The appliances inside of your home can make your life much easier, but when you use them incorrectly, they might pose evident health risks. You should care for appliances and make sure they won’t turn into hazards by adhering to these household appliance safety tips from Hayward Appliance Repair.
The tips in this post help prevent fires and injuries related to appliances. That being said, hazards could still happen. If an appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a danger, hire a professional appliance repair Hayward.
GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in Your Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to possible moisture or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and water do not mix, therefore electrical cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This type of electrical outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any interruptions in power arise.
If you do not already have GFCI outlets in damp locations inside and around your house, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Hayward. Then, for further safety, be sure to heed the warnings of certain appliance manuals that note that a household appliance is not for outdoor areas.
Cords, Outlets & Electronics Away From Wet Areas
Some appliances are specifically designed for outdoor use, such as charcoal and gas grills. If you make us of any electrical appliances outdoors – including refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers and ice makers, power tools and more – monitor that all cords and outlets are not wet. Weatherproof electronics will help, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Temporary Answer
An extension cord poses many risks, including:
The likelihood of a loose connection that might lead to sparks and cause a fire.
The possibility of power interruptions that might break the appliance.
Greater susceptibility to moisture penetration that can result in electrocution.
The chance of cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for temporary use, make sure it’s the right gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the size for the cord. For example, a electrical extension cord for a lamp might have a 16-gauge cord whereas a big cord for a AC unit needs a 12-gauge wire.
The length of the cord is also important. The longer the extension cord is, the more power is gone on the way, this is called voltage drop. Short cords are recommended for power tools and equipment.
Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Buy
It is simple to assume that you know how to use a brand new appliance without reading the manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is necessary for a lot of reasons:
You should find out if your home’s wiring is sufficient to power the new appliance. You may have to install a circuit to prevent overloading any existing ones.
You learn more about features you would not have otherwise have known about.
You understand if the appliance is safe for outdoor locations or not.
You do not have the frustration that can come from trying to run a new home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home if You Aren’t Using Them
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED lights, timers and other energy-draining features standby mode.
Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, video game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to reduce wasteful energy use. But remember, it’s alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.
For additional tips on ways to use appliances safely, or to hire a local appliance repair company, please contact Hayward Appliance Repair. Our technicians can repair all popular household appliances!
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