The appliances inside a home can make life less stressful, but when you use them the wrong way, they could pose evident risks. You will want to care for appliances and make sure they will not become hazards by following these helpful home appliance safety recommendations from College Station Appliance Repair.
The tips in this post will help prevent fires and injuries due to broken household appliances. That being said, hazards can still happen. If a home appliance breaks or starts to malfunction and becomes dangerous, reach out to a local appliance repair College Station.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to possible dampness or water. Of course, electricity and water don’t go together, so electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in electricity are detected.
If you do not have GFCI outlets in damp areas inside and around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in College Station. Then, for even more safety, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that note that they are not designed for outdoor use.
Electrical Cords, Outlets & Electronics Away From Damp Areas
A lot of home appliances are specially manufactured for outdoor use, like charcoal and gas grills. If you have electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, electric tools and more – monitor that all plugs and outlets are 100% dry. Weatherproof electronics help, as do GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Option
An extension cord poses a lot of potential risks, this includes:
The likelihood of a loose connection that could result in sparks and cause a fire.
The possibility of power fluctuations that might ruin the appliance.
Greater susceptibility to water penetration that might cause 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, be sure it’s the right gauge for the appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the bigger the cord size. For example, a extension cord for a radio will have a 16-gauge cord where a larger cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the extension cord, the more power is gone on the way, a phenomenon referred to as voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are advised for power tools and equipment.
Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy
It is simple to guess that you know how to operate a new appliance without reading the manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is important for several reasons:
You should find out whether your home’s wiring is sufficient to power the appliance. You might need to install a circuit to stop overloading your existing ones.
You learn more about complicated features you wouldn’t have otherwise have known.
You learn if the new appliance is OK for outdoor use or not.
You don’t have the frustration that can come from trying to use a new home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home if You Aren’t Using Them
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging appliances when you are not operating them. This is because small appliances sometimes include LED lights, timers and other energy-draining features standby mode.
Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, video game systems, cellphone chargers and more to stop unnecessary energy use. But remember, it’s worthwhile to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.
For even more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to call a professional appliance repair service, please contact College Station Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all common household appliances!
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