The appliances in your home can make life much easier, but if you use them unsafely, they might pose significant risks. It is important to maintain appliances and ensure that they do not turn into hazards by following these helpful household appliance safety recommendations from Mason Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this article help to prevent fires and injuries related to broken household appliances. Even still, hazards might still occur. In the event a home appliance has problems or begins to malfunction and becomes dangerous, reach out to a professional appliance repair Fort Lee.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, basements, bathrooms, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to wetness or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and water don’t mix, therefore power cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of outlet will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any imbalances in electricity are detected.
If you don’t already have GFCI outlets installed in wet locations inside and around your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Fort Lee. After that, for further safety, be sure to heed the warnings of appliance manuals that note that an appliance is not designed for outdoor use.
Cords, Electronics & Outlets Away From Water
Several appliances are designed for outdoor use, such as charcoal and gas grills. If you make us of electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, power tools and more – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are not wet. Weatherproof electronics will help, in addition to GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Solution
An extension cord poses many evident risks, this includes:
The potential for a loose connection that sometimes can result in sparks and a fire.
The chance of power interruptions that can break the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that can result in electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for limited-time use, make sure it is the appropriate gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the size for the wire. For instance, a basic electrical extension cord for a radio could have a 16-gauge wire while a big cord for a AC unit requires a 12-gauge wire.
The length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord, the more electricity is used up on the way, also referred to as voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are advised for power tools and similar equipment.
Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It is simple to guess that you know how to operate your brand new appliance without consulting the operating manual, but consulting the instructions is important for several reasons:
You will find out if your house’s electrical wiring is good enough to power the new appliance. You might have to install a circuit to stop overloading any current ones.
You learn more about features you might not otherwise have known about.
You discover whether the new appliance is OK for outdoor use or not.
You avoid the extreme frustration that can come from trying to run a new home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used
You can stop unnecessary energy use by unplugging them when you are not operating them. The reason is small appliances include LED lights, clocks and other features while in standby mode.
Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, routers, video game systems, phone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy use. Just remember, it is worthwhile to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their background functions.
For additional tips on ways to use appliances safely, or to call a local appliance repair company, please contact Mason Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all common home appliances!
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