Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances inside a house can make life less stressful, but when you use household appliances the wrong way, they might pose noticeable risks. It is important to protect appliances and ensure that they do not become hazards by following these helpful household appliance safety suggestions from Valor Appliance Repair.

The tips below will help prevent fires and injuries due to home appliances. That being said, hazards could still occur. If an appliance breaks or begins to malfunction and becomes a danger, call a local appliance repair Grapevine.

GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations

Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to wetness or water. Of course, electricity and moisture do not go together, that means electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This special type of outlet prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in electricity are detected.

If you do not already have GFCI outlets installed in damp locations inside and around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Grapevine. Then, for additional safety, heed the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate a household appliance is not for outdoor areas.

Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Away From Damp Areas

Quite a few home appliances are built for outdoor use, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you use any electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are not wet. Weatherproof electronics help with this, combined with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.

Extension Cords are a Momentary Option

Extension cords can pose several evident risks, this includes:

The likelihood of loose connections that could cause sparks and start a fire.
The likelihood of power fluctuations that might break the appliance.
Greater susceptibility to water penetration that can result in electrocution.
The likelihood of wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.

When choosing an extension cord for temporary use, make sure it is the appropriate gauge for the home appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the size for the wire. For example, a simple household extension cord for a lamp could have a 16-gauge wire where a bigger cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.

The length is also a factor. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is used up on the way, something known as voltage drop. Shorter cords are advised for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.

Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Purchase

It is obvious to assume that you know how to use your new home appliance without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer guidelines is necessary for several reasons:

You should find out if your house’s electrical wiring is sufficient to power the new appliance. You might have to install a better circuit to stop overloading any existing ones.

You learn about advanced features you would not have otherwise have known.
You learn if the new appliance is safe for outdoor use or not.

You don’t have the frustration that can come from attempting to operate a new home appliance without instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances if You Are Not Using Them

You are able to limit unnecessary energy usage by unplugging them when you aren’t operating them. The reason is small appliances often include LED signals, clocks and other features standby times.

Unplug televisions, monitors, routers, game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to reduce wasteful energy consumption. But remember, it is worthwhile to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their automatic background features.

For even more tips on how to use appliances safely, or to call a local appliance repair service, please contact Valor Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can repair all popular household appliances!

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