The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) worked with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to develop a new safety standard that calls for ""break-away"" power cords for electric deep fryers. This new power cord will break away if a child pulls on it, preventing the deep fryer from tipping over and spilling scalding hot cooking oil on the child. The new requirements also apply to electric fondues and electric multi-purpose pots that use cooking oil.
Since 1980, CPSC has reports of 7 deaths and 64 serious burn injuries to children under 10 with deep fryers. These deaths and injuries resulted from young children pulling on the power cord, tipping over the deep fryer and its hot contents.
The new "break-away" power cord is held to the deep fryer by a magnet. It operates safely and effectively when it is placed on a counter near an electrical outlet. However, if someone pulls on the cord, it will quickly and smoothly break away from the deep fryer, preventing tipover. This will help prevent the terrible scald burns.
"This is the kind of creative product safety innovation we like to see," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Industry developed this new break- away cord to help reduce the risk of burns, especially to children."
CPSC urges people to look for new deep fryer appliances that have the break-away power cord, which should show up in stores within the next several months.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
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