The appliances inside of a home often make life easier, but if you operate them unsafely, they could create evident health risks. It is best to care for appliances and make sure they won’t turn into hazards by adhering to these appliance safety recommendations from United Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this post help to prevent fires and injuries from home appliances. However, hazards might still occur. If a home appliance has issues or malfunctions and becomes a danger, reach out to a appliance repair Union City.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations in a Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to dampness or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and water do not mix, that means power cords should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in electricity occur.
If you do not currently have GFCI outlets installed in wet rooms inside of your home, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Union City. Once that is done, for further safety measures, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that note that they are not meant for outdoor use.
Electrical Wires, Electronics & Outlets Away From Wet Areas
Quite a few appliances are designed for outdoor use, like gas and charcoal grills. If you have any electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, electric tools and others – monitor that all of the outlets and plugs are dry. Weatherproof electronics help with this, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Option
An extension cord poses many potential risks, this includes:
The likelihood of loose connections that could result in sparks and cause a fire.
The possibility of power inconsistencies that might damage the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that might cause electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When determining an extension cord for limited-time use, make sure it is the right gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the size for the cord. For example, a basic electrical extension cord for a lamp will have a 16-gauge cord while a heavy-duty cord for a window air conditioner uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord, the more power is gone on the way, a phenomenon referred to as voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are recommended for electric tools and outdoor equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It’s simple to assume that you know how to use your brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the manual, but consulting the manufacturer guidelines is important for several reasons:
You will find out if your home’s wiring is good enough to power the appliance. You may need to install a circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.
You learn more about advanced features you might not otherwise known about.
You understand whether the appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.
You don’t have the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from trying to start a appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not in Use
You can prevent unnecessary energy usage by unplugging appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances often include LED signals, timers and other energy-consuming features standby mode.
Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, internet routers, video game systems, cellphone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy use. Just remember, it’s worthwhile to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their background features.
For more tips on ways to use home appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair company, please contact United Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can fix all major household appliances!
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