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Appliances and Equipment Anchored for Safety

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    Furniture and heavy household items should be anchored to prevent tipping over during an earthquake and for everyday use if small children are in the home
    Scope

    Secure appliances, equipment, and heavy furniture to wall studs and/or floors.

    • Anchor or secure
      • refrigerators
      • dishwashers
      • clothes washers and clothes dryers
      • water heaters
      • furnaces and air handlers
      • wood stoves
      • freezers
      • stoves, ovens, microwave ovens
      • electronics, televisions, computers, monitors, stereo equipment
      • heavy furniture like bureaus, dressers, and cabinets.

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    Appliances and heavy furniture such as dressers, bookcases, refrigerators, stoves, clothes washers, and clothes dryers can rock, shift, and fall over during an earthquake or other natural disaster. Appliances, equipment, and heavy furniture should be anchored to walls or floors to prevent tip-over during natural disasters as well as for everyday use, especially if small children live in the house. This can be done by a handy homeowner or a contractor.

    There is no mandatory federal standard that requires manufacturers to design products and provide installation guidance to prevent tip-over. It is up to homeowners and contractors to be proactive to mitigate tip-over hazards. Figure 1 shows several items around the house that can and should be anchored to prevent appliances from tipping over and other hazards from occurring in an earthquake and other natural disasters.

    In the United States from 2000 through 2019, it is estimated there was an annual average of 25,500 injuries treated in emergency departments and 571 deaths due to furniture or appliances tipping over (USCPSC 2021). The STURDY Act (H.R. 1314) “Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act” was passed in the U.S. House on June 23, 2021, and received in the Senate on June 24, 2021. But even if passed into law, this act will not be inclusive of every type of consumer product and can only govern new products.

    Contractors perform a real service to homeowners by providing guidance and modification to secure furniture, appliances and equipment. As described above, toddlers are at risk of injury or death from tip-overs (Figure 1), and in locations prone to earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods, it is even more important to anchor and secure appliances to reduce the risk of damage to the appliances, the home and its contents, and to people (Figure 2).

    Preventative steps to take throughout the home to prepare for an earthquake or other natural disaster
    Figure 1. Preventative steps to take throughout the home to prepare for an earthquake or other natural disaster (Source: CUSEC 2021).

     

    Furniture and appliances can be anchored to the walls using anti-tip devices designed for this specific purpose. The Consumer Product Safety Commission describes anchoring devices on their Anchor It! website. Homemade versions of anchoring devices can be made using safety cables, chains, or nylon straps with screw-eye fasteners or brackets. There are many commercially available kits that are effective and easy to install. A simple anti-tipping anchor kit using straps and click-together locks is shown in Figure 2. Two recent articles provide reviews and recommendations for commercially available kits: “How to Anchor Furniture to a Wall” published in the Wirecutter blog from the New York Times (2016) and “Furniture Tip-Overs: A Hidden Hazard in Your Home” by Consumer Reports (2018).

    A simple kit for anchoring a TV, appliance, or furniture to a wall may include straps, attachment hardware, and screws for attaching both to the appliance and to the wall
    Figure 2. A simple kit for anchoring a TV, appliance, or furniture to a wall may include straps, attachment hardware, and screws for attaching both to the appliance and to the wall (Source: Anchor It! 2022).

     

    All restraints should be connected at the mid-to-upper portion of the furniture or appliance (at or above the center of gravity) to provide the greatest resistance to overturning. The restraining device should be mechanically fastened, not glued, if possible. It should be attached to a strong, solid component of the furniture or appliance side. It should be anchored to a stud in the wall with screws that are long enough to engage at least an inch of the stud.

    In addition to tip-over concerns, appliances may have rigid gas or water connections. These should be replaced with flexible connectors, and automatic shut-off valves should be installed for gas and water supply systems. See Home Innovation Research Lab’s ToolBase guides “Retrofit Improvements – Anchorage of Appliances” (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012), “Retrofit Improvements – Elevate & Secure Outdoor HVAC Equipment” (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012), “Retrofit Improvements – Elevate & Secure Water Heater” (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012), and also the BASC guide Automatic Gas Shutoff Valves for more information.

    For protection against flood waters, equipment that is located outside or in a basement may need anchors or tie downs to the ground. Or, the equipment may need to be elevated or swales or barriers may need to be installed to divert surface water flows away from the equipment. For more information, see the guides Fuel Tanks Anchored for Disaster Resistance, Water Heater Elevated and Secured, and Outdoor HVAC Equipment Elevated and Secured for Resistance to Floods, Earthquakes, and High Winds.

    Whenever dealing with powered appliances, make sure they are unplugged or the circuit breakers are off to prevent electrocution while installing anchoring hardware. Also turn off gas valves at the wall. When re-connecting appliances after modifications, remember to check for firm connections and examine flexible gas piping and collars to confirm there are no leaks.

    Below are some examples of appropriate anchoring methods for various appliances.

    HVAC Units. In disaster-prone areas, HVAC equipment should be anchored to the floor. If HVAC equipment is located outside, it should be anchored to a solid base to resist seismic forces, floodwaters, and high winds. L-brackets, fasteners, screw eyes, perforated metal strapping tape and other materials used to secure appliances are readily available at hardware stores for under $25 (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012). In areas known to flood, HVAC equipment can be installed on platforms located outside of the home to elevate, support, and anchor the HVAC units (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012). When it is impossible to elevate or relocate appliances in or outside homes located in flood zones, swales, floodwalls, and shields can provide some protection by diverting flow while anchors or tie-downs can prevent the appliances from floating (FEMA P-312 2014). For more information, see the guides Outdoor HVAC Equipment Elevated and Secured for Resistance to Floods, Earthquakes, and High Winds and Water Heater Elevated and Secured.

    Refrigerators.  Built-in refrigerators usually come with brackets and instructions for anti-tilt installation (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012). Cabinets and shelves secured above the refrigerator with no more than a 2-inch gap can also serve as an anti-tilt block or blocking can be installed above the refrigerator to prevent tipping as shown in Figure 3.

    The cabinet above this refrigerator will keep it from tipping forward during a seismic event
    Figure 3. The cabinet above this refrigerator will keep it from tipping forward during a seismic event. (Source: LifeStyle Homes).

     

    How to Install Tip-Preventing Blocking for Refrigerators

    1. Cut a 2x6-inch wood block the same width as the refrigerator and secure L-brackets to the 2x6 using #12 or #14 wood screws.
    2. Secure the L-bracket to the wall behind the refrigerator so that it is ½-inch higher than the refrigerator (Figure 4). Use #12 or #14 wood screws. Screws must penetrate at least 1 inch into vertical wall studs.
    3. Slide the refrigerator into the space below the lumber.
    4. Place excess slack in the power cord on top of the refrigerator and make sure the power cord is not pinched behind the refrigerator unit.
    5. The refrigerator could also be attached to wall studs with an L-bracket attached directly to the refrigerator; however, this may cause damage to the unit.
    To prevent a refrigerator from tipping in seismic or other natural disasters, a block of wood is installed above the refrigerator with L-brackets attached to vertical wall studs with #12 or #14 wood screws that penetrate at least 1 inch into studs
    Figure 4. To prevent a refrigerator from tipping in seismic or other natural disasters, a block of wood is installed above the refrigerator with L-brackets attached to vertical wall studs with #12 or #14 wood screws that penetrate at least 1 inch into studs (Source: Home Innovation Research Labs 2012)

     

    Ranges and Ovens.  Most ranges are shipped with anti-tip brackets that prevent both tip-over due to children climbing and shifting in the event of an earthquake. These should be installed at the time of purchase. For aftermarket solutions, search by product manufacturer name or for generic equipment that performs the same function. Prices vary greatly, from as little as $3 per generic bracket up to $25 for a genuine branded replacement part set. These may mount to the wall and snap into the rear of the range or screw to the floor to hold the appliance’s feet in place. Anti-tip brackets can be tested by opening the oven door and pushing down on it (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012). A door locking mechanism (Figure 5) can protect children from being “clammed” between the oven door and appliance body (U.S. CPSC) but does not stabilize the appliance in the event of a flood or earthquake.

    A door locking mechanism can be installed in an oven door so if the range does tip over, the door will stay open and will not accidentally close upon a child
    Figure 5. A door locking mechanism can be installed in an oven door so if the range does tip over, the door will stay open and will not accidentally close upon a child (Source: USCPSC 2011).  

     

    Dishwashers.  Under-counter dishwashers are usually attached to the counter with L-brackets to prevent the entire unit from tipping forward (Home Innovation Research Labs 2012). Dishwashers should be inspected to make sure that they are secured to the counter, and the counter should be secured to the base cabinets, and the base cabinets should be secured to wall framing. When not in use, portable dishwashers should be stored in a location where a bracket or anti-tip shelf can prevent tip-over using principles similar to solutions for refrigerators (above).

    Clothes Washers. Top-loading clothes washers can be secured to the wall with heavy-duty brackets and cables similar to those described above. Make sure the product is rated for the expected force, which could be several hundred pounds with a full tub of water and clothing. Alternatively, perforated metal strapping tape or cables that are attached to the wall with heavy-duty eyehooks screwed into wall studs on either side of the appliance also work. Front-loading machines can be secured to the wall or floor with brackets similar to those available for free-standing ranges (see above) or more general hardware solutions such as L-brackets mounted to wall studs and/or the subfloor.

    TVs & Other Small Electronics. Earthquake movements and the winds associated with hurricanes and tornadoes can cause electronics resting on shelves or counter tops to fall and break. These electronics can be secured with flexible nylon straps and buckles for easy removal and relocation (Figure 6). Small electronics and countertop kitchen appliances can become deadly projectiles in an earthquake. Move heavy items and breakables to lower shelves. Use either hook and loop fasteners on the countertop and object, or non-damaging adhesives such as earthquake putty, clear quake gel, or microcrystalline wax to secure small appliances, electronics, and other breakables in place on tabletops, countertops, or shelves. Leash locks or strap and lock fasteners can be used for equipment that is occasionally moved like mixers, toaster ovens, and other kitchen countertop appliances or stereo equipment (Earthquake Country Alliance 2020).

    VESA mounting systems can be used to securely attach a flat-screen television to the wall (Figure 7) (Earthquake Country Alliance 2020). VESA is a standard used for TV wall-mounting systems that has been adopted by most TV brands. VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) is a professional organization made up of video electronics professionals who develop standards to promote uniformity in the video electronics industry. The VESA Interface Standard defines the distance in millimeters between the four mounting holes on the back of a TV (distance measured horizontally by distance measured vertically). Hole distances range from 75 x 75 mm to 800 x 600 mm but common VESA sizes for flat-screen televisions are 200 x 200, 400 x 400, and 600 x 400 depending on the screen size of your TV. To determine the VESA size for a TV, you can refer to the specifications in the product manual or simply measure it by locating the four holes on the back of the TV and measuring with a millimeter ruler first left to right between the top two holes then top to bottom from either top hole down to the hole below. When mounting the bracket to the wall, install the screws into studs. Or, install pieces of 1x4 lumber horizontally that attach to at least two studs on the wall behind the flat-screen TV where the screws will be located and screw the VESA mount to the 1x4s.

     

    Use flexible straps to secure large electronics equipment like computer monitors and microwave ovens during seismic events
    Figure 6.  Use flexible straps to secure large electronics equipment like computer monitors and microwave ovens during seismic events (Earthquake Country Alliance 2020)

     

    VESA mounts can be used to secure televisions to the wall and prevent damage during natural disasters
    Figure 7. VESA mounts can be used to secure televisions to the wall and prevent damage during natural disasters (Source: Earthquake Country Alliance 2020).

     

    Furniture and Bookcases. Large pieces of furniture such as tall bookcases and file cabinets can topple in the event of an earthquake or pose a tip-over hazard for small children. Anchoring furniture can prevent injuries as well as protect the furniture itself (FEMA 2008). Make sure that all anchoring screws penetrate not just the wall but the studs behind it as well. Screws embedded only in drywall or plaster will pull out. Regardless of the anchoring method, screws should be long enough to extend at least 2 inches into the wall and wall studs (FEMA 2008). When anchoring a bookcase to the wall, use L brackets that are screwed into wall studs and into sturdy parts of the shelving unit such as the top or sides (Figure 8). Use the bracket provided with the shelf, or after-market furniture anchors are available. Do not attach brackets or anchoring screws to the bookcase backing, which is often thin paneling or pressboard that is not a structural part of the shelving unit. Many file cabinets come with lockable and self-latching drawers. If installing file cabinets without self-latching drawers, add latches. Two or more bookcases or file cabinets that sit next to each other should be connected to each other as well to the wall (FEMA 2008). Make sure framed art and mirrors are securely attached to walls; consider using hook-and-loop or adhesive fasteners in addition to wire hangers to prevent frames from swinging or banging against walls during seismic events. Do not hang heavy art on the walls above beds or cribs. Choose chandeliers and light fixtures that have all components (glass globes around individual lights, etc.) mechanically attached, not just sitting in place, and ensure the fixtures are securely attached; reinforce hanging wires or cables if necessary.

    Secure bookcases to the wall with L brackets to prevent damage during seismic events.
    Figure 8. Secure bookcases to the wall with L brackets to prevent damage during seismic events (Source: Adapted from FEMA 2008).

     

    Success
    Ensuring Success

    Visually inspect the home after all appliances and fixtures have been installed to ensure all tall and heavy items are secured and anchored. Encourage the homeowner to inspect the home after move-in or replacement of furniture and appliances to ensure all such objects are anchored to wall studs; all pictures, mirrors, and light fixtures are securely fastened; and movable appliances and electronics are anchored and/or located on lower shelves.

    Climate
    Climate

    Reference the seismic map below to see if your home’s location is prone to hazards from seismic activities.

    A National Seismic Hazard Map scaled from lowest to highest seismic hazards
    Figure 1. A National Seismic Hazard Map scaled from lowest to highest seismic hazards (Source: USGS 2018).

     

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
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    Wrong – Refrigerator was not properly secured to the wall studs of the home.
    Wrong – Refrigerator was not properly secured to the wall studs of the home.
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

    Section 917 Domestic appliances. Cooking appliances that are designed for permanent installation, including ranges, ovens, stoves, broilers, grills, fryers, griddles, and barbecues shall be listed, labeled, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Most manufacturers include brackets or other tested and approved securement devices, along with directions for installation.

    2018 California Plumbing Code

    Section 507.3 Appliance Support. Appliances and equipment shall be furnished either with load-distributing bases or with a sufficient number of supports to prevent damage to either the building structure or the appliance and the equipment [NFPA 54:9.1.8.1]

    American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) (2019)

    The American Home Furnishings Alliance, “urges all manufacturers to comply with the ASTM F2057-19 voluntary stability standard for clothing storage furniture” and notes “The [American Society for Testing and Materials] (ASTM) Subcommittee on Furniture Safety (F15.42) has jurisdiction over this and three other active ASTM standards for furniture. These include the standard for furniture tip restraints, a standard for horizontal glass used in desks and tables, and a standard for cedar chests.”

    ASTM F2057 - 19 (2019) Standard Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Units and

    ASTM F3096 – 14 (2021) Standard Performance Specification for Tipover Restraint(s) Used with Clothing Storage Unit(s).

    Together these standards describe testing for tip-over risk and criteria for reducing the risk of tip over in drawer chests, cabinets, armoires, dressers, and bureaus 27 inches high or taller. The F2057-19 standard and the companion F3096-14 standard for tip restraints are available for purchase from ASTM. Furniture manufactured in compliance with this stability standard must meet three (3) specific criteria:

    1) It passes TWO stability tests. The first test requires that the clothing storage unit not tip when all doors (if any) are opened 90 degrees and all drawers are opened to the “stop,” or, if there is no “stop,” they must be opened two-thirds of the way. The second test requires that the piece not tip when each drawer is opened individually to the “stop,” and a 50-pound weight is applied to the front of the drawer. For doors, the weight is applied to outer edge of the door.

    Label describing the dangers of improperly secured furniture

    2) The piece must have a permanent warning label. The label must be attached where it can be seen when the piece is in use. (Most manufacturers choose the inside of a top drawer.) Bedroom furniture that is designed to hold a television – typically called a “media chest” – requires a separate warning label. (See RESOURCES below for downloadable labels.) For exclusive AHFA guidance on media chest warning labels, please click on Label Guidance for Media Chests in the Member Toolbox to the right.

    3) Tip-over restraints must be included with each item of furniture. These must meet the requirements of the tip restraint standard (F3096-14). Instructions for installing the restraints also must be included.

    CPSC Safety Standard for Clothing Storage Units

    The Consumer Product Safety Commission on 2-3-22 published a Notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (16 CFR 1112 and 16 CFR 1261) that would require clothing storage units (CSUs) to be tested for stability, exceed minimum stability requirements, be marked and labeled with safety information, and bear a hang tag providing performance and technical data about the stability of the CSU.

    Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Standard for Household Electric Ranges (UL 858)

    A voluntary safety standard for electric ranges. The standard includes performance requirements identical to those of the ANSI Z21.1 and requires that manufacturers address stability under normal use and abnormal use conditions. To comply with the requirements under abnormal use conditions, most manufacturers include an anti-tipping bracket to secure the range to the floor or adjacent wall or cabinets when the unit is installed.

    American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for Household Indoor Cooking Gas Appliances (ANSI Z21.1) (2000)

    A voluntary safety standard for electric ranges. The standard includes performance requirements identical to those of the UL 858 and requires that manufacturers address stability under normal use and abnormal use conditions. To comply with the requirements under abnormal use conditions, most manufacturers include an anti-tipping bracket to secure the range to the floor or adjacent wall or cabinets when the unit is installed.

    Retrofit
    Existing Homes

    The information provided in this guide applies equally to new and existing homes.

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    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    Home Innovation Research Labs
    Organization(s)
    HIRL
    Publication Date
    Description
    A quick-reference guide advising homeowners on how to anchor home appliances and protect from seismic damages.
    Author(s)
    Home Innovation Research Labs
    Organization(s)
    HIRL
    Publication Date
    Description
    A retrofit sheet providing information on elevating and securing water heaters to protect against damage during a flood.
    Author(s)
    U.S. Geological Survey,
    Earthquake Hazards Program
    Organization(s)
    USGS,
    U.S. Department of the Interior,
    USDI
    Publication Date
    Description
    A colored map showing seismic zones across the United States, ranging from lowest to highest seismic hazards.
    Author(s)
    Earthquake Country Alliance,
    Southern California Earthquake Center
    Organization(s)
    ECA,
    SCEC
    Publication Date
    Description
    Factsheet describing how to secure refrigerators and other major appliances to wall studs using earthquake appliance straps or angle brackets and bolts.
    Author(s)
    Earthquake Country Alliance,
    Southern California Earthquake Center
    Organization(s)
    ECA,
    SCEC
    Publication Date
    Description
    Factsheet describing how to secure televisions, microwaves, computers, and other electronics to prevent damage during earthquakes.
    Author(s)
    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Organization(s)
    USCPSC
    Publication Date
    Description
    Website providing consumers with information about the risk to children from appliances and furniture tipping over and ways to anchor furniture and appliances to prevent this hazard.
    Author(s)
    American Home Furnishings Alliance
    Organization(s)
    AHFA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Regulatory compliance regarding furniture stability requirements
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
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