The appliances in your home often make life easier, but when you operate household appliances incorrectly, they might pose evident health risks. You will want to maintain appliances and ensure that they do not become hazards by adhering to these appliance safety tips from Longmont Appliance Repair.
The professional tips below can help to prevent fires and injuries from household appliances. That being said, hazards might still happen. In the event an appliance breaks or starts to malfunction and becomes a danger, call a professional appliance repair Longmont.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to possible moisture or dripping water. Of course, electricity and moisture do not go together, therefore electrical cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of electrical outlet prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any interruptions in power arise.
If you don’t already have GFCI outlets installed in wet areas inside of your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Longmont. Then, for safety, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate an appliance is not designed for outdoor areas.
Electrical Wires, Outlets & Electronics Away From Water
A lot of home appliances are manufactured for outdoor areas, such as charcoal and gas grills. If you use electrical appliances outdoors – including refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics will help, as do GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Answer
An extension cord poses a lot of noticeable risks, including:
The likelihood of a loose connection that might create sparks and a fire.
The chance of power interruptions that may damage the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to water penetration that might 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 appropriate gauge for the home appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the wire size. For instance, a electrical extension cord for a radio could have a 16-gauge cord whereas a larger cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.
The length of the cord is also crucial. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is lost on the way, this is referred to as voltage drop. Short extension cords are recommended for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It is easy to guess that you know how to use a brand new dishwasher or washing machine without reading the operating manual, but reading the instructions is important for a lot of reasons:
You should find out whether your home’s electrical wiring is sufficient to power the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to stop overloading any existing ones.
You learn more about advanced features you would not have otherwise have known.
You understand whether the new appliance is safe for outdoor use or not.
You do not have the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from trying to operate a appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy usage by unplugging them when you are not operating them. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED signals, clocks and other energy-consuming features during standby times.
Unplug TVs, computer monitors, internet routers, game systems, phone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy usage. Just remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For even more tips on ways to use appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair service, please contact Longmont Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all name brand household appliances!
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