Leaving electrical appliances turned on when you unplug them generally should not cause any damage. When you unplug an appliance from an electrical outlet, it interrupts the flow of electricity, effectively cutting off power to the device. However, it's generally a good practice to turn off appliances before unplugging them to ensure safety and to minimize any potential risks.
Here are a few reasons why it's advisable to turn off appliances before unplugging them:
Safety: Some appliances, especially those with heating elements or motors, may pose a safety risk if left running while being unplugged. For example, a vacuum cleaner with its motor still running could potentially cause a hazard if the rotating brush or other moving parts come into contact with something unintended.
Surge Protection: Power surges can occur when plugging or unplugging electrical devices. While unplugging an appliance with the power on may not directly cause damage, there's a small risk that a power surge could affect the device or other connected devices. By turning off the appliance before unplugging, you reduce the likelihood of any damage from a surge.
Energy Efficiency: Some appliances continue to consume small amounts of electricity even when they're in standby mode. By turning them off before unplugging, you save energy and reduce your overall electricity consumption.
It's important to note that not all appliances require you to turn them off before unplugging, especially those that do not have moving parts or potentially hazardous components. However, as a general rule of thumb, it's a good practice to turn off appliances before unplugging them to ensure safety and minimize any potential risks.