While sitting idle, the motor shorted out, throwing sparks into the nice pile of
Me, I've moved my shredder so I can reach the plug easily, and I'm only plugging it in when I'm actually using it. The rest of the time I'm draping the cord across the feed slot so I know it's unplugged.
The odds of an electric motor spontaneously shorting out and throwing sparks is minuscule, and it's not something I normally worry about. But a shredder motor is pretty hefty, and has all that nice tinder right underneath it. So this one, I'm going to be a little more cautious with.
Great idea to unplug your shredder. I always make a point to unplug my crosscut paper shredder, as well. I am more concern for other safety reasons, than for fear that it will spark a fire, but nevertheless, I always try to be cautious.
ReplyDeleteClay: thanks for posting a comment!
ReplyDeleteYeah, there are other good reasons not to leave your shredder plugged in, but those don't apply in my household. While shorting out and igniting the shreddings is a very low-probability risk, the consequences if it happens when I'm not at home are WAY too great to accept.