2 prong appliances with metal casing, are they safe to use ?

[ktnwin]

I recently learned the importance of electrical grounding and checked all appliances in my home.
Toaster, Microwave oven have 3 prong power cord, so their metal casing would not cause any shock if the device has worn out connection inside. Some others like fans on the floor have only 2 prong and their casing is in plastic, no metal. These are safe to use IMHO.
However, I have some oil filled electric heaters with metallic fins and 2 prong power cords. These are still being sold in the market (Amazon for example). Are these safe to use ?

 

[DPG]

In the UK non-earthed appliances are Class II. These are generally plastic cased, but can have metal cases providing the requirements of double insulation (or equivalent reinforced insulation) are met. I'm not sure what the US regulations are, but we do have a few American members who may know.

Having said that, I've seen things purchased from various websites which have metal cases and no earths, but which are definitely NOT safe to use! Buyer beware if you are buying electrical items from random online sellers.

 

[Megawatt]

I recently learned the importance of electrical grounding and checked all appliances in my home.
Toaster, Microwave oven have 3 prong power cord, so their metal casing would not cause any shock if the device has worn out connection inside. Some others like fans on the floor have only 2 prong and their casing is in plastic, no metal. These are safe to use IMHO.
However, I have some oil filled electric heaters with metallic fins and 2 prong power cords. These are still being sold in the market (Amazon for example). Are these safe to use ?

In a sense yes they are safe only if they have a UL listing sticker on it

 

[ktnwin]

Megawatt, thanks for very clear answer. I never knew that the label UL on any electrical product means "safe to use". Make a lot of sense to me. My electric heaters do have that UL on the label.

 

[Megawatt]

Megawatt, thanks for very clear answer. I never knew that the label UL on any electrical product means "safe to use". Make a lot of sense to me. My electric heaters do have that UL on the label.

When you buy stuff online always make sure it is UL listed, if not don’t buy it and welcome to the forum