The appliances inside a home can make life much easier, but when you operate them unsafely, they might produce evident health risks. You will want to care for your appliances and be sure they do not become hazards by adhering to these home appliance safety tips from Elite El Monte Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this article will help prevent fires and injuries due to broken household appliances. That being said, hazards could still occur. If an appliance has problems or malfunctions and becomes a danger, reach out to a professional appliance repair El Monte.
GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages and outdoor areas are susceptible to moisture or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and water don’t go together, therefore electrical cords should always be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in power arise.
If you don’t already have GFCI outlets in damp areas around your house, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in El Monte. Once that is done, for safety measures, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate they are not meant for outdoor use.
Electrical Wires, Outlets & Electronics Far Away From Water
Quite a few appliances are built for outdoor use, like barbecue grills, for example. If you have electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and others – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are 100% dry. Using weatherproof electronics help with this, as do GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Option
Extension cords can pose several risks, this includes:
When deciding on an extension cord for short-term use, ensure it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical tool in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the cord size. For example, a electrical extension cord for a garden tool may have a 16-gauge wire whereas a longer cord for a AC unit requires a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also a factor. The longer the cord, the more electricity is gone on the way, something referred to as voltage drop. Short extension cords are recommended for power tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Always Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Purchase
It’s obvious to guess that you know how to operate a new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is important for several reasons:
You should find out whether your house’s wiring is enough to power the new appliance. You may have to install a new circuit to prevent overloading any existing ones.
You learn more about advanced features you wouldn’t have otherwise known about.
You understand if the new appliance is intended for outdoor locations or not.
You do not have the frustration that can sometimes come from trying to use a home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances if You Are Not Using Them
You are able to reduce unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging appliances when you aren’t operating them. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED indicators, timers and other features during standby mode.
Unplug monitors, TVs, printers, modems, internet routers, game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to limit wasteful energy consumption. Just remember, it’s alright to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For even more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to call a professional appliance repair service, please contact Elite El Monte Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all major household appliances!
OTHER RESOURCES:
Appliance Repair Cost
DIY Appliance Repair Tips
Repair or Replace Appliances
Refrigerator Parts
Copyright ©2024 Elite El Monte Appliance Repair