Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances in a home often make your life easier, but when you use them incorrectly, they might produce significant risks. It is important to protect appliances and make sure they do not turn into dangers by following these household appliance safety suggestions from Factory Appliance Repair.

The professional tips below help prevent fires and injuries due to kitchen appliances. That being said, hazards might still occur. If a home appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes dangerous, reach out to a professional appliance repair.

GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations in a Home

Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, bathrooms, basements, garages and outdoor areas are susceptible to dampness or water. Of course, electricity and moisture do not mix, that means electrical cords and wires should 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 currently have GFCI outlets in wet rooms around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in CITY. Once that is done, for further safety, heed the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate an appliance is not for outdoor areas.

Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water

Several home appliances are built for outdoor areas, like gas and charcoal grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, electric tools and more – ensure that all of the cords and outlets are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics can help, along with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.

Extension Cords are a Temporary Option

An extension cord poses several noticeable risks, this includes:

The likelihood of a loose connection that could result in sparks and start a fire.
The likelihood of power inconsistencies that could ruin the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to moisture penetration that might cause electrocution.
The probability 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, be sure that it is the right gauge for the home appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the size for the wire. For instance, a basic electrical extension cord for a lamp might have a 16-gauge cord whereas a larger cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.

Length is also important. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is used up on the way, also called voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are advised for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.

Always Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Buy

It is simple to guess that you know how to use your new dishwasher or washing machine without consulting the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer guidelines is important for a lot of reasons:

You should find out if your house’s wiring is good enough to power the new appliance. You might have to install a circuit to prevent overloading your current ones.

You learn more about advanced features you would not have otherwise have known.
You understand whether the new appliance is OK for outdoor use or not.

You avoid the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from trying to operate a new home appliance with no instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used

You can limit unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging them when you aren’t using them. This is because small appliances include LED lights, timers and other features while in standby mode.

Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, internet routers, video game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to cut back on wasteful energy use. Just remember, it is OK to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to prevent missing out on their background functions.

For extra tips on using appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair company, please contact Factory Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can fix all major home appliances!

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