The appliances inside your home make life much easier, but when you use them the wrong way, they might create significant risks. You will want to maintain your appliances and ensure that they won’t turn into hazards by following these household appliance safety recommendations from Carrollton Appliance Repair.
The tips below will help to prevent fires and injuries from home appliances. Even still, hazards could still happen. In the event a home appliance has issues or begins to malfunction and becomes a safety concern, hire a local appliance repair Carollton.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Laundry rooms, kitchens, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages can besusceptible to possible dampness or water. Of course, electricity and water do not go together, therefore electrical cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of electrical outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in electricity arise.
If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in wet areas inside and around your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Carollton. Once that is done, for additional safety measures, be sure to heed the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate they are not designed for outdoor use.
Wires, Electronics & Outlets Away From Wet Areas
Some appliances are specifically manufactured for the outdoors, such as gas and charcoal grills. If you use electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, power tools and others – monitor that all outlets and cords are not wet. Weatherproof electronics will help, combined with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Solution
Extension cords can pose many noticeable risks, this includes:
The likelihood of a loose connection that might result in sparks and start a fire.
The chance of power fluctuations that could break the appliance.
Greater susceptibility to water penetration that could lead to electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for temporary use, make 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 simple household extension cord for a lamp could have a 16-gauge cord where a heavy-duty cord for a air conditioner unit uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the cord, the more power is lost on the way, something known as voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are recommended for electric tools and similar equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It is obvious to guess that you know how to use a brand new dishwasher or washing machine without reading the operating manual, but reading the guidelines is necessary for many reasons:
You should find out if your home’s wiring is enough to power the appliance. You might need to install a new circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.
You learn more about features you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
You learn whether the appliance is OK for outdoor locations or not.
You do not have the extreme stress that can come from trying to use a home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home if You Are Not Using Them
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances often include LED indicators, clocks and other energy-consuming features while in standby times.
Unplug televisions, computer monitors, internet routers, video game systems, smart phone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy consumption. Just remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their background features.
For additional tips on using appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair service, please contact Carrollton Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all popular home appliances!
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