Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances inside of your house often make life easier, but if you operate appliances the wrong way, they might create noticeable risks. It is best to maintain appliances and ensure that they do not become dangers by following these home appliance safety recommendations from Warner Appliance Repair.

The tips below help to prevent fires and injuries related to broken home appliances. However, hazards might still occur. If an appliance breaks or begins to malfunction and becomes a danger, hire a professional appliance repair CITY.

Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations

Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are all susceptible to possible moisture or water. As you well know, electricity and moisture don’t mix, so electrical cords should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This special type of outlet will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in electricity arise.

If you do not have GFCI outlets in damp rooms inside and around your house, it is time to install them or call an electrician in CITY. After that, for even more safety measures, heed the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that a home appliance is not for outdoor use.

Electrical Cords, Outlets & Electronics Away From Water

Some appliances are specially manufactured for the outdoors, such as gas and charcoal grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, power tools and others – be sure that all of the outlets and cords are 100% dry. Weatherproof electronics can help, along with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.

Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Solution

Extension cords pose several potential risks, this includes:

The potential for a loose connection that could cause sparks and a fire.
The likelihood of power inconsistencies that could ruin the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that can result in electrocution.
The odds of cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.

When deciding on an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure it is the correct gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The smaller the gauge, the greater the size for the cord. For instance, a basic electrical extension cord for a radio may have a 16-gauge cord where a larger cord for a AC unit uses a 12-gauge wire.

The length of the cord is also a factor. The longer the cord is, the more power is used up enroute, also known as voltage drop. Short extension cords are recommended for electric tools and similar equipment.

Be Sure to Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy

It is easy to assume that you know how to use your brand new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the manual, but consulting the manufacturer guidelines is important for several reasons:

You will want to find out whether your house’s wiring is sufficient to power the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to stop overloading your current ones.

You learn about complicated features you might not otherwise have known about.
You discover if the appliance is intended for outdoor use or not.

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

Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not in Use

You can prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when not in use. This is because small appliances include LED signals, clocks and other features during standby mode.

Unplug TVs, computer monitors, routers, game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy consumption. But remember, it’s OK to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.

For additional tips on using appliances safely, or to hire a local appliance repair service, please contact Warner Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all common home appliances!

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