The appliances in your home make your life easier, but if you use them incorrectly, they might create significant health risks. It is best to care for appliances and ensure that they won’t become hazards by adhering to these household appliance safety tips from Ace Alhambra Appliance Repair.
The professional tips below will help to prevent fires and injuries related to kitchen appliances. Even still, hazards can still occur. If a home appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a safety issue, reach out to a local appliance repair Alhambra.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to possible wetness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and moisture don’t go together, therefore electrical cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of outlet prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in electricity occur.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets installed in damp areas inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Alhambra. Then, for even more safety measures, heed the warnings of appliance manuals that note that they are not for outdoor areas.
Cords, Outlets & Electronics Away From Damp Areas
A lot of home appliances are specifically built for the outdoors, such as barbecue grills. If you use any electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and others – ensure that all plugs and outlets are dry. Weatherproof electronics will help, as do GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Answer
Extension cords can pose a lot of risks, this includes:
The likelihood of a loose connection that could lead to sparks and start a fire.
The possibility of power interruptions that can damage the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that could lead to electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When determining an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure it is the appropriate gauge for the home appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the bigger the wire size. For example, a basic extension cord for a garden tool could have a 16-gauge wire while a larger cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the extension cord is, the more power is used up en route, also called voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are advised for electric tools and outdoor equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It is simple to assume that you know how to use your brand new appliance without reading the operating manual, but reading the instructions is important for several reasons:
You should find out if your home’s electrical wiring is good enough to support the appliance. You may need to install a circuit to prevent overloading any current ones.
You learn about features you might not otherwise known.
You learn if the appliance is intended for outdoor use or not.
You avoid the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from trying to start a appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used
You can stop unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging them when you aren’t operating them. This is because small appliances often include LED lights, timers and other energy-consuming features while in standby times.
Unplug TVs, computer monitors, routers, video game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to stop unnecessary energy usage. But remember, it’s OK to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For additional tips on using appliances safely, or to hire a local appliance repair company, please contact Ace Alhambra Appliance Repair. We can repair all common household appliances!
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