Ask The Inspector
By Harvey Gordon, CHI

Q. An inspector for the buyer of my house said that my range does not have an Anti-Tip bracket. What is it, and where do I get one? Lance R., Fort Lauderdale, FL

A. Lance, you are not alone here. I find that over 95% of the inspections I perform have the same issues. But what is so sad is that this device comes free from the manufacturer, and in most cases the homeowners (sellers) usually go right to it, when I tell them that if they still have the Installation and/or Owners Manual the chances are they still have the bracket. And a quick look into the famous plastic bag with the manual most times reveals the device.

On April 2, 2002 in Los Angeles, 2-year-old Edwin Campos and two of his young cousins were critically injured when they accidentally tipped over a kitchen stove and were doused with a pot of scalding water. "In the best case scenario, this boy will have years of reconstructive surgery," states Peter Grossman, a Los Angeles burn specialist who is caring for the toddler. Inside Edition reveals many similar accidents over the years when children have caused stoves to tip and investigates why these tragedies continue to occur. Quote from Consumer Affairs

Manufacturers have for many years placed WARNINGS clearly on the range as well as in the Owners Manuals similar to the image above. However we seem to just not see them. Chances are if you are standing in front of your oven door and open it, you will see the WARNING at where the door to your range rests against the range.

Anti-Tip brackets are also shipped with many refridgerators. So also check yours to be sure that an Anti-Tip bracket was not required by the manufacture.

Sadly a recent search by me of Appliance delivery firms shows that some even place this fine print on their delivery materials; "We can generally install the anti-tip bracket, at additional cost, should you choose to use it. The anti-tip bracket is designed to prevent the range from tipping over if too much weight is placed on an open oven door. It's use is recommended."

To date I have not found a manufacturer that has stated to me, that the Anti-Tip bracket installation is "recommended". Actually they go out of their way to say things like: "A child or adult can tip the range and be killed" and "Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious burns to children and adults." and even "The floor anti-tip bracket MUST be installed."

So whats next?
If you have the Anti-Tip bracket, installation is usually very simple and can be done by most any homeowner with just a couple of hand tools. However, if you do not then you have two choices:
1. Call the manufacturer of the range and order a replacement.
2. Visit your local hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot.

If you cannot install the device yourself, contact an appliance repair firm to arrange for an installation. The cost usually ranges (no pun intended) from $50 to $125.

Bottom Line...
The inspector made a wise call. However, the sad part is that too many "in and out 45 mintute inspectors" miss this safety item. Remember, an inspector worth his or her weight will spend no less than 2 hours on average inspecting a home.

Links:
Consumer Afairs

Inside Edition's report on Anti-Tip Brackets

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

© 2004 Harvey Gordon.
Harvey Gordon, a Certified Home Inspector, is president of Step By Step Home Inspections, Corp. He is also the Founding President of the Southeast Chapter of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Mr. Gordon can be reached at 954-227-7001 or by email at HG@StepByStepHI.com