The appliances in your house often make life much easier, but when you use household appliances the wrong way, they could create noticeable health risks. It is important to protect appliances and be sure they do not turn into dangers by adhering to these helpful home appliance safety suggestions from Action Missouri City Appliance Repair.
The tips in this article will help to prevent fires and injuries due to appliances. That being said, hazards might still occur. In the event an appliance breaks or starts to malfunction and becomes dangerous, reach out to a professional appliance repair Texas.
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GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to dampness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and moisture don’t go together, that means power cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in electricity occur.
If you do not already have GFCI outlets in damp locations inside and around your house, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Texas. Then, for even more safety, be sure to heed the warnings of appliance manuals that note that they are not for outdoor use.
Wires, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water
Several home appliances are manufactured for the outdoors, like charcoal and gas grills. If you use any electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, power tools and more – ensure that all of the outlets and plugs are 100% dry. Weatherproof electronics help with this, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Solution
Extension cords can pose many noticeable risks, including:
The likelihood of a loose connection that sometimes can result in sparks and cause a fire.
The likelihood of power inconsistencies that could ruin the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to water penetration that might lead to electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for limited-time use, make sure it is the right gauge for the appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the greater the cord size. For instance, a basic household extension cord for a lamp will have a 16-gauge wire whereas a big cord for a window air conditioner needs a 12-gauge wire.
The length is also a factor. The longer the cord is, the more power is lost enroute, something referred to as voltage drop. Shorter cords are recommended for electric tools and similar equipment.
Be Sure to Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It’s obvious to guess that you know how to operate your new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the manual, but reading the guidelines is important for many reasons:
You should find out whether your home’s wiring is enough to support the new appliance. You might need to install a better circuit to stop overloading your existing ones.
You learn more about advanced features you would not have otherwise known about.
You learn whether the appliance is safe for outdoor use or not.
You avoid the extreme stress that can come from trying to start a new appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home if You Aren’t Using Them
You can prevent unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging appliances when not in use. This is because small appliances often include LED lights, clocks and other features during standby times.
Unplug monitors, TVs, printers, modems, internet routers, video game systems, cellphone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy usage. But remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.
For additional tips on ways to use home appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair company, please contact Action Missouri City Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can repair all common household appliances!
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