Anti-tip brackets are safety devices designed to prevent ranges from tipping over, which can be especially dangerous for children and elderly adults. Appliance manufacturers have required these brackets since 1991, and home inspectors often recommend their installation. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 38 fatalities occurred between 1980 and 2008 due to range tipping. This is a significant number, highlighting the importance of properly installing anti-tip brackets in homes.
It’s worth noting that many new construction homes still lack these brackets, even though they are required for safety. This is why home inspectors need to check for the presence and proper installation of anti-tip brackets during inspections. (How to check on your own)Â The CPSC has a PDF explaining how to check for the presence and proper installation of these brackets, which can be found here: pdf. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure that the bracket is installed correctly and effectively serves its intended purpose.
So, where can you find the requirement for an anti-tip bracket on a range? The requirement is indirectly outlined in the Kentucky Mechanical Code, specifically in Chapter 3 under Section 304.1. This section states that equipment and appliances must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and these instructions must be available on the job site at the time of inspection. Therefore, if a manufacturer requires an anti-tip bracket, it becomes a code requirement by extension.
In conclusion, anti-tip brackets are essential safety devices designed to prevent ranges from tipping over. These brackets have been required by appliance manufacturers since 1991 and are indirectly required by the Kentucky Mechanical Code. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure that the bracket is installed correctly and effectively serves its intended purpose. Home inspectors should check for the presence and proper installation of these brackets during inspections, and homeowners should ensure that their ranges are properly equipped with anti-tip brackets for the safety of all household members.