The appliances inside of a home can make your life much less stressful, but when you operate them incorrectly, they might create evident health risks. You will want to protect appliances and ensure that they do not turn into dangers by following these appliance safety tips from Speedy Chino Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this post will help prevent fires and injuries due to broken appliances. However, hazards could still occur. If an appliance has problems or malfunctions and becomes a danger, reach out to a local appliance repair Chino.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to possible moisture or dripping water. As you well know, electricity and moisture do not go together, therefore electrical cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of electrical outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any interruptions in power occur.
If you do not have GFCI outlets in damp locations inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Chino. After that, for further safety, follow the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that note that they are not designed for outdoor areas.
Electrical Cords, Outlets & Electronics Away From Wet Areas
Quite a few home appliances are specially manufactured for outdoor use, like gas and charcoal grills, for example. If you make us of any electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers and freezers, electric tools and more – be sure that all of the plugs and outlets are 100% dry. Weatherproof electronics can help, along with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Answer
Extension cords can pose a lot of noticeable risks, this includes:
The chance for a loose connection that might create sparks and a fire.
The likelihood of power inconsistencies that may ruin the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to moisture penetration that could result in electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for temporary use, make sure it is the appropriate gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the wire size. For instance, a simple household extension cord for a lamp might have a 16-gauge cord where a larger cord for a air conditioner unit uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also a factor. The longer the extension cord, the more electricity is gone on the way, a phenomenon called voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are recommended for power tools and outdoor equipment.
Always Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It’s simple to guess that you know how to operate your new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer guidelines is necessary for several reasons:
You shouldfind out whether your house’s electrical wiring is good enough to power the new appliance. You may need to install a new circuit to prevent overloading your current ones.
You learn more about complicated features you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
You understand whether the new appliance is OK for outdoor areas or not.
You do not have the frustration that can sometimes come from attempting to start a home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging appliances when you are not operating them. The reason is small appliances often include LED lights, clocks and other features while in standby times.
Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, routers, game consoles, phone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy consumption. But remember, it’s OK to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background functions.
For more tips on using appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair service, please contact Speedy Chino Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all major home appliances!
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