Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances inside a house can make your life easier, but when you operate household appliances the wrong way, they could pose noticeable risks. You will want to maintain your appliances and make sure they do not turn into hazards by following these helpful home appliance safety tips from Moore Appliance Repair.

The tips in this article can help to prevent fires and injuries due to broken household appliances. That being said, hazards can still occur. In the event a home appliance has problems or malfunctions and becomes a safety risk, hire a professional appliance repair California.

GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home

Laundry rooms, kitchens, basements, bathrooms, garages and outdoor areas are susceptible to possible dampness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and water do not mix, that means electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any interruptions in power occur.

If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in damp rooms inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in California. Then, for additional safety measures, follow the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that note that they are not for outdoor areas.

Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water

Some appliances are specially built for outdoor areas, like charcoal and gas grills. If you use electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, electric tools and more – be sure that all outlets and cords are 100% dry. Weatherproof electronics will help with this, along with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.

Extension Cords are a Temporary Option

An extension cord poses many potential risks, including:

• The potential for loose connections that might create sparks and a fire.
• The chance of power inconsistencies that might ruin the appliance.
• Greater vulnerability to water penetration that may cause electrocution.
• The potential for cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.

When determining an extension cord for temporary use, ensure that it is the right gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the greater the size for the wire. For instance, a basic electrical extension cord for a radio might have a 16-gauge wire whereas a larger cord for a window air conditioner needs a 12-gauge wire.

The length is also crucial. The longer the cord, the more power is used up enroute, something referred to as voltage drop. Short extension cords are advised for power tools and outdoor equipment.

Always Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase

It’s obvious to assume that you know how to operate your new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer instructions is necessary for many reasons:

You will find out if your house’s electrical wiring is good enough to power the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to stop overloading any existing ones.

You learn about complicated features you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
You discover whether the new appliance is OK for outdoor areas or not.

You avoid the extreme stress that can come from trying to use a new home appliance without instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances When Not in Use

You can prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when not in use. This is because small appliances include LED indicators, timers and other features standby mode.

Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, video game systems, smart phone chargers and more to reduce wasteful energy use. But remember, it is OK to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.

For extra tips on using home appliances safely, or to call a local appliance repair company, please contact Moore Appliance Repair. We can repair all popular home appliances!

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