Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances in a home make your life easier, but when you use them the wrong way, they could create noticeable health risks. It is important to protect your appliances and ensure that they don’t turn into dangers by following these appliance safety suggestions from Noble Alexandria Appliance Repair.

The tips in this article can help to prevent fires and injuries from appliances. Even still, hazards could still occur. If a home appliance has issues or malfunctions and becomes a danger, call a local appliance repair Alexandria.

Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations

Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas can be susceptible to possible dampness or water. As you well know, electricity and water do not mix, so electrical cords should be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit when any interruptions in power are detected.

If you don’t have GFCI outlets installed in damp rooms inside of your home, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Alexandria. After that, for safety, heed the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that indicate an appliance is not for outdoor areas.

Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Wet Areas

Several appliances are specifically manufactured for outdoor use, such as charcoal and gas grills, for example. If you make us of any electrical appliances outside – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers and freezers, power tools and more – ensure that all of the outlets and cords are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics can help with this, in addition to GFCI outlets with gaskets that are water-tight.

Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Option

An extension cord poses several potential risks, this includes:

The likelihood of loose connections that might cause sparks and a fire.
The possibility of power fluctuations that might damage the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to water penetration that can lead to electrocution.
The chance of cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.

When choosing an extension cord for temporary use, be sure it’s the correct gauge for the electrical tool in question. The lower the gauge, the bigger the cord size. For instance, a basic household extension cord for a radio will have a 16-gauge cord whereas a big cord for a window air conditioner uses a 12-gauge wire.

Length is also important. The longer the extension cord is, the more power is gone enroute, a phenomenon known as voltage drop. Short extension cords are recommended for electric tools and similar outdoor equipment.

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

It’s obvious to assume that you know how to operate a brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the operating manual, but consulting the instructions is important for several reasons:

You should find out whether your house’s wiring is enough to power the appliance. You may have to install a better circuit to prevent overloading your existing ones.

You learn more about complicated features you wouldn’t have otherwise have known about.
You learn if the new appliance is safe for outdoor areas or not.

You don’t have the frustration that can come from attempting to use a home appliance with no 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 often include LED indicators, clocks and other features during standby mode.

Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, internet routers, game consoles, smart phone chargers and more to stop wasteful energy usage. But remember, it is alright to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background functions.

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

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