A CNET article examines which household devices should be unplugged when people leave home, based on advice from electrical engineer Jerry Poon of Red Dog Engineering.According to Poon, appliances that generate heat, consume significant power, or have damaged or aging cords present the greatest safety concerns.He recommends developing the habit of unplugging such devices whenever they are not being used.The article highlights seven categories of devices that deserve special attention.Space heaters are identified as one of the highest fire risks, with fire statistics showing their involvement in many home heating-related fires.Air fryers are also included because internal failures can still occur even when the appliance is switched off but remains plugged in.Portable air conditioners are considered high-power devices and should be disconnected when homeowners are away.Hair styling tools such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners are another concern because electrical switches can fail.Older coffee makers may lack modern automatic shut-off features, increasing the risk of overheating if left unattended.The article also warns about lamps and other devices connected with frayed or deteriorated power cords, as damaged wiring can create fire hazards.Toasters round out the list, as electrical shorts or other malfunctions can occur despite their relatively low overall risk.Poon emphasizes that many problems arise when high-power appliances are connected to inexpensive power strips or worn electrical outlets.

In contrast, low-power electronics such as phone chargers, computer monitors, alarm clocks, televisions, and laptops generally pose minimal risk when cords and outlets are in good condition.

The overall message is that unplugging heat-producing and high-draw devices is a simple precaution that can reduce the likelihood of electrical fires and other household safety incidents.