2-Prong vs. 3-Prong Power Cords
Toaster Ovens: 2-Prong vs. 3-Prong Power Plugs
Consumer Response: Phone & Email
“Our ovens conform to all applicable UL and CSA standards, as evident by the certification mark on the rating plate. Due to the construction of ovens with calrod heaters, a polarized (2-prong) power plug is acceptable. We elect to use grounded (3-prong) power plugs on our ovens with quartz heaters in excess of regulatory requirements.”
Additional Information: Not for Written Consumer Correspondence
Grounded plugs protect against the potential for shock if the nichrome (calrod) or tungsten (quartz) wire inside the heater touches the housing of the oven. This is only possible if the heater ruptures/breaks, the oven is turned on, and the wire inside of the heater is touching the housing. Calrod heaters are extremely unlikely to rupture, but if they do it is very apparent to the consumer because magnesium oxide goes everywhere. While still not likely, it is somewhat more possible to break a quartz heater unknowingly, which is why we always use grounded plugs on our ovens with quartz heaters – even though we are not required to do so.
