Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances inside of your house make life less stressful, but when you operate them the wrong way, they could produce significant risks. It is best to maintain your appliances and ensure that they won’t turn into hazards by adhering to these household appliance safety recommendations from Triumph Appliance Repair.

The tips below can help prevent fires and injuries from kitchen appliances. Even still, hazards can still happen. If an appliance breaks or begins to malfunction and becomes a danger, reach out to a professional appliance repair White Plains.

Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations

Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to wetness or water. Of course, electricity and moisture do not go together, that means electrical cords should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

This type of electrical outlet prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any imbalances in electricity arise.

If you do not already have GFCI outlets in wet locations around your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in White Plains. After that, for even more safety, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate they are not meant for outdoor areas.

Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Wet Areas

Several appliances are specially built for the outdoors, like gas and charcoal grills. If you use any electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers, electric tools and others – ensure that all plugs and outlets are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics help with this, along with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.

Extension Cords are a Momentary Option

An extension cord poses several risks, this includes:

The potential for a loose connection that could create sparks and start a fire.
The likelihood of power interruptions that might ruin the appliance.
Greater vulnerability to water penetration that might cause electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.

When determining an extension cord for limited-time use, be sure that it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical tool in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the cord size. For example, a household extension cord for a garden tool will have a 16-gauge cord whereas a bigger cord for a air conditioner unit needs a 12-gauge wire.

The length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord, the more electricity is used up enroute, something called voltage drop. Short cords are good for electric tools and outdoor equipment.

Read the Operating Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase

It is easy to assume that you know how to operate your brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer instructions is necessary for a lot of reasons:

You should find out if your home’s wiring is sufficient to power the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to prevent overloading any current ones.

You learn more about advanced features you might not otherwise known about.
You understand if the new appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.

You don’t have the frustration that can sometimes come from trying to use a appliance without instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not in Use

You can limit unnecessary energy usage by unplugging small appliances when not in use. This is because small appliances often include LED signals, clocks and other features during standby times.

Unplug TVs, computer monitors, internet routers, game systems, cellphone chargers and more to limit unnecessary energy use. But remember, it’s OK to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.

For additional tips on using appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair company, please contact Triumph Appliance Repair. Our repairmen can repair all major home appliances!

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