Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances in your home make your life easier, but if you use them unsafely, they could pose evident risks. You should care for appliances and be sure they will not turn into hazards by following these home appliance safety tips from HOF Highland Appliance Repair.

The tips in this post will help to prevent fires and injuries due to home appliances. Even still, hazards might still happen. If a home appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes a danger, reach out to a professional appliance repair Highland.

GFCI Outlets in Wet Locations

Kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, outdoor areas and garages are all susceptible to dampness or dripping water. As you are well aware, electricity and water don’t mix, so electrical cords and wires should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

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

If you do not currently have GFCI outlets installed in wet locations inside of your house, it is time to install them or call an electrician in Highland. Then, for additional safety, you will want to heed the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that note that an appliance is not designed for outdoor use.

Wires, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Wet Areas

Quite a few home appliances are specifically manufactured for the outdoors, like gas and charcoal grills. If you make us of electrical appliances outdoors – including dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, power tools and more – be sure that all outlets and cords are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics help, along with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.

Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Option

An extension cord poses many noticeable risks, this includes:

The likelihood of a loose connection that can result in sparks and start a fire.
The chance of power fluctuations that will break the appliance.
Increased vulnerability to water penetration that may result in electrocution.
The likelihood of cords overheating and becoming a fire hazard when an inadequate extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.

When determining an extension cord for short-term use, ensure that it’s the appropriate gauge for the electrical equipment in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the size for the cord. For example, a basic household extension cord for a garden tool will have a 16-gauge cord where a larger cord for a air conditioner uses a 12-gauge wire.

Length is also crucial. The longer the extension cord is, the more electricity is gone on the way, a phenomenon referred to as voltage drop. Shorter cords are advised for power tools and equipment.

Always Read the Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy

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

You should find out if your home’s wiring is enough to power the appliance. You might need to install a better circuit to stop overloading your current ones.

You learn more about advanced features you would not have otherwise known about.
You discover whether the appliance is safe for outdoor use or not.

You avoid the stress that can sometimes come from trying to run a new appliance without instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances When Not Being Used

You are able to limit unnecessary energy usage by unplugging them when not in use. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED signals, clocks and other features standby mode.

Unplug monitors, televisions, modems, printers, routers, video game consoles, cellphone chargers and more to stop unnecessary energy consumption. But remember, it is worthwhile to keep DVRs and similar devices plugged in to prevent missing out on their automatic background features.

For even more tips on how to use home appliances safely, or to schedule a local appliance repair company, please contact HOF Highland Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all major household appliances!

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