The appliances inside of your home can make your life much less stressful, but when you use appliances incorrectly, they might produce significant health risks. It is important to maintain your appliances and be sure they don’t become hazards by adhering to these household appliance safety suggestions from Reliable Redding Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this article will help to prevent fires and injuries related to home appliances. That being said, hazards might still occur. In the event an appliance breaks or begins to malfunction and becomes a safety concern, call a professional appliance repair Redding.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Laundry rooms, kitchens, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to dampness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and moisture don’t go together, that means power cords and wires should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in power occur.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets in wet locations inside and around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Redding. Then, for safety, be sure to heed the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate a home appliance is not meant for outdoor areas.
Electrical Cords, Outlets & Electronics Far Away From Wet Areas
Some home appliances are designed for outdoor use, like barbecue grills, for example. If you make us of any electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – ensure that all cords and outlets are not wet. Weatherproof electronics help with this, combined with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Temporary Option
An extension cord poses many potential risks, this includes:
The chance for a loose connection that might cause sparks and cause a fire.
The chance of power interruptions that may break the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to water penetration that might result in electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for short-term use, make sure that it’s the right gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the bigger the size for the wire. For instance, a extension cord for a lamp may have a 16-gauge wire whereas a bigger cord for a AC unit needs a 12-gauge wire.
The length is also important. The longer the cord, the more electricity is gone en route, also referred to as voltage drop. Short cords are advised for power tools and similar equipment.
Be Sure to Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Purchase
It’s easy to assume that you know how to use a new home appliance without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer instructions is important for many reasons:
You should find out if your home’s wiring is sufficient to support the new appliance. You might have to install a better circuit to prevent overloading your current ones.
You learn more about features you would not have otherwise have known about.
You discover whether the appliance is safe for outdoor locations or not.
You avoid the stress that can come from trying to operate a appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances if You Aren’t Using Them
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances often include LED indicators, clocks and other energy-consuming features while in standby mode.
Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, routers, game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to cut back on wasteful energy usage. But remember, it is OK to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background features.
For extra tips on ways to use home appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair company, please contact Reliable Redding Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all name brand household appliances!
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