / debris causing contact between the electrically live part of the toaster and the body of the toaster.
Ultimately, voltage is appearing on the toaster body, resulting in electric shock risk.
Electric Shock From Toaster – Reason #2
Damaged Cord Touching Body Of Toaster
The cord of the toaster might have a nick or abrasion exposing the live wire. This live wire could be touching the body of the toaster. This would certainly give a shock if someone was to touch the toaster.
Electric Shock From Toaster – Reason #3
Bad Earth Of Toaster Or Electrical Outlet
Normally, the toaster will be bonded to earth and via the power outlet it is plugged into. As mentioned earlier, an earth connection helps prevent voltages from appearing on conductive surfaces. If either the toaster or power outlet (which it is plugged into) has a faulty earth then that could result in voltages appearing on the toaster.
The solution to this would be to replace the toaster under warranty or get an electrician in to check/replace the outlet.
Electric Shock From Toaster – Reason #4
Something Else With A Fault Touching The Toaster
This is something I have experienced as an electrician. The fault is actually with something else and the toaster is the earth connection which results in a shock. As discussed earlier, everything needs to be earthed. If you touch an appliance with a hidden, unknown electrical fault such as a water jug then touch the toaster which is earthed, then you will get a shock. It may seem like the toaster is the cause when in fact it is something else.
Conclusion
Electric shock from toaster? The main causes are an electrical short to the body of the toaster, abrasions on the toaster cord, a bad earth on the toaster, or finally, the shock may be caused by something else. If you are in doubt, throw the toaster out or try to replace it on warranty if you can. If you suspect any other problems, be sure to contact a registered electrician to help.
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