Appliance Safety Tips

The appliances in your home often make your life much easier, but if you operate appliances the wrong way, they could pose significant health risks. You should maintain your appliances and make sure they do not turn into hazards by adhering to these helpful appliance safety recommendations from Acclaim Appliance Repair.

The professional tips below help prevent fires and injuries from kitchen appliances. That being said, hazards can still occur. In the event an appliance breaks or malfunctions and becomes dangerous, call a local professional appliance repair in Indy.

Install GFCI Outlets in Damp Locations

Kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, mud rooms, garages and outdoor areas are all susceptible to dampness or dripping water. Of course, electricity and moisture do not mix, that means electrical cords and wires should be plugged into GFCI outlets.

This prevents electrocution by tripping the circuit if any interruptions in electricity arise.

If you do not currently have GFCI outlets installed in wet areas around your house, it’s time to install them or call an electrician. Once that is done, for safety measures, follow the warnings of manufacturer appliance manuals that indicate an appliance is not for outdoor areas.

Cords, Electronics & Outlets Away From Damp Areas

Some home appliances are specifically manufactured for outdoor use, like barbecue grills, for example. If you use electrical appliances outdoors – including refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers and freezers, power tools and more – ensure that all outlets and plugs are dry. Using weatherproof electronics will help, combined with GFCI outlets with water-tight gaskets.

Extension Cords are Only a Temporary Answer

Extension cords can pose many risks, including:

The likelihood of loose connections that sometimes can result in sparks and a fire.
The possibility of power interruptions that can ruin the appliance.
Increased susceptibility to moisture penetration that can cause electrocution.
The chance of cords overheating and turning into a fire hazard when an low-quality extension cord is used for a high-power appliance.

When choosing an extension cord for temporary use, make sure it is the appropriate gauge for the home appliance in question. The smaller the gauge, the larger the size for the cord. For example, a simple electrical extension cord for a lamp could have a 16-gauge cord whereas a bigger cord for a window air conditioner needs a 12-gauge wire.

The length is also crucial. The longer the cord is, the more electricity is gone enroute, this is called voltage drop. Shorter cords are advised for power tools and similar outdoor equipment.

Always Read the Manual for Any Appliance You Buy

It’s easy to assume that you know how to operate a brand new dishwasher or washing machine without reading the operating manual, but reading the guidelines is necessary for many reasons:

You should find out if your house’s electrical wiring is sufficient to support the appliance. You may have to install a circuit to stop overloading any existing ones.

You learn about advanced features you wouldn’t have otherwise have known.
You learn if the appliance is intended for outdoor areas or not.

You do not have the extreme frustration that can come from attempting to use an appliance with no instructions!

Unplug Small Appliances in Your Home When Not Being Used

You are able to stop unnecessary energy consumption by unplugging appliances when not in use. The reason is small appliances often include LED signals, timers and other energy-draining features while in standby mode.

Unplug TVs, monitors, routers, video game systems, cellphone chargers and more to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. But remember, it is a good idea to keep DVRs and similar electronics plugged in to not miss their background features.

For extra tips on how to use appliances safely, or to hire a professional appliance repair company, please contact Acclaim Appliance Repair. We can repair all common household appliances – Serving Indianapolis and Evansville Indiana and nearby communities!

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