The appliances inside a house make life less stressful, but when you use them incorrectly, they could create evident risks. It is best to care for appliances and make sure they do not become dangers by following these helpful home appliance safety tips from Santa Clarita Appliance Repair ASAP.
The professional tips in this article can help prevent fires and injuries due to broken kitchen appliances. That being said, hazards might still occur. If a home appliance breaks or begins to malfunction and becomes a danger, reach out to a professional appliance repair Santa Clarita.
GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in Your Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to possible moisture or water. As you well know, electricity and moisture do not go together, that means power cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.
This special type of outlet can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any inconsistencies in power occur.
If you do not have GFCI outlets installed in wet rooms inside of your home, it’s time to install them or call an electrician in Santa Clarita. After that, for additional safety measures, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate they are not meant for outdoor use.
Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Wet Areas
Quite a few appliances are specially manufactured for the outdoors, like charcoal and gas grills. If you have electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, electric tools and more – monitor that all cords and outlets are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics can help with this, along with GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Temporary Solution
Extension cords can pose a lot of evident risks, including:
The chance for loose connections that might lead to sparks and cause a fire.
The likelihood of power fluctuations that could ruin the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that could lead to electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for short-term use, be sure that it’s the right gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The lower the gauge, the greater the size for the wire. For instance, a simple electrical extension cord for a lamp may have a 16-gauge cord where a heavy-duty cord for a AC unit requires a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also crucial. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is lost on the way, this is known as voltage drop. Shorter cords are advised for power tools and outdoor equipment.
Be Sure to Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Purchase
It is obvious to assume that you know how to operate a brand new washing machine or dishwasher without consulting the operating manual, but reading the manufacturer guidelines is necessary for many reasons:
You will find out whether your house’s electrical wiring is good enough to power the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to prevent overloading any existing ones.
You learn more about features you would not have otherwise have known.
You discover whether the appliance is intended for outdoor areas or not.
You do not have the frustration that can come from attempting to start a home appliance without instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances if You Aren’t Using Them
You can prevent unnecessary energy use by unplugging small appliances when you are not using them. This is because small appliances include LED signals, timers and other energy-draining features while in standby times.
Unplug monitors, televisions, printers, modems, internet routers, video game systems, smart phone chargers and more to reduce wasteful energy usage. Just remember, it’s a good idea to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their automatic background features.
For even more tips on using home appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair service, please contact Santa Clarita Appliance Repair ASAP. Our technicians can repair all popular household appliances!
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