Causes of stove fire
Almost half of the fire and rescue service's call-outs to homes in recent years have been to fires and fires on the stove. Dry cooking is the most common cause.
Most stove fires occur during the day and affect older people, but it is fires that start at night that take the most lives. Then it is often younger people who are affected. Intoxication and alcohol are often a contributing factor to them forgetting or falling asleep from the stove.
A requirement in new facilities
There is a requirement for a stove guard in all new homes and if a new course is set up for the stove. The same rules apply to holiday homes. This means that the stove guard must be installed as part of the fixed electrical system. The requirement came in 2010, and if your kitchen is older than this, you should retrofit a stove guard.
Gas stoves today have a requirement for a flame guard, which means that the gas shuts off if the flame goes out. There is no requirement for a stove guard in the same way as on electric stoves.
How the stove guard works
The stove guard consists of a sensor and a circuit breaker, which are either located behind the stove or in the fuse box. The sensor monitors the hobs. If the sensor detects a risk of fire, it triggers an alarm. If no one reacts to this, the sensor notifies a switch to cut off the power to the stove.
Different types and price
There are two different types of stove guards: those that are to be connected via a cable in a socket, and those that are to be connected to the fixed electrical system. These work the same and have the same quality.
Stove guards cost from around NOK 3500.
Requirements for stove guards
To ensure the quality of stove guards, a common, international norm has been drawn up that sets a number of requirements for stove guards. The standard is called NEK EN 50615. Check the labelling on the product or ask in the store if the stove guard you are going to buy has been tested according to the requirements of the norm.
Assemble yourself
Stove guards that are to be plugged into the socket can be installed yourself. These are easiest to buy online, for example in the insurance companies' online stores.
Using an electrician
Stove guards for fixed connection must be installed by an electrician. Often you also buy such stove guards from the electrician, in connection with the installation job. Remember to ask for documentation that the product meets the requirements of the norm.
Free for the particularly vulnerable
For particularly vulnerable people, the assistive technology centres can install a stove guard free of charge. Check with your local Assistive Technology Centre for the terms and conditions that apply. Municipal occupational therapists or home nurses can help with the application. If you are offered a stove guard, ask for a guard who meets the requirements of the norm.