Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances inside your home make life easier, but if you operate appliances the wrong way, they could pose evident health risks. It is best to care for your appliances and be sure they don’t become hazards by following these helpful appliance safety suggestions from Peerless Appliance Repair.

The tips in this article will help to prevent fires and injuries due to home appliances. However, hazards might still occur. In the event a home appliance breaks or begins to malfunction and becomes dangerous, reach out to a appliance repair Grand Prairie.

GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations in Your Home

Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to wetness or dripping water. As you well know, electricity and water do not mix, so electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any imbalances in electricity are detected.

If you do not already have GFCI outlets in wet areas inside of your house, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Grand Prairie. Once that is done, for safety measures, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate an appliance is not meant for outdoor use.

Electrical Wires, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water

Quite a few home appliances are specifically built for outdoor use, like charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – be sure that all of the cords and outlets are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics will help, as do GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.

Extension Cords are a Momentary Solution

Extension cords pose many risks, including:

The potential for loose connections that could lead to sparks and start a fire.
The likelihood of power inconsistencies that will break the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to water penetration that can cause electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.

When deciding on an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure that it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the size for the cord. For instance, a extension cord for a lamp could have a 16-gauge wire whereas a heavy-duty cord for a air conditioner unit requires a 12-gauge wire.

Length is also crucial. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is lost on the way, also referred to as voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are recommended for electric tools and similar equipment.

Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy

It’s simple to guess that you know how to use your new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the instructions is important for several reasons:

You should find out if your home’s electrical wiring is enough to support the appliance. You might have to install a better circuit to stop overloading your current ones.

You learn more about advanced features you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
You learn if the new appliance is OK for outdoor areas or not.

You don’t have the stress that can sometimes come from trying to start a appliance with no instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used

You can limit unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging small appliances when you are not using them. This is because small appliances often include LED lights, timers and other features during standby mode.

Unplug monitors, televisions, printers, modems, internet routers, video game consoles, phone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy usage. Just remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their background features.

For extra tips on how to use appliances safely, or to call a professional appliance repair service, please contact Peerless Appliance Repair. We can repair all common home appliances!

OTHER RESOURCES:

Appliance Repair Cost
DIY Appliance Repair Tips
Repair or Replace Appliances
Refrigerator Parts