The appliances inside of a home make your life much easier, but when you operate them the wrong way, they could produce significant health risks. You will want to care for your appliances and make sure they don’t turn into dangers by following these home appliance safety recommendations from Integrity Augusta Appliance Repair.
The tips below can help to prevent fires and injuries related to broken appliances. That being said, hazards could still happen. In the event an appliance has problems or malfunctions and becomes a danger, call a local appliance repair Augusta.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, basements, bathrooms, garages and outdoor areas are all susceptible to dampness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and moisture do not mix, therefore electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in electricity are detected.
If you do not currently have GFCI outlets installed in wet rooms inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Augusta. Once that is done, for further safety measures, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate they are not designed for outdoor use.
Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Away From Water
Some home appliances are specifically designed for outdoor use, like gas and charcoal grills, for example. If you have any electrical appliances outdoors – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, power tools and others – ensure that all outlets and plugs are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics will help, as do GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Option
Extension cords pose many potential risks, this includes:
The likelihood of a loose connection that might lead to sparks and cause a fire.
The chance of power inconsistencies that could break the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that can cause electrocution.
The odds of wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure it is the appropriate gauge for the home appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the greater the wire size. For instance, a electrical extension cord for a radio may have a 16-gauge cord while a longer cord for a window air conditioner needs a 12-gauge wire.
The length is also important. The longer the extension cord is, the more electricity is gone on the way, something known as voltage drop. Shorter cords are advised for power tools and outdoor equipment.
Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Purchase
It’s easy to guess that you know how to use your new appliance without consulting the manual, but reading the instructions is important for many reasons:
You will want to find out whether your house’s wiring is sufficient to support the new appliance. You might have to install a better circuit to stop overloading any existing ones.
You learn about features you wouldn’t have otherwise have known about.
You learn whether the appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.
You do not have the frustration that can sometimes come from attempting to use a appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home if You Are Not Using Them
You can limit unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances often include LED lights, timers and other energy-consuming features standby mode.
Unplug monitors, TVs, modems, printers, internet routers, video game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy consumption. Just remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background features.
For more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to call a professional appliance repair service, please contact Integrity Augusta Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all common home appliances!
OTHER RESOURCES:
Appliance Repair Cost
DIY Appliance Repair Tips
Repair or Replace Appliances
Refrigerator Parts
Copyright ©2024 Integrity Augusta Appliance Repair