The appliances inside of a house can make life less stressful, but if you operate them the wrong way, they might produce significant risks. You will want to protect your appliances and be sure they will not turn into dangers by following these household appliance safety tips from Achieve Dearborn Appliance Repair.
The tips in this article help to prevent fires and injuries related to broken home appliances. Even still, hazards could still occur. In the event a home appliance has issues or begins to malfunction and becomes a safety concern, hire a professional appliance repair Dearborn.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas are susceptible to dampness or water. Of course, electricity and water don’t go together, therefore electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This particular type of electrical outlet will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in electricity arise.
If you do not have GFCI outlets installed in damp rooms inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Dearborn. Once that is done, for safety, you will want to heed the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that they are not for outdoor areas.
Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water
Several home appliances are specially designed for the outdoors, such as gas and charcoal grills. If you make us of any electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, power tools and more – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are 100% dry. Weatherproof electronics can help, along with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Temporary Solution
An extension cord poses a lot of risks, this includes:
The potential for loose connections that sometimes can result in sparks and start a fire.
The chance of power inconsistencies that might damage the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to water penetration that can lead to electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for limited-time use, be sure that it’s the appropriate gauge for the appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the cord size. For instance, a extension cord for a radio could have a 16-gauge wire while a larger cord for a AC unit requires a 12-gauge wire.
The length is also important. The longer the cord, the more electricity is gone on the way, also known as voltage drop. Short extension cords are recommended for electric tools and equipment.
Always Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It’s obvious to assume that you know how to operate a new dishwasher or washing machine without consulting the operating manual, but consulting the guidelines is necessary for several reasons:
You will find out if your home’s wiring is enough to power the new appliance. You may need to install a circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.
You learn about complicated features you might not otherwise have known.
You learn whether the new appliance is intended for outdoor use or not.
You do not have the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from attempting to run a appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging small appliances when you are not operating them. This is because small appliances often include LED lights, clocks and other energy-draining features during standby mode.
Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, game systems, smart phone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy usage. But remember, it’s a good idea to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For even more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair company, please contact Achieve Dearborn Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all popular home appliances!
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