The appliances inside of a house make your life much easier, but if you operate appliances unsafely, they might pose noticeable risks. You will want to protect your appliances and ensure that they don’t turn into dangers by adhering to these helpful home appliance safety recommendations from Westminster Appliance Repair.
The tips below help prevent fires and injuries from kitchen appliances. Even still, hazards can still happen. In the event a home appliance has issues or begins to malfunction and becomes dangerous, hire a professional appliance repair Westminster.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas are all susceptible to possible dampness or dripping water. As you well know, electricity and water don’t go together, that means electrical cords should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This particular type of electrical outlet will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any imbalances in power occur.
If you don’t already have GFCI outlets in wet areas inside of your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Westminster. Once that is done, for further safety measures, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that note that a household appliance is not meant for outdoor use.
Wires, Outlets & Electronics Away From Water
A lot of appliances are designed for outdoor areas, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers and freezers, electric tools and more – be sure that all cords and outlets are dry. Using weatherproof electronics will help, as do GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Answer
Extension cords pose a lot of risks, including:
The potential for loose connections that sometimes can lead to sparks and a fire.
The chance of power fluctuations that might break the appliance.
Greater susceptibility to water penetration that can lead to electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for limited-time use, be sure that it’s the correct gauge for the appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the cord size. For instance, a simple electrical extension cord for a garden tool could have a 16-gauge wire while a longer cord for a window air conditioner uses a 12-gauge wire.
The length is also a factor. The longer the cord, the more electricity is used up enroute, something known as voltage drop. Short extension cords are good for power tools and equipment.
Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It’s obvious to assume that you know how to operate a brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the manual, but reading the guidelines is necessary for a lot of reasons:
You will find out whether your house’s electrical wiring is enough to power the appliance. You may have to install a better circuit to prevent overloading your current ones.
You learn more about complicated features you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
You learn whether the appliance is intended for outdoor locations or not.
You don’t have the frustration that can come from attempting to run a new home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used
You can limit unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging small appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED lights, clocks and other energy-consuming features while in standby mode.
Unplug televisions, computer monitors, internet routers, game systems, phone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Just remember, it’s alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their automatic background functions.
For extra tips on ways to use home appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair service, please contact Westminster Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can fix all popular household appliances!
OTHER RESOURCES:
Appliance Repair Cost
DIY Appliance Repair Tips
Repair or Replace Appliances
Refrigerator Parts