The appliances in your house can make your life much less stressful, but if you use them the wrong way, they might pose evident risks. It is best to maintain your appliances and ensure that they don’t turn into hazards by following these helpful home appliance safety suggestions from Excel Kent Appliance Repair.
The professional tips below help to prevent fires and injuries related to appliances. Even still, hazards might still occur. In the event an appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a danger, reach out to a local appliance repair Kent.
GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, basements, bathrooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to possible dampness or water. As you well know, electricity and water don’t mix, therefore power cords and wires should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This particular type of electrical outlet prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in power occur.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets installed in wet rooms inside and around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Kent. Then, for additional safety, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate they are not for outdoor areas.
Wires, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water
Quite a few appliances are specially manufactured for outdoor areas, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you have any electrical appliances outdoors – including refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers and ice makers, power tools and more – monitor that all cords and outlets are not wet. Weatherproof electronics will help, combined with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Answer
Extension cords can pose a lot of risks, including:
The likelihood of loose connections that can cause sparks and cause a fire.
The likelihood of power interruptions that could damage the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that could result in electrocution.
The probability of wires overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.
When determining an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical tool in question. The lower the gauge, the bigger the wire size. For instance, a basic extension cord for a garden tool might have a 16-gauge wire while a larger cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.
The length of the cord is also important. The longer the extension cord is, the more electricity is gone enroute, also called voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are recommended for power tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It’s easy to guess that you know how to use your new dishwasher or washing machine without reading the manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is necessary for several reasons:
You should find out if your home’s electrical wiring is good enough to power the appliance. You may need to install a better circuit to stop overloading your existing ones.
You learn about advanced features you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
You understand if the appliance is OK for outdoor locations or not.
You do not have the stress that can come from attempting to use a appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used
You are able to reduce unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when you are not using them. This is because small appliances sometimes include LED indicators, clocks and other features standby times.
Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, game systems, cellphone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy use. Just remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background functions.
For even more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to call a local appliance repair service, please contact Excel Kent Appliance Repair. We can fix all popular home appliances!
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