The appliances inside your home can make life easier, but when you use them incorrectly, they might produce evident health risks. It is best to maintain your appliances and make sure they don’t become dangers by adhering to these household appliance safety suggestions from EZ Whittier Appliance Repair.
The professional tips below will help prevent fires and injuries from broken kitchen appliances. That being said, hazards can still happen. If a home appliance has problems or malfunctions and becomes a safety concern, call a appliance repair Whittier.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are all susceptible to possible wetness or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and moisture don’t mix, therefore power cords should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This type of outlet prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in electricity are detected.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets installed in damp areas around your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Whittier. After that, for additional safety, be sure to heed the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that they are not designed for outdoor areas.
Electrical Cords, Outlets & Electronics Far Away From Water
Several appliances are specifically manufactured for outdoor use, like charcoal and gas grills. If you have electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, power tools and others – ensure that all of the cords and outlets are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics help, combined with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Option
An extension cord poses a lot of evident risks, this includes:
The chance for loose connections that can cause sparks and start a fire.
The possibility of power fluctuations that can damage the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to moisture penetration that could cause electrocution.
The chance of wires overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for short-term use, be sure it is the correct gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the size for the wire. For instance, a electrical extension cord for a garden tool will have a 16-gauge wire whereas a bigger cord for a AC unit needs a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the extension cord, the more power is lost enroute, this is referred to as voltage drop. Short cords are good for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy
It is obvious to guess that you know how to use your brand new home appliance without consulting the operating manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is important for many reasons:
You will want to find out if your house’s wiring is enough to support the appliance. You might have to install a circuit to prevent overloading any existing ones.
You learn more about complicated features you wouldn’t have otherwise have known.
You understand if the appliance is safe for outdoor locations or not.
You don’t have the extreme stress that can sometimes come from attempting to operate a new home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not in Use
You can limit unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging them when not in use. This is because small appliances often include LED signals, clocks and other features while in standby times.
Unplug monitors, TVs, modems, printers, internet routers, game consoles, phone chargers and more to stop wasteful energy use. Just remember, it’s alright to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background features.
For even more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to hire a local appliance repair company, please contact EZ Whittier Appliance Repair. We can repair all name brand household appliances!
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