The appliances in your home can make your life much easier, but when you use them incorrectly, they might pose evident risks. You should care for appliances and be sure they will not turn into hazards by adhering to these appliance safety tips from Brentwood Appliance Repair.
The tips below will help to prevent fires and injuries related to broken kitchen appliances. That being said, hazards can still occur. If an appliance breaks or starts to malfunction and becomes a danger, hire a local appliance repair Brentwood.
GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to possible wetness or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and moisture don’t go together, that means power cords and wires should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This type of electrical outlet prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in power are detected.
If you do not already have GFCI outlets installed in wet areas inside and around your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Brentwood. Once that is done, for additional safety, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that an appliance is not for outdoor areas.
Wires, Electronics & Outlets Away From Damp Areas
Many home appliances are designed for the outdoors, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you have electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, power tools and others – ensure that all plugs and outlets are not wet. Weatherproof electronics can help with this, combined with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Option
An extension cord poses several noticeable risks, this includes:
The potential for loose connections that might lead to sparks and a fire.
The likelihood of power fluctuations that may ruin the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to water penetration that could result in electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for short-term use, ensure it is the right gauge for the home appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the bigger the size for the cord. For example, a basic household extension cord for a lamp may have a 16-gauge cord while a big cord for a air conditioner uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord is, the more electricity is gone on the way, a phenomenon called voltage drop. Shorter cords are advised for power tools and outdoor equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It’s obvious to guess that you know how to use a brand new dishwasher or washing machine without consulting the manual, but consulting the manufacturer instructions is important for a lot of reasons:
You will want to find out whether your house’s wiring is good enough to power the new appliance. You may have to install a circuit to stop overloading any current ones.
You learn about features you might not otherwise known about.
You learn whether the appliance is intended for outdoor locations or not.
You avoid the extreme stress that can come from trying to run a appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used
You are able to stop unnecessary energy usage by unplugging appliances when you are not using them. This is because small appliances often include LED indicators, timers and other features standby mode.
Unplug TVs, computer monitors, internet routers, game systems, phone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Just remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For additional tips on ways to use appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair company, please contact Brentwood Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can fix all common household appliances!
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