Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances in a house make your life much easier, but when you use appliances the wrong way, they might create noticeable risks. You will want to maintain appliances and be sure they will not become hazards by adhering to these helpful home appliance safety tips from Champion Appliance Repair.

The tips in this article will help to prevent fires and injuries from broken home appliances. Even still, hazards could still occur. If an appliance has issues or malfunctions and becomes a danger, call a professional appliance repair in Pittsburgh PA.

Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home

Laundry rooms, kitchens, entry ways, bathrooms, basements, garages and outdoor areas are all susceptible to moisture or dripping water. As you well know, electricity and moisture do not mix, that means electrical cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This particular type of outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in electricity are detected.

If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets in damp areas inside and around your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in CITY. After that, for even more safety, follow the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that note that they are not for outdoor use.

Cords, Outlets & Electronics Far Away From Wet Areas

Some appliances are designed for outdoor use, like charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you have electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, electric tools and others – be sure that all of the outlets and plugs are not wet. Weatherproof electronics will help, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.

Extension Cords are a Temporary Solution

Extension cords can pose many evident risks, this includes:

The likelihood of a loose connection that could result in sparks and cause a fire.
The possibility of power inconsistencies that may damage the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that could 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 limited-time use, be sure it’s the correct gauge for the electrical tool in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the size for the cord. For example, a simple household extension cord for a lamp might have a 16-gauge wire while a heavy-duty cord for a window air conditioner needs a 12-gauge wire.

The length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord, the more power is gone enroute, this is referred to as voltage drop. Short extension cords are advised for power tools and equipment.

Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy

It is obvious to assume that you know how to use a new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer guidelines is necessary for many reasons:

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

You learn about complicated features you wouldn’t have otherwise have known about.
You understand if the new appliance is intended for outdoor use or not.

You don’t have the frustration that can sometimes come from trying to operate a appliance with no instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances When Not in Use

You are able to stop unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging small appliances when you aren’t operating them. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED indicators, clocks and other features while in standby mode.

Unplug TVs, monitors, internet routers, video game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to stop unnecessary energy consumption. But remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to not miss their automatic background functions.

For additional tips on using appliances safely, or to schedule a professional appliance repair company, please contact Champion Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can repair all name brand household appliances!

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