You've never seen a toaster with a two prong cord? That's all they come with. Toasters don't require, or come with, a three prong plug because they're double insulated. Oh and it's impossible to get electrocuted by putting a mental object in the toaster( ie: metal fork). A little education goes a long way in today's world.

Toasters are expected to be plugged into a GFCI "small appliancecircuit". There is a great amount of safety because of that.

Why aren't toasters grounded? (2025 Update)

Aug 05, 2019 Last reply: 1 year ago 66 Replies

Rate this thread:

Clare Snyder 6 years ago

The minimum was 2 splits - 4 circuits. -- actually just checked

1969 code and it just specifies 2 circuits dedicated to countertop appliance receptacles - at least one in each working area - no 2 adjacent outlets connected to the same branch circuit. Grounded polarized plugs were specified in 1969 code.

Looking at my 1966 code book I believe it is the last code that specifically called out specifications for knob and tube wiring, Grounding was required for all circuits, non-metallic sheathed cable, open wiring, or knob and tube in 1966. The kitchen requirements were the same in 1966

Vote

Clare Snyder 6 years ago

One outlet per 12 linear feet or part thereof of wall space for general applications and minimum one per workspace in kitchen according to both 1966 and 1969 codes for Ontario. (I have copy of both from my dad who was an electrician)

Vote

dpb 6 years ago

...

It's been added to significantly since with no more than 24" to nearest horizontally and every section of countertop 12" or more wide has to have one irrespective. Plus a bunch of other lesser details...

But nothing requires adjacent receptacles to be on different circuits; only again still the bare-bones minimum of 2 20-A small appliance circuits in counting small-appliance circuits. Major appliances have to have their own but that's independent of SA circuits.

That still seems an unreasonable requirement...you sure you're reading that right?

Vote

Vic Smith 6 years ago

Yes. Reminds me of the only toast I had as a kid. It was from Grandma's Toast-o-Later. Hadn't thought about that toaster in many years.

Vote

Clare Snyder 6 years ago

Yup - read both 66 and 69. Has been changed now to requiring minimumof

2 countertop 20 amp circuits instead of 15 amp splits (30 amp capacity) Need more now too - don't have a current code book handy but your anything more than 12 inches sounds right.

The 20 amp outlets are "dedicated circuits" but no longer split - still cannot have 2 on the same circuit adjacent (since only 1 duplex on a circuit)

Microwave and fridge need to be on their own "dedicated" circuit as well. Getting to be pretty big panels - with kitchen sub-panels becoming pretty common.

Vote

NigorMortis 6 years ago

Sometimes I give the old lady a fork or a prong.

Vote

LBB34961 1 year ago

Cocky answer and remark, "...a little education..." Be nice. There was a time you didn't know or care for the answer. You can still get electrocuted/shocked/jolted from a toaster - It's called single-fault, and it can happen when the hot wire comes in contact with the metal of the toaster or any other conducting area for that matter (short with neutral, etc.), even with double insulation. So, it's not impossible. Anything is possible. There's a reason why it's called an "accident". Even a double insulated device is prone to a faulty internal or external occurrence, or an unseen break in the insulation and contact with hot wire. Regarding, GFCI, it can fail, too. In other words, be safe - Don't trust cocky answers - Do more research. Thank you.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required