The appliances inside of a home often make your life less stressful, but if you operate them unsafely, they could create significant health risks. You should care for appliances and make sure they don’t become hazards by adhering to these home appliance safety tips from Shine Sunrise Appliance Repair.
The tips below help to prevent fires and injuries related to broken household appliances. That being said, hazards can still occur. In the event a home appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a danger, call a local appliance repair Sunrise.
GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages are all susceptible to dampness or water. As you are well aware, electricity and water do not go together, that means electrical cords should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any imbalances in power arise.
If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in damp areas inside and around your house, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Sunrise. Then, for additional safety, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate they are not designed for outdoor use.
Electrical Wires, Electronics & Outlets Away From Damp Areas
Some home appliances are specially built for outdoor use, like gas and charcoal grills. If you have electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – be sure that all of the outlets and cords are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics will help, along with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Solution
Extension cords pose several evident risks, this includes:
The likelihood of loose connections that might cause sparks and a fire.
The likelihood of power fluctuations that can break the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that may cause electrocution.
The probability of cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When determining an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The smaller the gauge, the greater the size for the cord. For instance, a household extension cord for a lamp might have a 16-gauge wire whereas a bigger cord for a air conditioner unit needs a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also a factor. The longer the extension cord, the more electricity is gone enroute, a phenomenon known as voltage drop. Short cords are recommended for power tools and equipment.
Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It’s simple to assume that you know how to operate a brand new dishwasher or washing machine without consulting the operating manual, but consulting the instructions is important for a lot of reasons:
You should find out whether your house’s electrical wiring is good enough 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 learn if the appliance is OK for outdoor areas or not.
You avoid the frustration that can sometimes come from trying to start a new appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not in Use
You can prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging them when you aren’t using them. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED indicators, clocks and other energy-consuming features while in standby mode.
Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, internet routers, video game systems, phone chargers and more to cut back on wasteful energy usage. Just remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For extra tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair company, please contact Shine Sunrise Appliance Repair. We can fix all major home appliances!
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