The appliances in your home make life much easier, but if you use appliances incorrectly, they might produce evident health risks. It is important to protect appliances and make sure they won’t turn into hazards by following these helpful home appliance safety suggestions from Spring Appliance Repair NOW.
The tips in this article can help prevent fires and injuries related to kitchen appliances. Even still, hazards can still happen. In the event an appliance has problems or starts to malfunction and becomes dangerous, hire a local appliance repair Spring.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to possible wetness or dripping water. As you well know, electricity and moisture do not mix, therefore power cords and wires should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This special type of outlet will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any imbalances in electricity arise.
If you do not already have GFCI outlets in damp locations inside of your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Spring. Once that is done, for even more safety measures, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate they are not designed for outdoor use.
Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water
Some home appliances are specially manufactured for outdoor areas, like gas and charcoal grills. If you use electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, power tools and others – be sure that all of the plugs and outlets are not wet. Weatherproof electronics help with this, along with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Answer
Extension cords can pose several evident risks, this includes:
The likelihood of loose connections that could result in sparks and start a fire.
The chance of power inconsistencies that will break the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to moisture penetration that could lead to electrocution.
The likelihood of wires overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When determining an extension cord for temporary use, ensure it is the correct gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the wire size. For instance, a basic electrical extension cord for a radio might have a 16-gauge wire whereas a longer cord for a AC unit needs a 12-gauge wire.
The length of the cord is also a factor. The longer the extension cord, the more power is lost enroute, something known as voltage drop. Shorter cords are good for power tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It’s obvious to assume that you know how to operate a brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is important for a lot of reasons:
You will find out if your home’s wiring is sufficient to support the appliance. You might have to install a circuit to stop overloading your existing ones.
You learn about advanced features you might not otherwise known about.
You learn whether the appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.
You do not have the extreme frustration that can come from trying to use a home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not in Use
You are able to limit unnecessary energy usage by unplugging them when not in use. The reason is small appliances include LED indicators, timers and other features during standby times.
Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, video game systems, cellphone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy usage. But remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.
For additional tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair company, please contact Spring Appliance Repair NOW. Our technicians can repair all common household appliances!
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