The appliances inside a house often make your life much easier, but when you operate them the wrong way, they might pose evident risks. It is important to maintain your appliances and ensure that they won’t become hazards by following these household appliance safety suggestions from Hi-Tech Miramar Appliance Repair.
The professional tips below will help to prevent fires and injuries from broken home appliances. However, hazards could still happen. If a home appliance breaks or starts to malfunction and becomes a danger, reach out to a appliance repair Miramar.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations in Your Home
Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to possible moisture or water. As you are well aware, electricity and water do not mix, that means electrical cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in power occur.
If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in wet locations around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Miramar. Then, for even more safety, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that a household appliance is not for outdoor areas.
Cords, Electronics & Outlets Away From Water
Several appliances are specifically built for the outdoors, such as gas and charcoal grills, for example. If you have any electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, power tools and others – monitor that all of the cords and outlets are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics will help, combined with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Solution
Extension cords pose a lot of potential risks, including:
The likelihood of loose connections that might result in sparks and start a fire.
The likelihood of power inconsistencies that could damage the appliance.
Greater susceptibility to water penetration that can result in electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming 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, ensure that it’s the correct gauge for the home appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the bigger the size for the cord. For example, a electrical extension cord for a radio could have a 16-gauge cord where a big cord for a AC unit uses a 12-gauge wire.
The length is also a factor. The longer the cord, the more power is gone on the way, this is referred to as voltage drop. Shorter cords are good for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy
It is easy to assume that you know how to use a brand new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the manual, but consulting the guidelines is important for several reasons:
You should find out whether your home’s wiring is good enough to support the appliance. You may have to install a new circuit to prevent overloading any current ones.
You learn about features you would not have otherwise have known about.
You discover if the appliance is safe for outdoor use or not.
You don’t have the extreme stress that can come from attempting to use a new home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging them when you are not operating them. This is because small appliances include LED lights, timers and other energy-consuming features standby mode.
Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, video game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy consumption. But remember, it’s worthwhile to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For even more tips on using home appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair service, please contact Hi-Tech Miramar Appliance Repair. We can fix all name brand household appliances!
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