The appliances inside of your home can make your life much less stressful, but if you use them incorrectly, they could create significant risks. You will want to maintain appliances and ensure that they don’t turn into dangers by following these helpful appliance safety recommendations from Nifty Nashville Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this post can help to prevent fires and injuries from kitchen appliances. That being said, hazards can still occur. In the event a home appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a safety issue, call a professional appliance repair Nashville.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in Your Home
Laundry rooms, kitchens, basements, bathrooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to possible moisture or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and moisture do not mix, that means power cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in power arise.
If you do not currently have GFCI outlets installed in damp locations inside and around your house, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Nashville. Once that is done, for additional safety measures, be sure to heed the warnings of appliance manuals that note that an appliance is not designed for outdoor use.
Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Away From Water
Several home appliances are specifically manufactured for outdoor areas, like charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers and freezers, power tools and others – ensure that all outlets and plugs are dry. Weatherproof electronics can help with this, as do GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Solution
Extension cords pose several noticeable risks, this includes:
The likelihood of loose connections that could create sparks and start a fire.
The likelihood of power interruptions that may ruin the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to moisture penetration that might lead to electrocution.
The potential for cords 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, be sure that it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the wire size. For example, a simple household extension cord for a lamp may have a 16-gauge wire where a larger cord for a air conditioner unit uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the cord, the more electricity is gone on the way, this is referred to as voltage drop. Shorter cords are good for power tools and outdoor equipment.
Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It is obvious to guess that you know how to use your new dishwasher or washing machine without reading the manual, but consulting the manufacturer instructions is important for several reasons:
You should find out whether your home’s wiring is sufficient to power the new appliance. You may have to install a new circuit to stop overloading any current ones.
You learn about advanced features you might not otherwise have known about.
You understand whether the appliance is safe for outdoor locations or not.
You don’t have the frustration that can sometimes come from attempting to operate a new appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances if You Aren’t Using Them
You can prevent unnecessary energy usage by unplugging appliances when you are not operating them. The reason is small appliances often include LED lights, clocks and other energy-draining features standby times.
Unplug televisions, computer monitors, internet routers, game systems, cellphone chargers and more to reduce wasteful energy usage. But remember, it’s alright to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background functions.
For more tips on using home appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair company, please contact Nifty Nashville Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all popular home appliances!
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