The appliances in a house make life much less stressful, but if you use them the wrong way, they could produce noticeable risks. You should maintain appliances and ensure that they won’t turn into dangers by following these helpful household appliance safety suggestions from Done-Right Davie Appliance Repair.
The professional tips below can help to prevent fires and injuries related to kitchen appliances. Even still, hazards can still happen. In the event a home appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a safety concern, hire a professional appliance repair Davie.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to possible moisture or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and water do not go together, that means power cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This particular type of outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any imbalances in electricity arise.
If you do not have GFCI outlets installed in damp areas inside and around your house, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Davie. Once that is done, for additional safety measures, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate they are not designed for outdoor areas.
Wires, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Damp Areas
Several appliances are specially manufactured for the outdoors, such as gas and charcoal grills, for example. If you have any electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – be sure that all outlets and cords are dry. Using weatherproof electronics help with this, combined with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Solution
Extension cords can pose a lot of noticeable risks, this includes:
The potential for loose connections that could result in sparks and start a fire.
The chance of power inconsistencies that would damage the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to moisture penetration that can result in electrocution.
The likelihood of cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for short-term use, make sure that it is the appropriate gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the size for the cord. For instance, a basic electrical extension cord for a garden tool could have a 16-gauge cord whereas a big cord for a AC unit requires a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord is, the more power is used up enroute, also called voltage drop. Shorter cords are good for power tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It’s simple to assume that you know how to operate a new dishwasher or washing machine without consulting the manual, but consulting the guidelines is important for a lot of reasons:
You should find out if your home’s wiring is sufficient to power the new appliance. You may have to install a circuit to prevent overloading your current ones.
You learn about features you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
You understand whether the new appliance is intended for outdoor use or not.
You don’t have the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from attempting to use a new home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not in Use
You are able to reduce unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging small appliances when not in use. This is because small appliances include LED signals, timers and other energy-consuming features standby mode.
Unplug TVs, computer monitors, internet routers, video game consoles, phone chargers and more to cut back on wasteful energy consumption. Just remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their automatic background functions.
For extra tips on using home appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair service, please contact Done-Right Davie Appliance Repair. We can repair all common home appliances!
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