The appliances inside a home can make life less stressful, but when you operate them the wrong way, they might create significant risks. You will want to protect your appliances and ensure that they will not become hazards by following these home appliance safety recommendations from ARC Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this post can help prevent fires and injuries related to broken appliances. Even still, hazards can still happen. If an appliance has issues or malfunctions and becomes a safety concern, hire a local appliance repair Woodland Hills.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are all susceptible to possible dampness or water. Of course, electricity and water don’t mix, therefore electrical cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of electrical outlet will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in power are detected.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets in wet areas inside and around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Woodland Hills. Once that is done, for further safety, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate a household appliance is not for outdoor use.
Electrical Wires, Electronics & Outlets Away From Wet Areas
Quite a few appliances are specifically designed for the outdoors, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you use any electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, power tools and others – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics will help, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Solution
Extension cords can pose a lot of evident risks, this includes:
The chance for loose connections that might lead to sparks and start a fire.
The chance of power interruptions that might damage the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to moisture penetration that might result in electrocution.
The odds of wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure it is the appropriate gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the bigger the cord size. For example, a simple household extension cord for a lamp will have a 16-gauge cord whereas a big cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the cord is, the more power is lost on the way, also referred to as voltage drop. Shorter cords are recommended for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It’s easy to guess that you know how to use a brand new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the operating manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is important for many reasons:
You will want to find out if your home’s electrical wiring is good enough to support the appliance. You may need to install a circuit to stop overloading any current ones.
You learn more about complicated features you might not otherwise have known.
You learn whether the new appliance is OK for outdoor use or not.
You do not have the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from trying to use a appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances if You Are Not Using Them
You are able to limit unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging them when you aren’t operating them. This is because small appliances include LED indicators, clocks and other features during standby times.
Unplug TVs, monitors, routers, game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to cut back on wasteful energy consumption. But remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their automatic background functions.
For more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to hire a local appliance repair service, please contact ARC Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all major household appliances!
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