The appliances inside of a home make life much easier, but if you use household appliances unsafely, they might produce significant health risks. It is important to maintain your appliances and make sure they do not become hazards by adhering to these appliance safety recommendations from Prime Parma Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this article help to prevent fires and injuries due to broken household appliances. Even still, hazards can still happen. In the event an appliance has problems or malfunctions and becomes dangerous, hire a appliance repair Parma.
Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations
Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, bathrooms, basements, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to possible wetness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and water do not go together, that means electrical cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any inconsistencies in power are detected.
If you don’t already have GFCI outlets in damp areas inside of your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Parma. Then, for further safety measures, you will want to heed the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that indicate an appliance is not for outdoor areas.
Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Away From Wet Areas
Several appliances are specially designed for outdoor use, like gas and charcoal grills. If you use any electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers and freezers, power tools and more – be sure that all of the cords and outlets are 100% dry. Using weatherproof electronics will help, combined with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are a Temporary Answer
Extension cords can pose many noticeable risks, including:
The potential for a loose connection that might lead to sparks and a fire.
The possibility of power inconsistencies that will damage the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that might cause electrocution.
The likelihood of wires overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for temporary use, be sure it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the size for the wire. For example, a simple extension cord for a garden tool might have a 16-gauge cord where a larger cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.
The length of the cord is also important. The longer the extension cord, the more power is lost enroute, something referred to as voltage drop. Short extension cords are recommended for electric tools and outdoor equipment.
Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Purchase
It is simple to guess that you know how to use your brand new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the operating manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is necessary for many reasons:
You will want to find out whether your home’s electrical wiring is sufficient to support the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to prevent overloading any current ones.
You learn about complicated features you might not otherwise known.
You discover if the new appliance is OK for outdoor locations or not.
You avoid the stress that can sometimes come from attempting to use a home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used
You are able to limit unnecessary energy usage by unplugging appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances include LED indicators, clocks and other energy-draining features during standby times.
Unplug TVs, monitors, internet routers, game systems, phone chargers and more to stop unnecessary energy consumption. Just remember, it’s OK to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their automatic background functions.
For more tips on using appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair company, please contact Prime Parma Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can repair all major household appliances!
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