The appliances in your home can make your life much easier, but if you use them the wrong way, they could produce evident risks. You will want to maintain your appliances and make sure they won’t become dangers by following these appliance safety tips from R&D Colorado Springs Appliance Repair.
The tips below can help prevent fires and injuries from broken appliances. Even still, hazards can still happen. In the event an appliance has issues or begins to malfunction and becomes a danger, call a local appliance repair Colorado Springs.
Install GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations in a Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages can be susceptible to moisture or water. As you are well aware, electricity and moisture do not go together, that means power cords and wires should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This can prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any interruptions in power arise.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets installed in damp areas inside of your house, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Colorado Springs. Then, for additional safety measures, follow the warnings of certain appliance manuals that indicate an appliance is not meant for outdoor areas.
Electrical Wires, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Wet Areas
Several appliances are specifically designed for the outdoors, such as gas and charcoal grills. If you use any electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, electric tools and others – monitor that all cords and outlets are dry. Using weatherproof electronics will help, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.
Extension Cords are a Momentary Answer
Extension cords pose many potential risks, this includes:
The likelihood of a loose connection that could result in sparks and start a fire.
The possibility of power fluctuations that could break the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that might cause electrocution.
The potential for cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an insufficient extension cord is combined with a high-power appliance.
When deciding on an extension cord for short-term use, make sure it is the right gauge for the home appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the bigger the cord size. For instance, a simple extension cord for a lamp will have a 16-gauge wire where a bigger cord for a air conditioner unit requires a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also a factor. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is lost enroute, this is known as voltage drop. Shorter cords are recommended for power tools and similar equipment.
Always Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy
It is simple to assume that you know how to use your brand new dishwasher or washing machine without reading the operating manual, but consulting the manufacturer instructions is important for several reasons:
You will want to find out if your house’s wiring is good enough to power the new appliance. You might need to install a new circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.
You learn about features you would not have otherwise known about.
You discover if the new appliance is OK for outdoor use or not.
You avoid the extreme stress that can sometimes come from trying to operate a new home appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances When Not in Use
You are able to prevent unnecessary energy usage by unplugging small appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED indicators, clocks and other energy-consuming features standby times.
Unplug monitors, TVs, modems, printers, internet routers, game consoles, phone chargers and more to limit unnecessary energy use. But remember, it’s a good idea to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to not miss their background functions.
For even more tips on using appliances safely, or to call a professional appliance repair company, please contact R&D Colorado Springs Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all major home appliances!
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