The appliances inside of your home make your life much less stressful, but when you operate appliances incorrectly, they could create evident risks. It is best to protect appliances and ensure that they don’t become dangers by adhering to these helpful appliance safety recommendations from Anytime Ann Arbor Appliance Repair.
The professional tips in this article help prevent fires and injuries due to home appliances. That being said, hazards can still occur. If a home appliance has issues or malfunctions and becomes a safety concern, hire a professional appliance repair Ann Arbor.
GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations in a Home
Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, outdoor areas and garages are susceptible to possible wetness or dripping water. As you well know, electricity and water don’t go together, so electrical cords should always be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
This particular type of outlet will prevent electrocution by tripping the circuit if any imbalances in electricity are detected.
If you don’t currently have GFCI outlets installed in damp locations inside of your home, now is the time to install them or call an electrician in Ann Arbor. Then, for additional safety measures, follow the warnings of appliance manuals that indicate a home appliance is not meant for outdoor use.
Electrical Cords, Electronics & Outlets Far Away From Damp Areas
Several appliances are specially built for outdoor areas, like gas and charcoal grills. If you make us of any electrical appliances outside – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, electric tools and more – ensure that all of the outlets and plugs are not wet. Using weatherproof electronics will help, combined with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.
Extension Cords are Only a Momentary Answer
Extension cords can pose many noticeable risks, including:
The potential for a loose connection that can cause sparks and cause a fire.
The possibility of power fluctuations that can ruin the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that might cause electrocution.
The potential for wires overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is paired with a high-power appliance.
When choosing an extension cord for limited-time use, ensure it’s the appropriate gauge for the appliance in question. The lower the gauge, the larger the cord size. For example, a electrical extension cord for a radio will have a 16-gauge wire while a larger cord for a AC unit uses a 12-gauge wire.
Length is also important. The longer the extension cord, the more power is gone enroute, this is known as voltage drop. Short cords are recommended for power tools and similar outdoor equipment.
Always Read the Operating Manual for Any Type of Appliance You Buy
It’s easy to guess that you know how to use your brand new washing machine or dishwasher without reading the manual, but reading the manufacturer instructions is necessary for several reasons:
You should find out if your home’s wiring is enough to support the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to stop overloading your current ones.
You learn about features you would not have otherwise known about.
You understand if the new appliance is OK for outdoor areas or not.
You don’t have the extreme frustration that can come from trying to use a appliance with no instructions!
Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not in Use
You can reduce unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging them when you are not using them. The reason is small appliances sometimes include LED lights, timers and other energy-draining features standby mode.
Unplug televisions, monitors, internet routers, video game systems, phone chargers and more to stop unnecessary energy consumption. But remember, it’s OK to keep DVRs and similar items plugged in to prevent missing out on their background features.
For more tips on using appliances safely, or to call a local appliance repair service, please contact Anytime Ann Arbor Appliance Repair. Our technicians can fix all major home appliances!
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