The issue here isn't that the stirrer is being run in the refrigerator
or that the fridge door is slightly ajar (unless there is a cut-out in
the door seal). The problem lies in the presence of flammable vapors
building up in the confined space with the stirrer as ignition source.
No flammable vapors, no problem. This is why refrigerators for chemical
storage are so expensive. They are designed to minimize contact of
flammable vapors within to ignition sources from the mechanism of the
fridge. If you need to stir something cold with a low flash point a
better alternative might be to use an ice bath or chiller.

Dave Lane
Principal
Clavis Technology Development

On 10/25/18 8:43 AM, Mary Ellen A Scott wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I have heard that running a magnetic stir plate inside a refrigerator is
> common practice. Usually, the liquid is aqueous and the flask covered.
> It is not battery operated unit and the refrigerator door is closed on the
> electrical cord. This looks like an accident ready to happen to me.
>
> Should this practice be continued? Is there any fire code violation
> involved? Are there any guidelines for running electrical equipment inside
> a refrigerator or a for that matter a cold small cold room?
>
> Thank you,
> Mary Ellen
>

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