Prevent cooking fires before they start!
The Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System is engineered to help prevent stove top cooking fires before they start. Unlike other technologies that alert residents after a fire has already started or extinguishes them, the Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System helps prevent these fires from starting in the first place.

Fact Sheet

• A kitchen fire occurs two to three times a day on average in New Zealand
• Unattended cooking is responsible for the majority of these fires
• An average of 33% of fires have started in kitchens over a five year period
• One third of all fire deaths in New Zealand are caused by unattended cooking
• Ignition temperature for cooking oil is 370°C and household materials such
  as cotton and paper ignite between 400°C and 570°C
• An electric element on high reaches temperatures in excess of 700°C

 

The Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System consists of a set of electronically controlled solid cover plates that are attached to the existing stovetop elements. A patented control unit installed inside the stove controls the temperature of the plates limiting the high-end temperature to approximately 350ºC. This way the temperature is kept below the ignition temperature for oil and most common fibers which start at 370ºC. Regular electric stoves on high go well above 700ºC.

When the plate reaches just over 350ºC the stove automatically shuts off and then as the plate cools to just below 350ºC the stovetop is turned on again. In this way the element plate caps the high-end temperature below the ignition level of oil and most common household materials. Considering that water boils at 100ºC and oil boils at 176ºC, this temperature is more than enough for efficient and effective cooking.

Independent Testing: Average Ignition Times
Independent testing by CSA® and UL® laboratories has shown that the Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System is effective in helping prevent cooking fires. The Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System meets the CPSC Flashpoint standard for the prevention of cooking oil fires.

The Facts: Electric Coiled Stoves

• The large element on a typical stove, when turned on to the maximum temperature setting and left unattended, can reach the dangerously high levels of 800°C to 900°C!
• The small element on a typical stove, when turned on to the maximum temperature setting and left unattended, can reach 500°C to 700°C!
• Cooking oil can ignite at 370°C and aluminum pots can melt at 680°C

Safe-T-element^TM Helps Prevent Cooking Fires
The Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System is relevant to those who are most vulnerable to fire. It helps to prevent injuries, save lives and protect properties from the dangers of stovetop cooking fires. The product is currently being marketed through established distribution channels to multi-residential senior's facilities, housing authorities, universities & colleges, the military and other high-risk facilities in North America.

Safe-T-element^TM Reduces Electricity Costs
By controlling the electric current to the stovetop, the Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System helps reduce the amount of electricity required to cook. Energy consumption is reduced because the burners are off for a good percentage of the cooking process. Given that the stovetop is used during peak usage times (dinner/breakfast), demand is high and so too are the related utility costs meaning that the Safe-T-element^TM Cooking System will pay for itself over time.

Additional Benefits

• Reduces cooking related fire claims and may reduce insurance premiums
• Reduces the number and cost of potential false alarms
•  Is easier to clean and helps to extend the life of the burners and the stove
• Won't burn food and scald pots and allows for better controlled cooking

FAQ

Q. Can the Safe T element be used on all elements?
A. No, the Safe T element can only be used on electric coiled ring elements at present.

Q. Can the Safe T element be used on all coiled ring elements?
A. At present the Safe T element fits to Simpson and westinghouse models of upright ranges with electric coil elements. Engineers are working on a method to attach the Safe T element to other brands such as Fisher & Paykel.

Q. Can the Safe T element be attached to portable stove tops?
A. The Safe T element can be fitted to portable stove tops.

New Zealand Fire Service Public Website