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4.21 - Use of Personal Home Appliances

Policy Number - 4.21

Approved: 05/20/2025

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to comply with fire code NFPA 70 in the use of personal home appliances in
workspaces, and to limit the risk of fire by properly providing power to appliances in workspaces.

 

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals at all KCKCC sites.

Definitions

College Sites

All properties owned or leased by KCKCC including but not limited to facilities, grounds, and parking lots.

Home Appliance

Any item that requires an electrical connection, power source, or other fuel source for operation, including permanent fixtures and temporary devices. This definition does not include lamps, or general electronics such as personal computers, monitors, printers, and other related technology devices.

Policy Statement

Based on the national fire code NFPA 70-2022, the Kansas City, Kansas Community requires personal appliances, including but not limited to those listed below, to be directly plugged into an outlet in offices and workspaces. Only one personal appliance may be plugged into a single outlet, and no extension cord or surge protector may be used. The Vice President of Finance and Operations, or their designee, may restrict or modify appliances used based on an office/workspace electrical structure.

Appliances Acceptable in Workspaces

  • Refrigerator, less than 3.5 cubic feet
  • Coffee maker (single cup brewer or small coffee maker)
  • Microwaves
  • Toasters
  • Blenders and ninjas
  • Coffee warmers
  • Toaster ovens
  • Ice makers
  • Air fryers
  • Crock pots
  • Air purifier
  • Humidifiers
  • Heating pads
  • Electric blankets

Best Practices

College employees should follow best practices whenever possible to maintain safe use of appliances in
the workspace.

All appliances should be:

  • Plugged directly into a permanent electrical outlet.
  • Positioned to reduce strain or damage to power cords.
  • Removed immediately when there is any sign of damage to appliance components.
  • Operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Powered down and unplugged at the end of each workday or placed on timers (Refrigerator, less
    than 3.5 cubic feet, excluded).
  • Placed away from any portion of an exit.
  • Situated out of traffic areas to avoid creating a tripping hazar

Extension Cords

Extension cords are frequently subject to physical damage, rapid wear and may be undersized for the
electrical load, so they should only be used for short-term use.

Flexible cords and cables should not be:

  • Used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.
  • Affixed to structures.
  • Concealed behind walls, ceilings or floors.
  • Placed under floor coverings or chair mats, or in areas subject to environmental damage or
    physical impact.
  • Spliced, deteriorated or damaged.
  • Damaged, particularly grounding pins should be intact if present.
  • Coupled together to extended length of a power source.
  • Used for portable electric space heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers or any other
    appliance that is heat producing or exceeds 15 amps.