The appliances in a house can make life easier, but when you use appliances incorrectly, they could create significant health risks. You should care for appliances and make sure they won’t turn into dangers by following these household appliance safety tips from P&G Coral Springs Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this article will help prevent fires and injuries from broken kitchen appliances. However, hazards could still occur. In the event an appliance breaks or starts to malfunction and becomes a safety concern, call a local appliance repair Coral Springs.
GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are all susceptible to dampness or water. Of course, electricity and water do not go together, that means electrical cords should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in electricity arise.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets in wet locations inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Coral Springs. Then, for additional safety, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate they are not meant for outdoor areas.
Cords, Outlets & Electronics Far Away From Damp Areas
Some home appliances are specifically built for outdoor areas, such as charcoal and gas grills. If you use electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – ensure that all of the cords and outlets are dry. Weatherproof electronics can help, as do GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Solution
An extension cord poses several potential risks, including:
The likelihood of loose connections that can create sparks and a fire.
The chance of power inconsistencies that might damage the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that could lead to electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for temporary use, ensure that it is the correct gauge for the home appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the bigger the size for the wire. For instance, a basic electrical extension cord for a radio might have a 16-gauge cord while a larger cord for a window air conditioner uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord is, the more electricity is gone enroute, this is referred to as voltage drop. Shorter cords are recommended for electric tools and equipment.
Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It’s obvious to guess that you know how to use your brand new dishwasher or washing machine without consulting the manual, but consulting the instructions is important for a lot of reasons:
You will want to find out if your home’s electrical wiring is good enough to support the new appliance. You might need to install a circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.
You learn more about advanced features you might not otherwise have known about.
You understand whether the new appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.
You do not have the stress that can come from trying to run a new appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used
You are able to stop unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when not in use. This is because small appliances often include LED indicators, timers and other energy-draining features standby times.
Unplug TVs, monitors, internet routers, video game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to stop unnecessary energy use. But remember, it’s a good idea to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For additional tips on using home appliances safely, or to hire a local appliance repair company, please contact P&G Coral Springs Appliance Repair. We can fix all popular household appliances!
OTHER RESOURCES:
Appliance Repair Cost
DIY Appliance Repair Tips
Repair or Replace Appliances
Refrigerator Parts
Copyright ©2024 P&G Coral Springs Appliance Repair