Without an anti-tip bracket installed it is possible. Unless you’ve had a bad experience with an electric or gas range tipping over causing damage, injury, and an unnecessary mess. You may have never thought it is likely or possible to occur in your home. Most buyers and sellers tell me “I never even heard of such a device”. Without surprise I reply with did you know a anti-tip bracket has been required by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for all free-standing stoves/ovens manufactured after 1991? As safety conscious home inspector we ensure at Motorious Solutions | Home Inspections we always checks to see this device is installed and report/advise if it is absent. I have found many in the cupboards and bottom storage drawer in the original packaging with the manufacturer manual.
What is a Anti-Tip Bracket?
An anti-tip bracket is an “L” shaped piece of metal that should be installed at the wall/floor joint behind the kitchen stove. Modern stoves have a small groove or opening built into them so that they can slide into place over the bracket. The groove or opening can be located on the right or left of the stove’s rear side (depending upon the stove’s manufacturer and model). The bracket allows the stove to be slid out for cleaning or inspection behind the stove, yet prevents the appliance from tipping out away from the wall. If the stove is gas and it can freely tip out, besides being an injury hazard, damage to the gas line can also occur which is a dangerous safety issue in itself.
Can I check myself if my range has a Anti-tip bracket?
Indeed there a multiple methods that can identify if your range has an anti-tip bracket. Aside from moving the range and looking behind it to see if there is a bracket present, you can pull out the bottom storage drawer and view the back support legs to see if the “L” shaped bracket is present. Another method we use at Motorious Solutions | Home inspections is to remove any pots, pans, and any storage items in the oven and gently pull the range behind the display panel. Using little effort if the range tips forward we know there is no anti-tip bracket installed.
Do I need an anti-tip bracket?
Yes, installing an anti-tip bracket for your range is a safety measure that is strongly recommended. We always prioritize safety and follow the guidelines provided by the appliance manufacturer. If the manufacturer has recommended it as part of their installation, then it must be installed. If you have any doubts or questions about the installation process, consider contacting us.
I don’t have one, What are my next steps?
You can purchase an anti-tip bracket for your range from various sources, including:
- Appliance Retailers: Many appliance retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar stores, offer anti-tip brackets for ranges. Check with stores that sell kitchen appliances and accessories.
- Home Improvement Stores: Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other home improvement retailers often carry appliance accessories, including anti-tip brackets.
- Appliance Parts Stores: Specialty stores that focus on appliance parts and accessories may carry anti-tip brackets. You can check with local or online appliance parts retailers.
- Online Retailers: Websites such as Amazon, eBay, and other online marketplaces usually have a wide range of anti-tip brackets for various appliance models.
- Appliance Manufacturer: Contact the manufacturer of your range directly. Many manufacturers offer replacement parts and accessories, including anti-tip brackets specific to their appliances.
When purchasing an anti-tip bracket, make sure to provide the model number of your range to ensure compatibility. Additionally, consider reading customer reviews and product descriptions to ensure that the bracket meets safety standards and is appropriate for your specific range model.
How to keep your oven from becoming a death trap!
I came across this very educational video showing the ramifications of not having an anti-tip bracket and how it is dangerous for small children.