The appliances in a home can make life much less stressful, but if you operate them unsafely, they could create noticeable health risks. It is best to protect your appliances and be sure they do not become hazards by adhering to these appliance safety recommendations from Rapid Rockford Appliance Repair.
The tips in this post help prevent fires and injuries due to broken appliances. That being said, hazards could still happen. If an appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes dangerous, call a professional appliance repair Rockford.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to moisture or water. As you are well aware, electricity and moisture don’t go together, that means electrical cords and wires should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in electricity occur.
If you don’t already have GFCI outlets in wet rooms inside of your house, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Rockford. Then, for even more safety, be sure to heed the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate they are not for outdoor use.
Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Damp Areas
Many home appliances are built for outdoor areas, like gas and charcoal grills, for example. If you make us of any electrical appliances outdoors – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, electric tools and more – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are 100% dry. Using weatherproof electronics can help, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Solution
Extension cords pose several evident risks, including:
The likelihood of loose connections that could cause sparks and a fire.
The likelihood of power interruptions that could damage the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to moisture penetration that might cause electrocution.
The probability of cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure that it is the appropriate gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the cord size. For instance, a basic extension cord for a garden tool could have a 16-gauge cord while a larger cord for a window air conditioner needs a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the cord, the more electricity is gone enroute, a phenomenon called voltage drop. Short extension cords are good for power tools and equipment.
Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It’s obvious to assume that you know how to use a brand new appliance without reading the manual, but consulting the guidelines is necessary for a lot of reasons:
You should find out if your house’s electrical wiring is sufficient to power the new appliance. You may have to install a circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.
You learn about complicated features you might not otherwise have known.
You discover if the appliance is safe for outdoor locations or not.
You don’t have the stress that can sometimes come from trying to run a new appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used
You can reduce unnecessary energy usage by unplugging small appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED signals, timers and other features standby mode.
Unplug monitors, TVs, printers, modems, internet routers, video game consoles, phone chargers and more to cut back on wasteful energy consumption. Just remember, it’s a good idea to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For extra tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair company, please contact Rapid Rockford Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all common household appliances!
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