Anti-tip devices are metal brackets engineered to prevent freestanding ranges and stoves from tipping over. They are usually screwed into the wall behind the range, and are included in all new range installation kits. A range or stove that does not have the bracket installed may tip over if weight is pushed on its open door, such as a small child leaning on the open door. A falling range can cause serious injury to an adult or child.
These types of safety devices should always be installed. Residents can contact the dealer or builder who installed their range and request installation of the safety devise. The brackets can be installed by homeowners and can be purchased at most hardware centers or ordered from the manufacturer.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data indicates there were 143 incidents caused by ranges tipping over from 1980 to 2006. Of the 33 accidents that resulted in death, most of those victims were young children. A small child may stand on an open range and accidentally cause the entire unit to fall on top of him/her. Older folks, may be injured while using the range for support while cleaning.
In response to this danger, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) created standards in 1991 that require all ranges manufactured after 1991 to be capable of remaining upright while supporting 250 pounds of weight on their open doors. Manufacturers’ instructions also require that anti-tip devices provided be installed.
While performing your New Jersey home inspection I will be looking for this very important safety device.