Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances in a home often make life easier, but when you operate them incorrectly, they might pose noticeable risks. You will want to protect your appliances and ensure that they don’t become dangers by following these appliance safety suggestions from One Pro Appliance Repairs.

The professional tips below can help prevent fires and injuries from appliances. Even still, hazards might still happen. If a home appliance has problems or begins to malfunction and becomes a danger, call a professional appliance repair Elizabeth service.

Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home

Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to moisture or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and water don’t mix, so electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in power arise.

If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in wet locations inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Elizabeth. Once that is done, for safety measures, be sure to heed the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that an appliance is not meant for outdoor use.

Electrical Wires, Electronics & Outlets Away From Damp Areas

A lot of appliances are specially manufactured for the outdoors, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you make us of electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and others – be sure that all outlets and cords are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics can help, along with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.

Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Answer

Extension cords pose several evident risks, this includes:

The likelihood of a loose connection that can lead to sparks and start a fire.
The possibility of power interruptions that can damage the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that can cause electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.

When deciding on an extension cord for limited-time use, be sure it’s the correct gauge for the electrical tool in question. The smaller the gauge, the bigger the cord size. For instance, a extension cord for a garden tool may have a 16-gauge wire whereas a larger cord for a air conditioner needs a 12-gauge wire.

Length is also a factor. The longer the cord, the more power is gone on the way, a phenomenon known as voltage drop. Short cords are recommended for electric tools and equipment.

Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Purchase

It is easy to guess that you know how to operate a brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the instructions is necessary for a lot of reasons:

You should find out if your home’s wiring is enough to support the new appliance. You may need to install a new circuit to prevent overloading your current ones.

You learn more about features you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
You discover whether the appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.

You don’t have the extreme stress that can sometimes come from trying to run a appliance with no instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances if You Are Not Using Them

You are able to limit unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging small appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED signals, timers and other features while in standby mode.

Unplug monitors, TVs, modems, printers, internet routers, game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to limit wasteful energy consumption. But remember, it’s OK to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to not miss their background features.

For even more tips on how to use appliances safely, or to call a professional appliance repair company, please contact One Pro Appliance Repairs. We can fix all major household appliances!

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