The appliances inside of a home often make your life much easier, but when you operate them unsafely, they might create significant risks. It is important to maintain your appliances and make sure they won’t turn into hazards by following these helpful household appliance safety tips from Greeley Appliance Repair.
The professional tips below will help to prevent fires and injuries from household appliances. Even still, hazards might still occur. In the event an appliance has issues or begins to malfunction and becomes a safety risk, call a local appliance repair Greeley.
GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages and outdoor areas are all susceptible to possible moisture or water. Of course, electricity and moisture don’t mix, so electrical cords should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This particular type of outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in electricity arise.
If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in damp locations inside and around your house, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Greeley. After that, for additional safety measures, follow the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that note that a home appliance is not designed for outdoor use.
Cords, Outlets & Electronics Away From Damp Areas
Several appliances are designed for the outdoors, like charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you have electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, electric tools and others – be sure that all of the cords and outlets are 100% dry. Using weatherproof electronics help, as do GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Answer
An extension cord poses many evident risks, including:
The chance for a loose connection that can lead to sparks and cause a fire.
The possibility of power interruptions that would break the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to water penetration that can lead to electrocution.
The chance of cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for short-term use, ensure that it’s the correct gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The smaller the gauge, the bigger the cord size. For instance, a simple household extension cord for a garden tool may have a 16-gauge wire while a heavy-duty cord for a air conditioner unit requires a 12-gauge wire.
The length of the cord is also crucial. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is gone enroute, something referred to as voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are recommended for power tools and outdoor equipment.
Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It is easy to guess that you know how to operate your brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer guidelines is important for several reasons:
You should find out whether your home’s wiring is sufficient to power the new appliance. You may have to install a better circuit to stop overloading your existing ones.
You learn about advanced features you would not have otherwise have known about.
You discover if the appliance is OK for outdoor use or not.
You avoid the extreme stress that can sometimes come from trying to start a home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not in Use
You can stop unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging small appliances when you aren’t operating them. This is because small appliances often include LED indicators, clocks and other features during standby times.
Unplug TVs, monitors, internet routers, game systems, smart phone chargers and more to limit wasteful energy consumption. But remember, it’s alright to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their background features.
For more tips on ways to use appliances safely, or to hire a local appliance repair company, please contact Greeley Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all name brand household appliances!
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