The appliances inside of a home can make life easier, but if you use them the wrong way, they might pose evident health risks. You will want to care for appliances and make sure they will not turn into hazards by following these helpful household appliance safety suggestions from Houston Appliance Repair NOW.
The tips in this article help prevent fires and injuries from kitchen appliances. However, hazards might still occur. In the event an appliance has issues or starts to malfunction and becomes a danger, reach out to a professional appliance repair Houston.
GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations
Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to dampness or water. Of course, electricity and water do not go together, so power cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of electrical outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in power are detected.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets in damp areas inside and around your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Houston. Then, for safety, you will want to heed the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that a home appliance is not meant for outdoor use.
Electrical Wires, Outlets & Electronics Far Away From Water
Several home appliances are specifically built for outdoor use, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, electric tools and others – ensure that all of the outlets and plugs are not wet. Weatherproof electronics can help, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Answer
An extension cord poses several potential risks, including:
The likelihood of loose connections that might create sparks and start a fire.
The likelihood of power interruptions that will break the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that could result in electrocution.
The likelihood of cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for short-term use, make sure that it’s the correct gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the greater the size for the cord. For instance, a simple electrical extension cord for a garden tool will have a 16-gauge wire where a big cord for a window air conditioner uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the cord is, the more power is lost enroute, something called voltage drop. Short cords are advised for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Purchase
It’s simple to guess that you know how to operate your brand new dishwasher or washing machine without consulting the manual, but reading the instructions is important for several reasons:
You should find out if your home’s wiring is sufficient to support the appliance. You may have to install a better circuit to stop overloading your existing ones.
You learn more about features you would not have otherwise known.
You understand whether the appliance is OK for outdoor areas or not.
You do not have the frustration that can come from trying to use a home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used
You are able to reduce unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging appliances when you aren’t using them. This is because small appliances include LED lights, clocks and other energy-draining features during standby mode.
Unplug televisions, monitors, routers, video game consoles, phone chargers and more to limit wasteful energy consumption. Just remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background features.
For even more tips on how to use appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair company, please contact Houston Appliance Repair NOW. Our technicians can fix all popular home appliances!
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