The appliances inside of your house often make life less stressful, but if you use them the wrong way, they might create significant risks. It is important to care for appliances and ensure that they will not become hazards by adhering to these home appliance safety suggestions from Dynamic Dayton Appliance Repair.
The tips in this post help to prevent fires and injuries related to broken home appliances. However, hazards might still occur. If an appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a danger, call a local appliance repair Dayton.
GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to wetness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and water don’t go together, that means power cords should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This particular type of electrical outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in electricity arise.
If you do not have GFCI outlets in wet areas inside and around your home, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Dayton. Once that is done, for additional safety, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that note that a household appliance is not meant for outdoor use.
Wires, Outlets & Electronics Far Away From Damp Areas
Quite a few home appliances are specially built for outdoor use, like barbecue grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, power tools and others – monitor that all outlets and cords are 100% dry. Using weatherproof electronics will help, combined with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Temporary Solution
An extension cord poses several potential risks, including:
The likelihood of loose connections that might result in sparks and a fire.
The likelihood of power interruptions that will damage the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to water penetration that may cause electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for short-term use, ensure that it’s the correct gauge for the appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the cord size. For example, a basic electrical extension cord for a lamp might have a 16-gauge cord while a big cord for a AC unit needs a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also a factor. The longer the extension cord is, the more electricity is used up on the way, something referred to as voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are advised for power tools and similar equipment.
Always Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It is easy to assume that you know how to use your brand new dishwasher or washing machine without reading the manual, but reading the guidelines is important for many reasons:
You will find out whether your house’s wiring is sufficient to support the appliance. You might have to install a better circuit to stop overloading any current ones.
You learn about advanced features you wouldn’t have otherwise have known.
You understand whether the new appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.
You don’t have the extreme stress that can come from trying to start a new appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances if You Aren’t Using Them
You can stop unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging them when you are not operating them. This is because small appliances often include LED signals, timers and other features standby mode.
Unplug monitors, televisions, printers, modems, internet routers, game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to cut back on unnecessary energy usage. Just remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to not miss their background features.
For more tips on using appliances safely, or to call a professional appliance repair company, please contact Dynamic Dayton Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all major household appliances!
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