Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances in your house make your life easier, but if you operate them incorrectly, they might create significant health risks. You will want to protect appliances and be sure they do not become dangers by following these helpful household appliance safety tips from Triumph Appliance Repair.

The tips below can help prevent fires and injuries related to home appliances. That being said, hazards might still happen. In the event a home appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a danger, reach out to a professional appliance repair Bryan.

GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations in Your Home

Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to possible dampness or dripping water. As you well know, electricity and water do not mix, that means power cords and wires should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit when any imbalances in electricity arise.

If you do not already have GFCI outlets installed in damp areas inside of your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Bryan. After that, for additional safety, heed the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate they are not for outdoor use.

Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Water

Some appliances are manufactured for the outdoors, such as barbecue grills, for example. If you have electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and more – ensure that all of the outlets and cords are 100% dry. Weatherproof electronics can help, in addition to GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.

Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Option

Extension cords pose many evident risks, this includes:

The chance for a loose connection that might lead to sparks and cause a fire.
The likelihood of power interruptions that might damage the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to water penetration that could result in electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.

When deciding on an extension cord for short-term use, ensure that it’s the right gauge for the electrical appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the cord size. For example, a simple extension cord for a lamp might have a 16-gauge wire whereas a longer cord for a window air conditioner requires a 12-gauge wire.

The length is also a factor. The longer the extension cord is, the more electricity is used up on the way, something called voltage drop. Shorter extension cords are good for power tools and outdoor equipment.

Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy

It is obvious to assume that you know how to use your new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the manual, but reading the manufacturer guidelines is important for several reasons:

You will want to find out if your home’s electrical wiring is good enough to support the new appliance. You may need to install a better circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.

You learn about advanced features you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
You understand if the appliance is safe for outdoor locations or not.

You avoid the extreme frustration that can sometimes come from trying to run a home appliance without instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used

You are able to stop unnecessary energy usage by unplugging small appliances when you aren’t using them. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED indicators, timers and other energy-draining features while in standby times.

Unplug televisions, computer monitors, internet routers, game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to cut back on wasteful energy use. Just remember, it’s worthwhile to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their automatic background features.

For extra tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair service, please contact Triumph Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can fix all common household appliances!

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